Master Class
Supergoop!'s Holly Thaggard on Being an EntrepreneurWith National Entrepreneurship Month under way, we sat down with Supergoop! founder Holly Thaggard, who, like the Veronicas, made the career pivot to pursue her passions. After a close friend was diagnosed with skin cancer, the then-professional harpist and teacher decided to tackle the beauty industry and start a skincare line with a foundation in SPF—suncare that's clean, feel-good and innovative. In doing so, Thaggard didn't just build a brand; she helped pioneer a sea change in how we think about sunscreen.
Today, 15 years after the launch, Supergoop! has expanded to include everything from instant glowing primers to a skin-smoothing SPF with a blurring matte finish (consider it super Zoom worthy). Shop an exclusive edit of the collection at the Supergoop! trunk show at all Veronica Beard stores nationwide, ending November 7, and for her insider intel on succeeding in the startup life, keep reading… and take notes.
Q&A
Words of wisdom for those looking to do the career pivot, like you did, but are hesitating?
Passion is so important in thinking about a career pivot. I always say entrepreneurship is difficult and requires focus, grit and determination, so make sure you are so passionate about your path that you literally can’t sleep at night. And when it comes to setbacks you may face along the way, here’s some unsolicited advice! Approach them with positivity, because if something not-so-great happens, that usually means that something super great is right around the corner. You’re ultimately one step closer to where you’re meant to be!
Passion is so important in thinking about a career pivot. I always say entrepreneurship is difficult and requires focus, grit and determination, so make sure you are so passionate about your path that you literally can’t sleep at night. And when it comes to setbacks you may face along the way, here’s some unsolicited advice! Approach them with positivity, because if something not-so-great happens, that usually means that something super great is right around the corner. You’re ultimately one step closer to where you’re meant to be!
Top three hacks to getting it all done?
There never seem to be enough hours in the day, but here are the three things that keep me most organized! First, I love a good, old-fashioned, handwritten list. And I find that writing out all of my to-dos keeps me super buttoned up - and the process is even a bit therapeutic for me. Second, I am a big fan of prioritization, and for me, family always comes first. I also know that getting in my daily Pilates class is crucial when it comes to me being the best mom and leader I can be. So when I stay true to my priorities, the rest of my day always seems to fall into place. Lastly, I’ve just got to say that skincare multitaskers are big time-saving hacks for me! I’m a fan of two-in-one anything, and when I put on any of our products (like Superscreen, for example), I can save time by getting my skin moisturized and SPF-protected at once. So I don’t underestimate the power of clever products like that, either.
There never seem to be enough hours in the day, but here are the three things that keep me most organized! First, I love a good, old-fashioned, handwritten list. And I find that writing out all of my to-dos keeps me super buttoned up - and the process is even a bit therapeutic for me. Second, I am a big fan of prioritization, and for me, family always comes first. I also know that getting in my daily Pilates class is crucial when it comes to me being the best mom and leader I can be. So when I stay true to my priorities, the rest of my day always seems to fall into place. Lastly, I’ve just got to say that skincare multitaskers are big time-saving hacks for me! I’m a fan of two-in-one anything, and when I put on any of our products (like Superscreen, for example), I can save time by getting my skin moisturized and SPF-protected at once. So I don’t underestimate the power of clever products like that, either.
The List
Must-Read Books
1. Purple Cow by Seth Godin
My team knows that I’m obsessed with Seth Godin because I often send them notes from Seth’s Blog as inspirational reminders. This book is all about the importance of making truly remarkable products, which is something we’re always striving for at Supergoop!. I also have a particularly strong passion for product development, which is another reason why this book struck a chord.
My team knows that I’m obsessed with Seth Godin because I often send them notes from Seth’s Blog as inspirational reminders. This book is all about the importance of making truly remarkable products, which is something we’re always striving for at Supergoop!. I also have a particularly strong passion for product development, which is another reason why this book struck a chord.
2. Obsessed by Emily Heyward
We were fortunate enough to work with Red Antler for our brand guidelines a few years ago, and Emily really brought some of her secrets to building a successful brand (especially in this day and age of information overload!) to life in this book.
