Hi everyone, I'm Hillary Kerr, the co-founder and chief content officer of Who Up Where,

and this is Second Life, a podcast spotlighting women who have truly inspiring careers.

We're talking about their work journeys, what they've learned from the process of setting

aside their doubts or fears, and what happens when they embark on their second life.

Today, I'm speaking with Leslie Thornton, the founder of the luxurious botanical skin

care line, Claire.

Leslie's knowledge of the beauty industry runs deep.

She started her career working for major brands like Mac and Estee Lauder, and then as

a freelance makeup artist for editorial and ad campaigns.

She was even cast as an on-air beauty expert for the TLC network, but eventually she made

the pivot from makeup to her real passion, skin care.

After building her own private practice as an aesthetician, she began formulating and

developing her line Claire with a focus on science and efficacy.

She did this all on her own, meaning, without a team or funding, which is pretty impressive.

Leslie found success as an independent beauty brand early on.

Her products were picked up by a major retailer, Urban Outfitters.

But, despite being a best-selling line at Urban, Leslie decided to do something unexpected

and risky.

She pulled the entire line in 2016 to reformulate, rebrand, and deliver the elevated experience

that was her true vision for Claire.

Today, the clean, ethical, and inclusive brand is a favorite among beauty editors from

Vogue to Marie Claire to us at Who Outwear.

...