Beauty Boss: Sara Happ, Founder of Sara Happ
Our latest Beauty Boss is Sara Happ, Founder of Sara Happ—a best-selling line of lip scrubs and balms. She went from mixing up her concoctions in the kitchen to creating a line of iconic lip products that are carried in stores across the country, from Anthropologie to Nordstrom. Here, the “Lip Expert” shares her success and beauty secrets, wellness tips, advice for entrepreneurs, and more:
What inspired the creation of Sara Happ?
I created our first product, The Lip Scrub, in 2005 out of sheer necessity. I’m a magazine lover and beauty junkie who kept reading editors say, “Exfoliate lips with a wet washcloth or toothbrush.” That seemed crazy to me! I have a scrub for every other part of my body, so why were there none for my lips? To my kitchen I went, and The Lip Scrub was born using mixing bowls and spatulas. I was obsessed with my formula, and had a strong sense that other girls would be, too.
What’s your hero product?
In addition to The Lip Scrub, our hero product is The Lip Slip. It’s our company-wide best-seller and took me three years and 200 iterations to perfect! Some people have three babies in three years—I made a lip balm! But it’s the best balm on the market and has a cult-like following.
Do you have a favorite product from your line?
We just launched The Dream Slip. It’s the first-ever night cream for your lips. I slather it on like a blanket, and its lipids and hyaluronic-filling spheres sink into my lips so that when I wake up, I have a plump, hydrated, smooth and perfect pout. My friend Amy called it, “1,000 thread-count sheets for your lips.”
What are some of the key ingredients used in your products?
The Lip Scrub is made from sugar as well as yummy natural oils like grapeseed and jojoba. Many of our treatment products include unique, first-to-market ingredients: Swertiamarin is a nourishing ingredient from the Himalayas that’s a star in our Sweet Clay Lip Mask. Our Plump + Prime features Maxi Lip and Ultra Filling Spheres for totally painless plumping.
Hardest/best parts of being an entrepreneur?
Rolling with the high highs and low lows. I read that Barack Obama never gets too high or too low. He’s calm. I go for calm. But I do scream with delight when something awesome happens for our team. Celebrate the wins. Learn from the fails and move on.
Who inspires you?
Alli Webb of Drybar, Sarah Gibson Tuttle of Olive + June, Vicky Tsai of Tatcha—I could on on and on! I’m such a fan of strong female entrepreneurs, and I especially love that so many are out here supporting each other and lifting each other up!
Secret to success?
I’m big on envisioning what you desire. Don’t focus on what you fear. Our thoughts become our reality.
Best beauty secret?
Exfoliate daily. Head to toe. All good beauty starts with smooth skin.
Wellness tip?
I take a bubble bath every single night after my daughter goes to sleep. Some people watch TV or cook to unwind, I take a bath. It’s nice knowing I have a ritual and a place that I know will help me to be grounded and centered. I recommend finding what works for you and sticking with it!
Best advice?
Love wins. From my Mom. She is always right. I have learned.
For more information and to purchase Sara Happ, visit the brand’s official site and follow them on Instagram: @sarahapp
[Images courtesy of Sara Happ]