Career Diaries: Urban Hydration founder Psyche Terry shares her mission to make money back through skincare

After many years of struggle dry skin и hair unsuccessfully, Psyche Terry decided to take matters into her own hands. With the help of her husband, they founded urban humidification, socially responsible, pure beauty brand. The company returns money to charity by making donations for each product sold. In 2018, the brand dedicated its first clean drinking well to 300 Kenyan schoolchildren. Today, millions of Urban Hydration products are sold in retail stores nationwide, and the company continues to distribute gallons of water to communities around the world. Here we spoke with Terry about the importance of pure beauty, giving and her inspiration to the company. 

Could you tell us a little about yourself, your background, and how you got into skincare?

I am a mother of three, wife, all natural food, snacks, smoothies and zumba fanatic. I was once about 18 sizes bigger than I am now, eating the wrong things, unhappy and not living my best life. I lived in Las Vegas and the sun worked on my skin and hair. I suffered from dry skin and needed a reboot. I've always been a beauty addict, so when I went to my dermatologist and she recommended new beauty treatments, especially for my dry skin and hair, I was surprised they were full of long chemical names that I couldn't pronounce. 

What is the history of Urban Hydration and what inspired you?

I was a mum with a corporate career, fighting for the next promotion but not getting the satisfaction of doing anything other than community service. It was then that I found the project of my dreams and passion. I was on the board of a non-profit organization that needed help making handmade beauty products to raise money. It was the perfect match. I had a love for beauty, collecting money and giving back. Ten years later, the collection of products I helped them develop is something I'm honored to sell and give away every day.  

Can you tell us about the company's charity work and why it was important to you? 

I believe that heritage and wealth creation should be done at a level that affects the wider community. When we donated our first well, it was unheard of for a small company like ours to give away profits to help solve another country's problem. But 300 children in Kenya needed a resource that my children and I take for granted every day. They needed clean water. We're not perfect, but we could absolutely help solve their problem. I love it so much because that same school used the well we helped donate to sell more clean water to their community, which then allowed them to raise more money to fund two new school buildings. How can you not love the effect of giving? Giving keeps on giving. 

What is the biggest challenge you face trying to launch a clean beauty brand that delivers value?

The biggest challenge I've had is also one of the most inspiring things for me. I have witnessed giant corporate companies trying to get our message across in a way that makes them look just as, if not more, philanthropists. However, they are a joke. But I think it's great. If our little act of kindness makes the other person or company feel like they can do more, then that's exactly what I want. When all companies, big or small, act out of kindness, I think our world is a better place for it. 

What is your favorite part of your job?

I love my team. I like to be myself, live my life and do what I like to do every day with my business partner and husband, with whom I lived for 15 years. We've been dating since I was 21. We made a promise to each other in college that we would someday be business partners, and now we're living our dream. 

What is your daily skin care routine?

I am a micellar addict. Now that I understand the tonic, I use it and then use the cleanser in the shower after my workout. I apply a moisturizer to my face. Every evening, if my day doesn't tire me out, I use micellar water as a quick fix.  

What is your favorite skin care product from your line?

They all have so many different talents but I think I will choose ours Bright and balanced micellar water with aloe leaves. It is fast and powerful yet gentle. I also love things that are all-in-one. It's so hydrating that I don't even need a moisturizer after it. 

What's next for urban hydration?

I love pure beauty and I love to give. I want to be in every drawer, pocket and purse if I can. From lips to thighs, I want to help change the world of beauty for the better.