What a glorious week it’s been here in Brighton & Hove at Olive & Joyce! The sun is finally shining and Mother Nature’s gone full glitter cannon with bluebells and blossom. I even braved my first sea swim of the year, yes, it was absolutely freezing, and yes, I did let out a yelp that can only be described as toddler-in-a-paddling-pool-level dramatic.
Spring has always been my favourite season. There’s something about this time of year that feels like a deep breath, a quiet promise of new beginnings, gentle hope, and the comforting thought that maybe, just maybe, we’re all going to be alright.
The Rollercoaster Journey of Running a Small Skincare Business
Even in the warmth and brightness of spring, running a small skincare business is still a rollercoaster. It's the loop-de-loop, hands-in-the-air, bad-ass kind with no seatbelt.
Some days, I feel like I’m soaring. I’m grateful, fulfilled, and completely in love with what I do. There’s purpose in every jar, in every skincare routine that someone trusts me to be a part of. And then there are those days. You know the ones, when supplier invoices pile up like laundry, and I’m wondering whether this is the month I’ll pay myself or just live off rice cakes (again).
There’s guilt, sometimes. The selfish feeling that comes with chasing a dream that can be all-consuming. But I can’t not do this. I love it too much. I believe in it too deeply.
I do it for the people who want simpler, more sustainable skincare. For those seeking luxury skincare without breaking the bank. For our planet. For the animals we protect. And for the women struggling with postnatal depression, the ones I hope to support even more once Olive & Joyce has a physical space to call home.
Why Olive & Joyce is Different: Our Mission & Values
At Olive & Joyce, we are committed to offering high-quality skincare products that focus on simplicity, luxury, and sustainability. Our products are made with love for those who want to nurture their skin without the complexity of harsh chemicals. We believe in making luxury skincare accessible, without the need to sacrifice quality for affordability.
As the wise Forrest Gump’s Mumma once said, “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get.”
On the tough days, the slightly squashed chocolate-orange kind of days, something magical happens. A message like this from a loyal customer, Kayt, lands in my inbox. And I melt.
“To be seen…”
I don’t take a single word for granted.
To know that someone truly sees the love and care I pour into every product, every parcel, every late night spent stirring, labelling, and packing… It means the world. It’s what keeps me going, even on the days when I’m running on tea and ten minutes of sleep.
How You Can Support Olive & Joyce Skincare
If you love our skincare products and want to help Olive & Joyce thrive (preferably with a few chocolate truffles thrown in), here’s how you can be part of this journey:
💛 Use Our Refer a Friend Scheme - It's free, genuinely easy, and wildly helpful. Your friend gets £10 off their first order, and you get a £10 thank-you gift. For a small skincare brand like Olive & Joyce, it’s pure gold.
💛 Share Your Reviews - Words like Kayt’s don’t just help others discover Olive & Joyce—they remind me why I do this. Positive reviews help spread the word about our skincare products and the care that goes into every creation.
💛 Tag Us on Social Media - Instagram and Facebook are the heartbeats of our community. Seeing your skincare rituals, our jars in your homes, and your glowing skin, it makes my heart dance. Plus, it helps more people find us, which is the dream.
💛 Shop Mindfully, When You Can - Whether you’re stocking up on your full skincare ritual or just topping up your favourite hand cream, every order truly makes a difference. Our products are crafted to provide lasting results, and every purchase helps sustain a small business with big dreams.
Thank You for Your Support
Thank you for every kind word, every order, every tag, and every little moment of support. Running a small skincare business isn’t always easy, but the love and encouragement I receive make it all worthwhile.
With all my love,
Emily xxx
Founder of Olive & Joyce