| Treat Yourself Find Epicuren retailers across Orange County on the company website. :: epicuren.com |
There’s a decent chance that the last time you had a really good facial or skin treatment, Epicuren was involved. Not because Epicuren has been around for so long (30 years this year) or even because it is based in Orange County (Laguna Hills). But mainly because the popular skin care brand is just so good.
And while it may come as a surprise that a company that has made a name for itself all the way to Moscow could have started so very small, it did. “The business started in my home in Mission Viejo,” says Colleen Lohrman, CEO of Epicuren Discovery. “[We] did not have a distribution center or manufacturing facility, so instead, we decided to set up shop in the kitchen of my home, and remained there until 1999.”
Lohrman co-founded Epicuren with developmental scientist Robert Heiman, who was inspired by his own struggles with his skin to find effective skin care solutions. In his research, Heiman came across a burn study boasting positive results from a protein solution, which was later developed into the Metadermabolic Enzyme – the basis of Epicuren’s product line.
Since then, Epicuren has expanded and evolved, while still holding on to its core philosophies, including a dedication to the planet and healthy skin. We had the opportunity to find out from Lohrman how Epicuren has changed – and how it has stayed the same:
Why did you found Epicuren?
Robert brought this amazing new concept to me [Metadermabolic Enzyme] because he knew we had a shared passion for natural healing, wellness and making a difference in life. With my professional experience with Continental Airlines as a flight attendant, I knew firsthand about business integrity and the true art of customer experience. I took my understanding and applied it to the development of this new concept, creating Epicuren Discovery. Robert’s scientific background and drive, paired with my passion for aromatherapy, well-being and humanity proved to be the perfect cocktail for creativity. Ahead of our time, we made sure to use natural ingredients that harmonized with an environmentally-aware approach. Customer experience, wellness, environmental awareness, and evolution became the backbone of the company, all of which still remain Epicuren’s core priorities.
Describe those early days.
When we started the business I had to remain with Continental in order to provide financial support to keep the doors open. The company’s humble beginning utilized a very small group of people to run all the aspects of the business. Basically, the same people who answered the phones also packaged and delivered the products; we did it all! Most of these same employees have grown with me and are still with me today.
In addition to spas and salons, Epicuren is available in doctor’s offices as well?
Our overall suggestive approach to skin care is that it is based in health and wellness. We believe that through proper education one can take an active role and assist in skin’s healing, thus enhancing [the customer’s] well-being. [We’re] focused on both prevention and corrective healing; for example, a wrinkle is viewed as an injury to the skin. Epicuren has products that can either assist with prevention or correction of this injury.
How do your products stand apart?
The main difference that sets us apart from any other line is Epicuren’s enzyme protein complex, referred to as the Metadermabolic Enzyme. It’s the heart of the Epicuren line. This enzyme is a protein that is combined with a water-born solution of B vitamins to create “a protein with intelligence.” The Metadermabolic Enzyme encourages the skin to self-rejuvenate, similarly to how aerobic exercise supports your metabolism. Your largest organ, the skin, is replenished, receiving antioxidants and moisture, naturally resulting in a more youthful, vibrant appearing skin.
How is your company green?
At Epicuren Discovery, we strongly believe in fair trade social awareness. The intention of fair trade is to import goods and raw materials from developing countries so that they may improve their quality of life, economic status and financial independence in the world. One of Epicuren’s core company priorities is environmental awareness. As a company, we truly care about the environment and the health of our earth. The environmental impact of our decisions is continuously taken into account throughout all facets of our business. It is our belief that no effort is too small and that the accumulation of every little effort is what makes the largest positive impact.
