Bridging science and self-care. Laura Simonow’s vision for This Place

As a prominent figure in the beauty and self-care industry, what essential values guide your decisions and why do they matter to you?

There are three essential values that shape both my perspective and This Place’s identity, influencing the decisions we make along the way: delivering genuine value to our community, enhancing everyday life through small yet meaningful changes, and prioritizing a customer-centric approach that meets individuals where they are. These core values are at the heart of everything we do. They underscore our commitment to creating a genuine impact and are key to creating inclusive experiences that truly resonate with our audience.

 

What unique blend of experiences and passions sparked the inception of This Place?

When my mother fell ill, I searched tirelessly for ways to ease her pain. I didn’t want to be forced into a decision between traditional solutions that worked but lacked joy, and things that brought happiness but lacked effectiveness – I wanted both. The idea for This Place grew out of the desire to bridge that gap. In order to create remedies that were not only effective but also provided comfort and happiness, I created something new: a unique fusion of Science and Self-Care. It defines not only how I perceive things but also lies at the very core of our brand.

 

 

The incorporation of CBD into skincare products is still a relatively new concept. What led you to explore this direction and what potential do you see for CBD in the beauty and wellness industry?

I have always been fascinated with healing plants and their historical significance. Especially in the medical field, so much was based on the foundations that nature provided. Following this scientific approach, we spend a lot of time in the laboratory looking for synergies between ingredients. So far, we have included CBD in every product because it made sense based on the data and results we gathered. We also wanted to educate around CBD and help to break the stigma around the cannabis plant. I think that going forward this trend will continue in the beauty and wellness industry. However, CBD is just one of many incredible innovative ingredients that we use at This Place. We believe in the power of nature overall, not just CBD.

 

As the CEO and founder of This Place, you’re undoubtedly juggling multiple responsibilities. What practices or strategies do you implement to ensure balance in your professional and personal life?

Given my background in neurology, I’ve always been mindful to keep a balance between my professional commitments and personal life. In order to make self-care a part of my daily lifestyle and guide me through everyday struggles, I rely on rituals. They serve as an anchor and help me to stay grounded and mindful, especially when things get busy. This appreciation for rituals has also led me to create a unique ritual to accompany each of our products. On a more personal note, I’ve discovered solace in reading. There’s something truly magical about getting immersed in the world of words. It’s a way for me to escape the demands of work, even if just for a while, and find a sense of restoration in the beauty of literature.

 

“Self-trust has served as my anchor, enabling me to navigate obstacles and find solutions, even when the path seems uncertain.”

 

If you had to convey the essence of This Place as a brand through a single, powerful message, what would that be?

Giving everyone the permission to indulge in self-care.

 

Entrepreneurship in the health & beauty sector presents its unique set of challenges. Could you share with us your journey navigating this landscape and the key strategies that help you surmount obstacles?

Reflecting on my journey, I’ve come to realize that while a flowchart of the perfect path would be ideal, it all boils down to one fundamental aspect: you need to trust yourself.

If you can’t place trust in your own decisions and instincts, it’s easy to lose your way. This self-trust has served as my anchor, enabling me to navigate obstacles and find solutions, even when the path seems uncertain.

 

 

To budding entrepreneurs who admire your work, what nuggets of wisdom would you pass down?

Surround yourself with excellent people who burn for what they do — individuals who know more than you. If you’re tempted to compromise on your brand’s core essence, resist the urge. I had the great luck to meet incredible people that I built This Place with.

It took a bit to find them, but it was worth every moment. Protect the foundation of your work, in the end your executional excellence will weigh a lot. Don’t settle – keep looking.

 

From where do you draw inspiration when formulating new products? Are there specific aspects of your personal life or interests that feed your creativity in this process?

I find that just about everything speaks to me, which can be overwhelming (laughs), so I’ve learned to adhere to a structured process. This allows me to channel the abundance of inspiration around me into a coherent creative process. During this process, I draw from various sources, the most important of which being my scientific foundation. In order to ensure that our formulations can keep up with the innovations in skincare, staying informed about the latest publications and studies is a must. It’s where I tap into the cutting-edge advancements and findings that shape our product innovations.

 

“My ultimate aspiration is to enhance people’s daily lives by offering products that not only elevate their well-being but also add a touch of enjoyment, all while ensuring neither individuals nor the planet are harmed.”

 

Amidst the storms of life and the demands of running a successful business, what practices or mindset help you find tranquility?

In the bigger context of life, the everyday hustle becomes less important, allowing us to focus on what truly matters. Personally, staying humble and valuing our foundational element – our customers – serves as my everyday guide. Stepping back and viewing our mission from an outsider’s perspective is incredibly helpful. It simplifies things down to the basics: Why are we here, and what value do we want to deliver? Once I have these answers, everything seems to fall into place seamlessly.

 

Is there a particular product from This Place that you find indispensable in your daily life and why?

Absolutely, there’s a product from This Place that has become an essential part of my daily routine – the Good Night. It’s my go-to for relaxation, and the fragrance itself holds a kind of enchantment that transports me to a realm of tranquility – my own utopia.

 

 

As you look towards the horizon of This Place’s journey, what upcoming milestones or projects ignite your excitement the most?

This is a big year for This Place. We’ve recently started our USA expansion with The Well in New York, a comprehensive wellness hub that perfectly aligns with our values. The upcoming year holds great anticipation for us as we gear up to make a significant impact on the US-American market.

At the same time, we’ve been working on our New Skincare Line. Following the launch of Play it Cool in April, we’ve recently introduced four more of the nine new products planned for this year. Nearly two years in the making, our goal with this line was to holistically enhance and promote skin health. We did this by combining medical findings and the power of natural ingredients, making sure to avoid any toxic ingredients that are unfortunately often found in cosmetics.

 

What legacy do you aspire to leave in the beauty industry through your work, and how do you aim to inspire others on their own journeys of wellness and beauty?

My ultimate aspiration is to enhance people’s daily lives by offering products that not only elevate their well-being but also add a touch of enjoyment, all while ensuring neither individuals nor the planet are harmed. Through this, I aim to inspire others in their journeys of wellness and beauty by showcasing that responsible choices can lead to both personal fulfillment and positive global impact.

 

Ultimately, can you recommend a book to our community?

The Book of Tea by Kakuzo Okakura

The book emphasizes how Teaism taught the Japanese many things; most importantly, finding beauty in simplicity. If you open your heart this book will bring you so much humbleness and gratitude towards life. Every time I read it; it touches my soul.