Well skoah Boston is ticking along and we are itching to throw the doors open to eagerly awaiting faces. While we are a few more days away, there have been some great skoah product reviews and news popping up that we thought we’d share. Have a look and stay tuned for more Boston updates.
http://stuffboston.com/get/archive/2010/06/14/skoah-eh.aspx
http://www.thrillist.com/boston/skoah-shave-kream
Go Celtics Go!!!
-posted by Andrea Scott, co-owner
Our kustomers do know best afterall. We recently did something we’ve never done before. We took our stellar selling ‘foam kleanser’, and renamed it ‘gel kleanser’. And what do you think?
In speaking to a friend this morning I was explaining how protective we are of our customers. If we even hear an inkling of an unpleasant experience, or if there is anything we even think we’ve done incorrectly, we want to make it right. The evolution of skoah and the products we have created have almost all stemmed from the ideas, feedback and conversations we’ve had with our customers.
But, the newly dubbed ‘gel kleanser’ is a funny exception. For some reason, though I’ve been asked about 100 times why it’s called ‘foam’ if it doesn’t get foamy, I’ve resisted changing the name. I can’t even think of a real reason for my resistance. It appears that the reason is my stubbornness.
But since making this change, new customers understand that the name describes the product perfectly, those who already use this product are probably wondering what the heck took us so long, and I am kicking myself!
Lesson learned-skoah customers are always right! Almost all of our ‘foam kleanser’ fans have commented about how they are so happy to see the new name change.
So keep your ideas, comments, feedback, suggestions and more coming. Aside from this one slow change, I almost always implement the ideas somehow.
Humbled by my stubbornness….
Andrea, Co-owner
About a month ago, in my usual morning haste, I left my laptop on my dresser while I got dressed, drank a coffee and quickly swallowed a piece of toast. I had 10 minutes to approve some artwork, eat, get ready for work, and make it to my meeting on time. I thought I’d ‘save time’ my closing my laptopn but not actually shutting it down. Then, when I got to my meeting, I could open it and not wait for it to reboot.
En route from my dresser to my bag, the laptop tumbled out of my hands and landed on my concrete floor. “Oh no!” I thought. ” That can’t be good…” It was no longer humming, the lights were not flickering and the lid wasn’t closing properly.
I made it to my meeting on time, but my laptop not only wouldn’t boot up, but it made a loud beeping sound.
3 Dell service techs and the same diagnpstic tests showed my hardrive was fried. Sadly, nothing was recovered, not everything was backed up, and the 400 emails in my outlook, 9 hour planningsession from the day prior and contact book as dust.
At first I felt numb, a bit depressed and unsure about what I should be doing with my time. I had to wait several days for a new computer, but the experience left me thinking about my hasty habits.
First off, when did we get to a place where waiting for a computer to reboot-what 3 minutes tops, was a huge inconvenience? I couldn’t help but hear the words “haste makes waste” in my mind.
But I thought about the time when we didn’t have email. We spoke on the phone, so for the whole week I spent hours on the phone and realized how much I enjoyed talking to people. It almost took a bit of practice to have that conversation. Rather than email my co-workers I’d call them and find out other things like what the weather was like where they were, something that was important to them aside from wor, and how they were feeling.
After the imitial shock of losing everything, I actually felt a sense of freedom. I had a clean slate. I could completely renew my work habits. I couldn’t deal with the emails loading up in my inbox. I had to work from memory to recall whom I had not responded to. In essence, it was avery organic way of making priorities.
I still hear from people about 6 weeks later who are wondering why I have not responded to their emails. Those I don’t hear from, I guess they have survived.
Losing my computer was a major inconvenience, time consuming, but freeing. And, I have started picking up the phone more. I get more done now, and I put down the blackberry more often.
I loved my computer free week but also realized the value of the tool. I think I appreciate it more, and am less of a slave to it.
Oh, and if you emailed me recently and I didn’t respond, resend it, or better yet, call me!
posted by Andrea Scott, co-owner
Hi all! This is Pete (or “Boston Pete” as I am referred to in the world of skoah). Recently, my husband and I became a licensed skoah dealer and in a few short months, we will be opening the first skoah location in the States, in Boston, Massachusetts. I just returned from a trip to Vancouver to visit the skoah stores and krew and wanted to share a few words about my trip.