We were fortunate enough to work with Red Antler for our brand guidelines a few years ago, and Emily really brought some of her secrets to building a successful brand (especially in this day and age of information overload!) to life in this book.
3. Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
A must-read when it comes to creativity! I loved this nugget: that ideas will hop onto the next person if you don’t do something with them. So you really have to make the most out of each and every opportunity before they pass you by.
A must-read when it comes to creativity! I loved this nugget: that ideas will hop onto the next person if you don’t do something with them. So you really have to make the most out of each and every opportunity before they pass you by.
Must-Listen Podcasts
1. How I Built This with Guy Raz
I love hearing my fellow entrepreneurs talk about how and the nitty gritty behind why they started their businesses. It always leaves me so inspired. And Guy has a way of chatting with founders like no one else—I know that because I was lucky enough to be a guest on his show!
I love hearing my fellow entrepreneurs talk about how and the nitty gritty behind why they started their businesses. It always leaves me so inspired. And Guy has a way of chatting with founders like no one else—I know that because I was lucky enough to be a guest on his show!
2. Skimm’d from the Couch
I’m always so busy dreaming about SPF that I love theSkimm’s daily recap of the news––so listening in on their podcast from time to time has also been fun, as they do a lightning round of questions with other founders, which I love.
I’m always so busy dreaming about SPF that I love theSkimm’s daily recap of the news––so listening in on their podcast from time to time has also been fun, as they do a lightning round of questions with other founders, which I love.
3. Parenting Great Kids
It’s important to me to balance my family with entrepreneurship, and right now I also have a lot of parenting podcasts on my go-to list because of, well, teenagers! It turns out that making great parenting decisions are hard (and not quite as intuitive as one may think!).
It’s important to me to balance my family with entrepreneurship, and right now I also have a lot of parenting podcasts on my go-to list because of, well, teenagers! It turns out that making great parenting decisions are hard (and not quite as intuitive as one may think!).
4. Second Life
Similar to Guy, Hillary Kerr sparks wonderful conversation with her (female!) guests, who always leave me equally inspired. I love that it focuses all on the pivot in their careers—a life-defining moment that took them from one chapter into the next.
Similar to Guy, Hillary Kerr sparks wonderful conversation with her (female!) guests, who always leave me equally inspired. I love that it focuses all on the pivot in their careers—a life-defining moment that took them from one chapter into the next.
Must-Watch TED Talks
1. How to Lead in a Crisis
In this TED Talk, leadership expert Amy C. Edmondson talks about how you need to have humility, transparency and urgency in order to lead in a crisis. I’ve definitely had to rely on all three at various points in my career—at the start of COVID, too.
In this TED Talk, leadership expert Amy C. Edmondson talks about how you need to have humility, transparency and urgency in order to lead in a crisis. I’ve definitely had to rely on all three at various points in my career—at the start of COVID, too.
2. Raising Happy Teenagers
As a mom of two teenagers, I loved this talk by Professor Raj Raghunathan. My daughter Emery is 16 and my son Will is now 13, and I find myself often referring back to Professor Raghunathan’s advice as I parent them. Ultimately, I always try to encourage my children to enjoy the things that bring out their best selves.
As a mom of two teenagers, I loved this talk by Professor Raj Raghunathan. My daughter Emery is 16 and my son Will is now 13, and I find myself often referring back to Professor Raghunathan’s advice as I parent them. Ultimately, I always try to encourage my children to enjoy the things that bring out their best selves.
3. The Secret Language of Letter Design
I loved listening to lettering designer Martina Flor because I’ve had a fascination with letters and handwriting for as long as I can remember. I’ve always valued handwritten notes, and that has now extended to my brand, as well. We’re actually planning an exciting holiday campaign right now that will have my handwriting at the top of our website, for a nice personal twist.
I loved listening to lettering designer Martina Flor because I’ve had a fascination with letters and handwriting for as long as I can remember. I’ve always valued handwritten notes, and that has now extended to my brand, as well. We’re actually planning an exciting holiday campaign right now that will have my handwriting at the top of our website, for a nice personal twist.
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