Episode #588: Building Strive-Combining Science, Self-Improvement, and Authenticity in Men’s Skincare

Welcome to this episode of HALO Talks, where Pete Moore sits down with Angel Olavarria, founder of Strive mens skincare, and cosmetic chemist from Forest Hills, Queens. Angel reflects on his journey from a career in sales to becoming an entrepreneur in men’s skincare. He reflects on the idea that people tend to attribute positive attributes to others who are very attractive, inspired him to dig deeper into self-presentation, which eventually led him down the path of skincare science.

Angel discusses the often confusing (and slightly sometimes sketchy) world of men’s skincare, his hands-on approach to developing formulas, and the importance of using the proper amount of evidence-based ingredients. He also opens up about the process behind launching his business, staying true to his principles, and building a brand that values authenticity over flashy marketing tricks.

It doesn't matter if you're interested in men's skincare or not. What is key here are the lessons Angel has learned as he continues to (rapidly!) scale Strive. If you're an aspiring entrepreneur or even seasoned business owner and are looking for fresh insights into building a thoughtful and impactful brand, this episode offers a candid look at balancing passion, discipline, and business in today’s competitive market.

Key themes discussed

• Journey from sales to skincare entrepreneurship
• The complexity and science behind truly effective skincare
• Importance of authenticity and principles in entrepreneurship
• Product development: Balancing simplicity and efficacy
• Marketing strategies: Digital, SEO, and sampling challenges
• Pricing, margins, and growth without sacrificing values

A Few Key Takeaways: 

1.The Power of Skincare for Personal Branding: Angel shared how men’s attention to self-care and skincare can enhance the tendency for people to attribute positive qualities to those who appear attractive and well-groomed. This observation sparked his journey into men’s skincare and eventually founding Strive.

2. Authenticity in Entrepreneurship: He stressed how he builds his business on strong principles, refusing to compromise quality or add unnecessary complexity to men’s routines. He wants Strive to be genuinely useful, not just another product pushed by aggressive marketing.

3. Science-Backed Formulations vs. Marketing Gimmicks: The chat also highlighted the importance of using ingredients with proven efficacy, like niacinamide or retinol, both backed by decades of research. Olavarria pointed out that many competitors focus on trendy but unproven plant extracts, often prioritizing marketing narratives over results.

4. Lean Operations and Smart Growth: Angel explained how he handles most of his business personally, takes advantage of contractors and US-based suppliers, and leverages technology (like AI) to stay nimble. He emphasized starting with fewer SKUs and growing thoughtfully to avoid complexity and inefficiency.

5. Philosophy of Continuous Improvement and Authentic Brand Building: The brand name "Strive" embodies the drive to always work toward something and improve. Angel wants the brand to inspire men to strive, not just for looks, but for personal growth. He also values authentic ambassador relationships, only working with those who genuinely connect to his products.

Resources: 

• Angel Olavarria: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelolavarriajr 
• Strive Skincare: https://www.striveskin.com 
• Integrity Square: https://www.integritysq.com
• Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com
• Promotion Vault: https://www.promotionvault.com
• HigherDose: https://www.higherdose.com