In my past life as a corporate attorney, I was required to take many business trips. None of those were as exciting, fun or entertaining as my trip to Vancouver. And it wasn’t just the fantastic dinners at La Quercia and Vij’s (although, the family style dinner at La Quercia is probably worth a trip to Vancouver in and of itself). The highlight of the trip was meeting the skoah krew and having the chance to interact with the enthusiastic skoah customers.
The skoah krew made me feel incredibly welcome. Everyone generously shared his or her time and insights to help make my store that much better. It was encouraging to see how committed the skoah krew is to ensuring their customers truly do feel great from the skin in.
What might come as a surprise is I quit my job to bring skoah to Boston. This makes it pretty clear I’m a fan of the company and its incredible products. It was impressive to see so many devoted customers who feel the same way! The customer reaction upon learning I was opening up a new store was priceless and a number told me about friends and families in Massachusetts they would talk to about the store. One customer even offered to write a testimonial for my website!
To say I was excited about bringing skoah to Boston prior to my trip would be an understatement. Now, I am even more psyched and motivated after my week in Vancouver. If you are ever in the area, come and visit us. Information about location and hours can be found at www.skoahboston.com.
Thank you Andrea, Chris and the entire skoah krew for a wonderful, educational and fun trip!
Posted by Boston ‘Pete’ (aka Pete Dziedzic)
For Immediate Release
Vancouver-based skoah skin care to open its first US location in June 2010.
March 16th, 2010, Vancouver, BC Vancouver-based skoah, is set to open its first US location in Boston’s South End neighborhood in June, 2010. This will be the first US store, and will be owned and operated by Boston-based, Peter Dziedzic and Jay Judas. The South End neighborhood is Boston’s hippest, most design oriented area and the first US store on Tremont Street will be surrounded by independent retailers, unique restaurants and bars, visual artists, interior designers and trendy art galleries.
“The idea of expanding into the US has been a consideration from early on, but we knew to be successful we needed to find a great partner. Boston is a great city and the Tremont street location has a similar feel to our flagship store in Vancouver’s Yaletown neighborhood,” says Chris Scott, President of skoah. “Having an independent operator enables skoah to grow while utilizing local expertise. We are excited to watch the doors open in June, and share skoah with a new community.”
“When I first visited skoah in Vancouver last summer, I fell in love with the concept of ‘Personal Training for your Skin’. I knew this was something Boston needed,” says Dziedzic. “skoah’s Canadian-made skin care products, combined with facials-only services resonated with me, and my partner, and I am excited to bring skoah to Boston. On the heels of the 2010 Winter Games, Canada is perceived globally in a very positive light. People in Boston are a very-sensible type! I know skoah products will appeal to this community because they deliver results. The facials are amazing, but there is actually an improvement in one’s skin. This is important to the Boston-practicality mindset.”
The Tremont Street location, in Boston’s South End is in a neighborhood that is both a Boston Landmark District and on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. It is similar in look and feel to skoah’s first store which opened in 2001. The Boston store will embrace the unique characteristics of the building, and the neighborhood, but feel similar to the company’s other locations, described as warm, minimalist. Skoah Boston will offer the full range of skoah products and services, and plans to expand in the greater-Boston area are in place.
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skoah Kreated in 2001, skoah makes simply powerful skin care products and delivers fantastic facial services. skoah products blend the best of nature with modern science. Made in Vancouver, Canada, the products are loaded with plant extracts, natural minerals, and organic compounds coupled with high performance active ingredients. This combination ensures the products generate the results they are supposed to. High quality ingredients make a difference. Independently owned by Chris and Andrea Scott, skoah has 3 locations in Western Canada, an online store at www.skoah.com and skoah products are available at select retail and spa locations throughout Canada. skoah also has a hotel amenities program, and in 2007 developed a makeup line called chiiki munki.
Media inquires, interview requests and access to image gallery, contact:
andrea scott
skoah®
personal training for your skin
778 886 3618
4 days til the 2010 Winter Olympic Games….4 days, yes 4 days! Where did the past 4 years go? Like anything in life, our human nature is to procrastinate and I wonder how many people are screaming around town sorting out their commute, their chidlcare, their groceries and pretty much every piece of their life that might become affected by the influx in people, excitement and fun!
