Repêchage® is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year and looking back, it’s been a long and impressive road for founder and CEO Lydia Sarfati since she opened her first day spa in New York in 1977. Three years later, the Polish native founded Repêchage®, the first company to bring seaweed-based skincare treatments and cosmetics to the United States market, and developed the world-renowned Repêchage® Four-Layer Facial®—which has been dubbed “the best facial of the century.”

#BeautyBoss: Lydia Sarfati, CEO & Founder of Repêchage

An award-winning industry leader and icon, Sarfati is a pioneer in the field of esthetics and her skincare methods are practiced by top estheticians around the world. Over the years she has received countless awards and been recognized for her accomplishments and contributions to the industry, and she currently serves as Chairman of CIDESCO Section U.S.A.—the world's major international beauty therapy association.

We caught up with Sarfati to learn more about how she plans to celebrate the company’s special milestone, her tips for continued brand innovation, future plans, and more.

How does it feel to reach this special milestone?

It really feels wonderful because it basically reinforces the fact that what we are doing is right. Our dedication and commitment to the professional industry is like no other company that exists today. Having this 40th anniversary reinforces that our commitment is true and it’s something that I’m really proud of. We are not owned by capital investment groups or big companies, so we do things right and we do things for our industry. 

What are you doing to celebrate your 40th anniversary?

I’m doing several things to celebrate. For the past three years, I’ve been working on a project very near and dear to my heart: developing a skincare product range for dry, compromised skin. I’m very proud to say we have created a range that is the purest, most beautiful collection and it will help so many people, including those who may be undergoing radiation or chemotherapy. 

The launch will happen during our gala dinner, which is going to take place on July 13 at the EnVue Autograph Collection Hotel in Weehawken, New Jersey. It’s a beautiful venue that overlooks the Manhattan skyline. We will be presenting an oncology book that I have co-written with Morag Currin of Oncology Training International (OTI) an authority in oncology esthetics. I will also introduce the newest edition of my business book, Success At Your Fingertips: How to Succeed in the Skin Care Business. 

I’m very excited about everything that we have planned for our 40th Anniversary but we are also celebrating all year long. Every month, every week and every day is part of our true celebration of being in business for 40 years and being committed to the pro industry.

Looking back, are there any moments in your career that stand out?

There are so many that I wouldn't know where to begin, but a monumental achievement was when, in 1999, we decided to relocate to New Jersey. We moved from the Chelsea area of Manhattan, New York to Secaucus, New Jersey where we created a manufacturing facility. Becoming an ISO-certified manufacturer was another big step, as it meant that we are now recognized worldwide for the highest standard of manufacturing. At the end of the day we are family-owned, so it was important to have an outside certification company come in and verify that what we were doing was at the highest standards and that we were on the right track! 

When you founded Repêchage®, what was your vision?

I started my own business in 1977 by opening my first day spa in Manhattan—it was on 53rd Street between Madison and 5th. At the time it was a very difficult period in the United States, and when I opened up the spa, everyone said to me, “You’ll be out of business in three months.” But as you can see, I’m still here. What I have learned is that if you do the right planning, stick to it, work hard, go that extra mile and don't take no for an answer, you will find success.

I always understood what customers and consumers wanted, and when I created the Repêchage® Four-Layer Facial® in 1980 it revolutionized the professional skincare industry because it was something that anyone with a cosmetology license could administer and achieve great results for their clients. Many states have not allowed cosmetologists to use high frequency or other devices, so I developed my products using sustainably harvested seaweed, which creates wonderful results without devices—just your hands! 

What has led to your success?

I think the most important thing is being tenacious. It’s not giving up easily, it’s doing the right thing and having high standards. Luxury is in the details. It’s about having the same high standards and understanding what it takes, whether serving tea or manufacturing products. I also believe that my most important asset in growth has been due to my constant ability to be able to evolve and change. Many people freak out about change, but that is what drives a company forward.

I’m changing all the time, moving things around, and constantly doing something because I believe change is good. You can’t completely feel 100 percent comfortable in your own skin—you have to be on the edge all the time, which keeps your adrenaline going and keeps you excited about what you do. When you are complacent you are in the danger zone—you don't create anymore or do anything new, and that does not work for me. 

How do you stay on top of innovation?

I’m an avid reader and begin my mornings by reading the Herald Tribune, The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. I watch the news because I want to know what’s going on. News is very important because it allows you to look at the global economy and changes that are happening, so that we as a company can quickly adapt. I also travel a lot and speak five languages—Repêchage® is in 50 countries and no matter what country I’m in, I’m always experiencing different things. I’m a very good listener and you always learn something by listening. Most people don't know how to listen, but if you seize the moment and hear what people are saying, you can learn a lot. 

What’s next for Repêchage®?

In July at the gala, we will present our new collection of products and treatments, and I already am working on a new wax formula that will be amazing. I’m planning a wonderful cover-up for problem skin, and we will launch a new treatment in 2021. I never stop—my husband sometimes puts his hand on my head and tells me to stop thinking for a second, but I can’t stop because it’s my nature! 

For more information and to subscribe, visit the brand’s website and follow them on Instagram: @repechage

[Images courtesy of Repêchage®]

Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk