It’s International Women’s Day, so we’re taking a moment away from our regularly scheduled programming to highlight bad-ass female entrepreneurs. We spoke to Dara Levy, a leader in the beauty space. Dara is the founder of DERMAFLASH, a groundbreaking treatment that brings in-spa dermaplaning to the privacy of your home. Since Dara started DERMAFLASH in 2016, it’s appeared on shelves at Nordstrom and on QVC, and over 100,000 DERMAFLASH devices were sold in 2018 after the relaunch. DERMAFLASH aims to empower women to look and feel better in their own skin, and so far, they’ve helped tens of thousands of women.
Dara started out in corporate finance, but after losing her first husband to cancer, she decided to take her career in a totally new direction by opening a med spa. It was there that she trademarked her in-office dermaplaning treatment. Soon after, she realized women want to be able to get smooth, radiant skin in the comfort of their own homes, so she invented DERMAFLASH, and it took off. We sat down with Dara to ask about how she got started with DERMAFLASH, what obstacles she faced as a female entrepreneur, other advice she has for women looking to start their own business, and more.
What made you want to start DERMAFLASH?
I owned a high-end med spa where we specialized in dermaplaning. We sold over 6,000 treatments in 5 years. Women would walk in looking tired and stressed, and walk out smiling, glowing, standing taller, and feeling more confident in their own skin immediately after treatment. One day I had an epiphany and realized ALL women desire smooth, radiant, fuzz-free skin; however, most do not have access to a spa that offers the treatment, and the cost of a single dermaplaning treatment is prohibitive to most and that an at-home dermaplaning solution did not exist. So… I sold my spa and got to work. In 2016, DERMAFLASH was born!
What were the biggest obstacles you faced when starting your business?
DERMAFLASH truly represents a new paradigm in beauty. This is not another red lipstick. There is education involved and debunking of old myths. NO, your hair will NOT come in thicker, darker, or fuller after using this device. First and foremost, DERMAFLASH is an exfoliating tool that is clinically proven to improve the appearance of your skin while also removing pesky peach fuzz. There are many exfoliating methods and tools on the market. Many have the potential of causing inflammation, and none of them address the hair on a woman’s face. There is also a myriad of facial hair removal options such as waxing, threading, and lasers, all of which come with pain and risk of downsides like folliculitis, hyperpigmentation, etc. and yet do absolutely nothing for the quality of your skin. DERMAFLASH is truly a magic wand that addresses both issues with no pain, no downtime, and no inflammation. The results are instant, and skin continues to improve every time you use the device.
Why do you swear by dermaplaning?
I have been an avid dermaplaner for over 20 years, and at 58, I am sure that is why the quality of my skin is as good as it is. When we are young, our skin cells turn over every 28 days and then they slow down as we age. Dermaplaning and now DERMAFLASH actually removes the oldest layer of dead skin cells and built-up debris and encourages cellular turnover and microcirculation. Also, dead skin cells and peach fuzz act as a barrier to product penetration, therefore, removing them allows your skincare to do its job more effectively. When we remove the peach fuzz, light is actually is able to bounce off the planes of your skin, giving you that lit from within glow. Peach fuzz also gets in the way of makeup; DERMAFLASH creates a flawless canvas for makeup. Many women report feeling so great about their skin after using DERMAFLASH that they wear far less makeup or none at all!
DERMAFLASH LUXE Dermaplaning Device
Are there certain people who should not try it?
DERMAFLASH was created for ALL women, regardless of age, skin tone, type or color. It is appropriate for even the most sensitive skin. The only exception is acneic skin. Those with active acne or open sores should not use the device until the pimples or elevated marks have calmed down.
What was the most important thing you learned in the process of creating DERMAFLASH?
If it can go wrong, it will. That which does not kill you makes you stronger.
What was the best piece of advice you received when starting your business?
Focus, have your “one thing” that sets you apart from everyone else out there. Be genuine, because passion sells. My passion for DERMAFLASH has never wavered.
What advice would you give to other women looking to start a business?
Get out there and do it. You can always find a million reasons (excuses) why it won’t fly. If someone tells you why it will not work, go find someone who tells you why it will! Network, find people who believe in your vision…Think it’s real!
Do you think we need more female entrepreneurs?
Absolutely! Women bring a different dimension to business. We hold ourselves to a higher standard, which is a blessing and a curse. There is nothing a man can do that a woman cannot, and that is what we must instill [an entrepreneurial spirit] in all young women. If you say you can, you will! If you say you can’t, you most certainly will not.
What’s next for DERMAFLASH? any new products in the works?
We have recently launched an amazing all in one multi-tasking SPF 50 tinted primer that acts as a primer, sunblock or light makeup. This product leaves the most beautiful satiny finish and a remarkable universal tint that suits ALL skin tones. This summer we have an incredible new and exciting launch that will add to our robust pipeline of innovative multitasking solutions. We are all about empowering women to feel good about themselves in their own skin, with or without makeup. We prime the canvas: she decides how or if to paint it. DERMAFLASH products perfect the skin and get you camera-ready….no filter required.
DERMAFLASH DERMAPROTECT Daily Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50+
Images: DERMAFLASH (3)
