Superwoman Nazan Schnapp

The power of marketing. I am always surprised by the impact of marketing on a product launch, good or bad. Both can have the same resonance if they are presented in the right light. You would think that a good product is enough to sell – I have learned that it takes so much more. 

What's your secret strategy to longevity for your brand and business? 

Being at the center of the company. Not only working on the formulas, but also handling day to day business as well as spokesperson duties – I see and validate everything, which gives me the strongest insights and understanding of the business at large.     

What are some daily non-negotiables for you when it comes to taking care of yourself? 

Drink plenty of water. I absolutely love to drink still water and I am very picky with water - as others are with Champagne. Another non-negotiable in taking care of myself is my collection of food supplements: I take daily vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin D3, E, B Complex and L-Arginine. 

How do you implement your own products into your routine? 

I have an eight-to ten-step care ritual every morning and evening. I start my morning routine with the Purifying Creamy Cleanser followed every second day by Detoxing Exfoliant Cleanser. Then I continue with the application of the Sublime Hydrating Treatment Essence and Luminous Youth Diamond Essence. I usually use my Signature White Jade Roller to help penetrate the Essence into my skin. Once the product is absorbed, I continue on with the Luminous Youth Diamond Day Serum and Luminous Youth Diamond Eye Crème as well as the soon-to-be-launched Self Juvenescent Ruby Elixir. Final touch-up consists of applying the Self Aware Luminous Youth Diamond Balm on my lips and cheeks.

For the evening, I start with the application of my Rinse Away Oil Cleanser directly on my skin, and massaging it in using my fingertips and adding some drops of water to make an emulsion and rinse off by splashing water. This is followed by my Regenerating Gel Cleanser, for double cleansing. I then apply my Sublime Hydrating Treatment Essence mixed with the Luminous Youth 

Diamond Essence, and recently have also started using some of the launches of my Self Juvenescent Ruby line, such as the Essence and Elixir. Once or twice a week I do a face mask, sometimes several – depending on my mood and skin condition, usually the Detoxing and Renewing Face Mask. 

What other brands, founders or personalities do you find inspiring? 

I always felt a certain connection with the personality and unquestionable talent of Gabrielle Chanel. She was her own leader, a fearless woman that never took NO for an answer. She was always sharp in her choices, very black and white – just like the brand universe she has created. And I feel also very inspired by Cristobal Balenciaga. He was so much more than a fashion designer – he knew how to draw, patron, cut, sew and style. Rarely does one know how to do it all these days. Probably this inspires me as I am in a similar position, being not just the Founder of my brand, but also the CEO, Chief Creative Officer and R&D Officer. I dare to ask you – who can play all these functions and roles in today’s cosmetics industry? 

What website or IG page do you visit daily for input and to stay up to date? 

Business Of Fashion is always a great place to start – along Global Cosmetic News for more industry-specific updates. 

How do you structure your workday to help get things done while staying calm?  

I structure my workday as I do the different roles I play in my company: I do more than multitasking, I literally do several jobs in one day! I have learned to compartmentalize my thoughts and analyze what I am given before I respond. I have stopped rushing for the sake of rushing – a clear mind is the key to staying calm.  

Who do you turn to for advice, support and help?

I used to ask advice from a lot of people – not because I was doubting myself, but because I liked hearing all the variations in the thought process. I realized that it was often mistaken as self-doubt, which was never an issue for me. Today, I rather trust the people closest to me – first and foremost my husband and my family.

Do you have a morning routine that you stick to every day? 

I drink first thing every morning my freshly pressed organic lemon juice followed by a glass of water. 

What do you do to unwind and relax in the evening?

It’s not easy for me to unwind – my brain is always working on something new! Easy distractions such as watching a good movie do help me – I have a sore spot for Korean, Chinese and Japanese TV shows. I usually watch them in their original language, so I have to read the subtitles, which forces me not to get distracted by my phone or other side activities. Another good thing that came out of this is that I am actually starting to assimilate certain of their linguistic expressions – I hope one day soon I’ll actually get a decent grip of these languages.  

What’s your favorite meal to eat? 

I love dumplings. Call them gyoza or momos, their Asian-at-large interpretations are my absolute favorite. 

What’s your number one beauty “secret”?  

Avoid wearing too much make-up, as it seriously damages the skin long term. 

Where do you go to relax, rejuvenate and recharge?
Probably in Turkey - the land of my origins, where my family has its roots. As I said, it's not easy for me to switch off, but the local charm certainly helps. 

What’s your favorite travel destination ?

 
I like big cities such as New York and London. I have a soft spot for the energy that emanates from New York City – definitely a place I could envision myself living in. 

Besides your own incredible products, what other Muse & Heroine products do you swear by? 

Depuravita’s “Collagen Chocolate”. Nutricosmetics are definitely a new approach to beauty.