Wendy McLennan and Bobbie Jo Van Ruskenveld: Today’s Notable Young Entrepreneurs

Elevator Pitch: Describe your business in a nutshell.
Visage de Bebe specializes in highly effective anti-aging skincare serums and we are about to launch a third product, which is a Ceramide infused face cream. Serum C is our signature product, which is unique as the client activates the formula when they are ready to use it, meaning it’s the most effective formulation on the market today. Vitamin C serum is the most important serum you can add to your skincare regime as it’s proven to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and restore a youthful glow to the skin.

Why did you start your business, what was the inspiration?
We were tired of buying expensive products that didn’t always do what they claimed. After countless hours of researching product formulations, Wendy and I started making our own Vitamin C serum. We immediately started to receive compliments from friends and strangers alike about how our skin glowed and looked amazing. We knew we had something special and it was after a few years and a few bottles of wine that we decided to launch our company. 

Our mandate has always been to bring the most effective products to the market at an affordable price.  We were buying Vitamin C serums for over $130 for 30ml and after our research we discovered that Vitamin C begins to oxidize from the day it’s mixed, so we were buying a product that was somewhere in the oxidization process or completely in-effective.

What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
The best part is talking about our company and serums to strangers and getting them excited about our products. Also, it makes our day every time a client tells us how much they love our product and how their skin is now “glowing” and how they would not live without out our serums.

The most challenging part for both of us is juggling a new business with our already established careers in our respective fields. 

Where do you see your business going in five years?
In five years our product will be sold in stores, spas and salons throughout North America and perhaps worldwide. Our brand will be a household name.  

What does success look like to you?
As active women, success is having the time, freedom and financial ability to travel and run our businesses from wherever we want in the world.

What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
Having our products sold in our first retail location, and most recently a high-end spa taking us on as their main product line.

Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Go for your dreams, don’t hold back, do what you are passionate about. If it seems scary, it is, but do it anyway and you will never look back. Success is derived from courage, drive, energy, passion, ambition, enthusiasm, excitement, initiative, discipline, a dream and enough self-confidence to keep trying…so go for it!

Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
We are currently talking to a specific charity to see if we are a good fit for each other. We have always been passionate about the prevention of human trafficking and this is where we will focus some of our charitable efforts. We also contribute to The Tooth Fairy Children’s Foundation

What is Notable to you?
To be able to meet and work collaboratively with like-minded people who have drive, passion and the courage to go after their dreams. 

Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
BBJ – BlackBerry
Wendy – iPhone 

How do you keep active, energetic, and vibrant?
Eating well, golf, biking, gym, walking, our busy schedules – and a glass of wine a day!