We had a similar panic-stricken moment while considering all the ways our business could be affected by this tremendous event. While we have certainly been looking forward to this period, we also find ourselves feeling apprehensive. Will our fabulous skoah customers be too afraid to trek down to see us? Will we sell out of all our products and then have to work our chemist 24/7 to fill the shelves! Will we have to sleep in our treatment beds in order to make sure we all make it to work ontime!?
At the end of the day, we feel like most people probably do by now…..as ready as we can be. In a moment of clarity while doing my morning commute of running to work along Kit’s Beach, I realized that we simply have to run our business well, be true and extremely proud to who we are (Vancouver-made skin care products), and share what we do with the world.
As a company, we have a goal to be Canada’s leading skin care brand by 2015. This goal is a part of every decision we make, every meeting we have, and every product we create. And now, as the days fly by, and I realize I still haven’t stocked up on enough toilet paper and coffee to last me through to the end of the Games, I am hopeful for what this event brings to Vancouver, to our Canadian athletes, and to businesses like ours.
And, for those of you who are wondering if it’s worth the trip down to Yaletown during the Games, yes. It most certainly is. If you are in the area, and we can squeeze you in, we’ll be dishing out complimentary glow n’ go facials (mini facials). Buy a product or 2 and we’ll gild one cheek with a gold medal and the other with a red maple leaf. We have a few more tricks up our sleeves too!
Best of luck to the athletes who have sacrificed a ton, to their families, who have probably sacrificed even more, and to our beautiful city and people who make it what it is. Our arms our wide open! Go Canada Go!
posted by Andrea Scott, co-owner
Yesterday I had the pleasure of meeting Kamal. Kamal is a taxi driver with Vancouver Taxi. He drove all the way down to our Yaletown store because he had found a wallet lost by one of our Metrotown Skin Care Trainers, Anjela on New Year’s Eve. Using his best detective skills, Kamal located in her wallet an old pay stub, and then brought the entire contents of the wallet to our store and asked if we could help him get it back to her.
How many of us would make the time to actually deliver it back to the owner. Sure, we might call and try and find her, then have her come pick it up. But he actually drove to Yaletown (address on paystub), parked, came in looking for her, and then made sure we let her know we had it safely here.
In addition, nothing was missing or lost in the process. Nor did Kamal ask or seem interested in anything in return. He simply wanted her to have it back.
Thank you to Kamal at Vancouver Taxi 604.871.1111. I will forever call you guys for a taxi in future. It is good to know there are some wonderful people out there!
posted by Andrea Scott, co-owner
Another year draws to a close and we all become a little more reflective. Did I do everything I thought I might? What will I accomplish in 2010? Do I have my goals ready? Am I proud of myself in most areas of my life since this time last year?
I embrace new beginnings and love change. I know I am a rare breed, but I also know that with most change, we inevitably see something positive. 2009 has brought with it many changes to most of us. The economy had its stomach turned upside down. Some people lost jobs, customers, clients, homes, and some of the things we had thought we were entitled to receive. In the long run, I think this economic downturn has brought to those ready to see it, a humbling of our ways of living. A newfound appreciation for our employment, our homes, our families, friends and lifestyles.
In addition, I believe we have seen in those companies who have done well during this time, an improved environment of customer service and relationships. No longer as customers do most of us feel as though our role as ‘customer’ has been taken for granted. To that end, I am proud to report that at skoah we have been fortunate to have had a terrific year. Our customers, krews, and supporters have been fantastic and deserve this credit. My true hope is that we have done well because we have done what we truly believe is important to running our business-listening to our customers, feeling deeply appreciative of their support, and continuing to meet their needs, exceed their expectations, and honour their reasonable requests and feedback.
As we wrap up our 8th year in business, we have some exciting plans for 2010 which include, in our Yaletown Flagship location, to be in the heart of the pedestrian zone during the 2010 Winter Games. This brings excitement and new people to our store and to our company, and we feel incredibly proud to present our Made in Vancouver skincare products. We also plan to grow, with the right partners, our wholesale distribution and hotel amenities programs. In short, our coming year is on track to ensure more people get to know our little company. We aim, to be Canada’s leading skincare company by 2015.
Thanks you to our customers, our fantastic krews, and our families and friends who continue to support, spread the skoah word, and give us the feedback we need to make the right changes and improvements to exceed our goals.
Happy, Happy New Year!
posted by Andrea Scott, co-owner
8 years young and going strong. Thanks to all our friends for coming to celebrate 8 years of skoah last Thursday night. We enjoyed some fantabulous wine from a new brand called Strut.Enjoyed food by the Hamilton Street Grill and celebrated skoah style. 3 of our amazing skin athletes made it out and a big congratulations to Tommy and his wife who are expecting ‘baby Tommy’ soon! My 2 skoah babies were on site to help celebrate, and I think it’s fun for kids to see where their mom goes to work each day.
In some ways the 8 years have flown by, but I also feel proud of the evolution of skoah. Since opening in 2001, we now have 3 skoah’s, a makeup line called chiiki munki which is growing and evolving as skoah has, we have some fantastic retailers and spas who sell skoah and chiiki munki, and we are very proud of our recently launched hotel amenity program.
We set a goal to become Canada’s leading skin care brand by 2015. Our krew, ourselves and many thanks to our supporters who are helping us meet that goal. We are on our way.
Stay tuned for upcoming celebrations because we love a good party and a reason to celebrate. Next up, the 2010 Olympic Games. We are so excited to introduce skoah to the world, and to showcase our city.
Posted by Andrea Scott, co-owner.
I just received an email from a customer this morning. The fact that she took the time to let us know how she feels about our products makes me so happy. I love her description of our skin care trainers……skin magicians….clever!
Andrea-
About a month ago I got myself on a ‘skoah’ only program – face wash, toner, face cream, eye cream, scrub and hydradew mask – no other products (you know I am a reg Skoah user, but always had a bit of a mix and match going). My skin has never felt better and I’ve had at least 4 compliments on how it looks in the last week….yay! Keep up the great work skin magicians!
Deanna
Wow-that’s what I love about this business. And it really got me thinking about the various ingredient trends and ‘of the moment’ loves and hates. I realize there is a vast amount of conflicting information out there and as a customer, understanding what’s true and not true is really difficult. The most important thing about a skincare line should be that it works. Results are critical. While skoah products are well over 90% natural, we really don’t talk about them being natural, but more that they are effective. We’ve always felt that limiting our ingredient lists to only ‘natural’ ingredients couldn’t net the most effective product. There are some wonderful and safe synthetic ingredients on the market and the priority is always to ensure a product does what it says it will do.
I have been guilty of purchasing products because I liked the idea of them, but then found I didn’t see any results. This can be the case with some of the 100% natural products out there. They simply don’t have much real benefit to the skin. We’ve worked really hard to ensure we have a balance of plant based, effective ingredients and science-based active ingredients. Feedback as we’ve had from Deanna, above makes me feel we are on the right track.
We recently sent out a product survey to the customers, and this was really valuable for our product development. We are fortunate to provide facials only, where we learn a lot about what people love and want to see improved in their skoah products. This is how the entire line has been created. We receive feedback, we analyse the feedback, we improve, and or create new products.
One of the things that we recently saw through our product survey, and email comments was the request to look at alternative preservative systems. While we had some products in the past with parabens, our customers have been asking more and more for paraben-free products. We are in the process of changing all of ours to paraben-free. That will be complete by the end of October.
One of the things people might not know about our products is that they are free of inexpensive petroleum byproducts and mineral oils. We use highly refined olive oil, shea butters and a few other highly refined natural lipids. This has always been the case. Our packaging is also intentionally simple and free of additional unnecessary boxes and plastic films. The containers are also recyclable.
We have focused so much on our products being effective (and natural) that I sometimes wonder if we should have been more communicative about the other positive aspects of our products.
I am really excited about the products we have on the shelves now, and am even more excited about the 4 new products we will be launching on November 4th…stay tuned…..winter and skin can finally get along just fine!
Posted by Andrea Scott, co-owner
