Quick Question
And her infamous $1,400 blood cream.
My whole skin care philosophy is focused on combating inflammation and its consequences, Dr. Sturm shares with Bustle.
Tell us about your background and how it led to you creating a skin care line.
I never thought I would end up in beauty, because I always wanted to be a doctor.
I grew up as a tomboy and didnt see eyeliner until I was 24.
I studied medicine and sports, and worked in the field of anti-inflammatory molecular orthopedics.
How did that lead to your infamous blood cream?
Then I invented my first cream, called MC1, exclusively for my patients.
Its actually made out of their own blood plasma.
Your skin care line reached cult status quickly.
What are some things that you feel helped contribute to that?
I never planned on fame or status.
My goal was to create a product that worked.
The MC1 cream became very popular in the circles of my patients, especially in Hollywood.
I would receive a lot of questions about which other products should be used for the daily skincare routine.
My patients then asked me to create an entire skincare regimen, and my anti-inflammatory line was eventually born.
Whats the difference between the American beauty industry and European?
The American beauty industry is very advanced.
Its a place where new ideas are born, tried and adopted, especially in health and wellness.
At the same time, the European beauty industry is leading the way with ingredient research and science.
Your actual name is the name of your brand.
How does that affect the way you build your company and develop new products?
I am not interested in selling empty promises in a jar.
You currently have spa locations in Los Angeles, Dallas, Miami, and New York City.
Why is it important for you to expand your business to brick and mortar?
The world is not only digital.
After the pandemic, we found people were looking to be pampered, touched, and connected again.
They wanted to be in a Sturm cocoon, so that is what we offered.
What characteristics do you think are most important in leading a company?
I encourage my team to be entrepreneurial and to have their own ideas.
I dont like to tell people what to do.
I love to see passion and hard work from everyone.
What do you think skin care companies should prioritize so you can stay relevant?
I believe we are leaving the marketing age of skincare and entering a golden age of science-based skincare.
What does a typical morning look like for you?
I love the mornings.
Im an early bird so I always get up early.
I love to keep active.
Movement is essential for releasing inflammation-reducing hormones in the body.
How do you stay healthy and not burnout?
An anti-inflammatory lifestyle is the key for me.
Do you ever indulge?
On rare occasions, Ill have a glass of wine with dinner.
But it doesnt need to be a bad habit its all about balance.
Whats the best business advice youve received?
Focus on your passion and not on money.
And dont let anyone tell you what you could and cant do.
If you fall, always pick yourself up and give it another spin.
The results are always worth the reward.
What are some of the biggest lessons youve learned as a brand founder?
Never worry about what other people are doing or thinking.
Just always try and concentrate on your end goal thats the most important thing.
This article was originally published onMarch 22, 2023
