Where the Hell Have I Been All Summer?
Well, y’all… we took a little summer break. Turns out, nobody really listens to podcasts in the summer. So instead of stressing about it, I thought, okay, season one’s done, now let’s move on to season two. Simple. While I was off, I started thinking about how I really want to show up for you here, and I’ve got some exciting news.
My Love-Hate Relationship with Social Media
Let me be blunt: I hate social media with the passion of a thousand suns. It’s not that I’m shy. I’m not afraid to hop on camera. I’m fine with that. It’s the time suck I can’t stand. I’d rather be working on the behind-the-scenes stuff. That’s where my brain loves to be. But unfortunately, since my name is on the brand, I’ve gotta show up. Believe me, we tried having other people do it. Didn’t work.
Skincare Influencers and Why It’s All a Little Ridiculous
So my friend Lee, who’s also an esthetician and a creator, said it best: skincare influencers are kinda ridiculous. And she’s right. Not the people themselves. The system. Everybody’s out here acting like they know every single thing about skin and ingredients. Let me tell you, after 30 years in this industry, I sure don’t know everything. Dermatologists don’t know everything. Skin is nuanced. What works for me might wreck you. That’s just the truth.
I Don’t Do Internet Drama
And another thing? I don’t do the tit-for-tat ingredient wars online. Girl, calm your tits. It’s not that serious. The “this ingredient is better than that one” debates make me want to light my hair on fire. I’m not here for drama. I’m here to actually help. But it’s always been tough giving general skincare advice when I don’t know your skin personally. That’s the block I’ve always run into.
Okay, Fine, I’ll Show Up Anyway
Here’s the reality check. Because it’s my brand, I have to be the face of it. No way around it. And if you’ve ever tried content creation, you know it is insanely time-consuming. And if anyone tells you it’s easy, take several seats. It’s a full-time job. But, I’m leaning in and figuring it out, and now I’ve got a fun way to make it better.
Drumroll: New Co-Host, New Podcast Name
Yep, you heard me. I’ve got a new co-host joining me. We’re even changing the name of the podcast. I can’t tell you the name just yet, because we’ve got to sort out trademarks and all that boring business stuff. But it’s coming. And it’s going to be good. You’ll still find us on Substack, YouTube, Apple, Spotify, all the usual places.
Beyond Skincare: Let’s Talk About the Fun Stuff Too
Skincare is amazing, but it’s just one part of life. I want to talk about style, fashion, jewelry, home stuff, and all the things that make life fun, especially when you’re over 50. My new co-host? She’s got insane style. Impeccable taste. Totally different vibe than me, but in the best way. She’s also an esthetician, so we’ll still nerd out about skin, but she leans more natural aging while I’m like, fill me up with Botox. It’s going to be a really fun balance.
What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me
We’re also going to get real. Like, “What would 56-year-old Sonia say to 16-year-old Sonia?” First thing? Bitch, stay out of the tanning beds. My God, why did we do that in the 80s? So hopefully that will be useful for our younger listeners out there.
Business Update: Eye Cream Drama and New Cleansers
Quick business update. The eye cream is finally shipping. Customs gave us a massive headache, but it’s sorted. Honestly, 2025 has been tougher than 2020 for small businesses. It feels like every single day we’re putting out fires. But we’re hanging in there. And I’m also working on two new cream cleansers. I’m in the fun part now, designing packaging, making sure every box and label checks all the regulatory boxes. It’s crazy but exciting.
Why This Podcast Matters Right Now
Let’s be real. The world feels heavy right now. And sometimes it’s hard to even show up online when everything just feels awful. But I want this podcast to be a place you can come and hang out, escape for an hour, and just enjoy yourself. Fashion, beauty, aging gracefully, talking about fun stuff, showing you cool things. Just a safe, light space.
How You Can Help Small Indie Brands
One last thing. Small indie brands like mine are really struggling. If you love our skincare, the best thing you can do is tell people about it. Share it with your friends. Word of mouth means everything right now.
And if you haven’t subscribed to this Substack yet, please hit that button. It helps us so much.
Thank you for being here. I have missed you like crazy. And I cannot wait for you to meet my new co-host. You’re going to love her. We’ve got big names coming on, fun conversations ahead, and a whole new chapter for Beauty & F-Bombs and a brand new pod.
See you soon,
Sonia
