A Day in the life of a Founder during the Circuit Breaker
Dear Meroskin Community,
I hope all of you and your loved ones are healthy and staying healthy. There has been a lot of talk about how retailers like myself are managing the business amidst all that is going on with the COVID-19 outbreak and this blog is meant to address my life as a Founder and how I am going through it all with my team in hopes that it becomes an inspiration for anyone who is reading it.
WE MAY BE APART, BUT I’VE NEVER BEEN CLOSER TO MY CUSTOMERS
I remembered the day when the first circuit breaker was announced. I was completely shattered by the news. I looked around my retail floor and peered through the glass window pane of the entrance door and imagined what it would really be like if International Plaza shuts down. This shop has become my home and my neighbours on every floor feels like family. I couldn't believe we had to pack up. We were not ready.
“Although I knew that while this was merely temporary, the future left me quite uncertain. But I have to press on and think about how to manage the business amidst all this crisis”
The first thing that I knew that was incredibly important was reassuring our customers that while the shop was closed physically, we will remain steadfast and help our customers with their queries especially on their appointments that they have already made and booked. There were so many of you; our loyal customers as well as new patrons who were excited to be with us for their treatments as well as facials. Believe me when I say, I was excited to welcome you too. You DMed us, some even Whatsapp us immediately. My team and I did our best to make sure that we reassured you that as soon as the circuit breaker is over, it would be business as usual.
“Then came another landslide…that the circuit breaker would be extended to 1st June”When this happened, I remembered exactly the feeling in my stomach. I couldn’t believe it myself. This meant that we would be away from our customers for close to 2 months. As hard as it was to accept this, I thought about the importance of truly social distancing ourselves from each other. This pandemic can only be stopped if we worked together as a society and as a community. I never thought for a slightest moment that I would have to be away from our retail floor for 2 months…
“But I felt that as a retailer with a brick and mortar shop, we need to be setting an example. We may be closed off to run our business as usual, but it does not mean that we are closed for business.”
When our doors are open in the future again, I endeavour to make bring that smile back amongst our customers. That rejuvenated feeling we consistently give our clients and serve you with the highest level of service. We may be away for 2 months from each other, but we never stop thinking of how best to welcome you back at Meroskin.
SHOPPING ONLINE AND PACKING YOUR GOODS AT NIGHT
Undeniably, our website has never been more crucial during this period. We saw a surge of traffic to our website (thank you!) and this proves that it was important to help you feel connected to Meroskin, even digitally. We had an amazing Mother’s Day campaign and the video that my team made almost made me tear.
So many orders came after we launched the campaign and there I was doing fulfilment, packing your orders in the middle of the night, and I thought to myself how incredibly blessed we are to have our customers continued loyal support no matter the season. We saw a surge of orders for our Dermapeutics product line too! I can’t wait to be sharing more videos on them on social media soon.
“It was also funny that Singpost announced that Smartpacs were completely sold out. I almost had a laugh thinking how was that even possible. But you never know what can happen these days either”
I hope the little surprises I have been slipping into your packages made you smile. These samplers are meant to ease you though this tough period for you to try some of the latest product that I have in store. Let me know what you think of them by tagging us on Instagram (insert link) or Facebook (insert link). Would love to repost all your stories. It helps me remain connected with you so that I know how much you enjoy them in the comforts of your own home.
YOUR SKINCARE REGIME DOES NOT STOP. IT STARTS RIGHT AT HOME.
It truly has been a journey these past few weeks. And while we may feel cooped up at home with all that is going on, please take this precious time to practice self-care. If you feel that there is a need to continue to ask me questions on how best to take care of your skin in this period, please feel free to hit the reply button! Would love to know what are some of your biggest concerns you may have at the moment. In the mean time here are my top 3 products that you can try right from the comforts of your home:
1. Feeling dehydrated and nor drinking enough?
Make it a point to start your day with a warm glass of water. Believe it or not drinking warm water in the morning raises your body's temperature and helps release toxins. This detoxification, is great for glowing skin and unclogged pores. Now if you are suffering from dry lips, you may wish to try our customer’s ultimate favourite remedy: Lip Repair Balm from Babor
This product is a cult favourite and at 20% off it’s quite a steal! This is an instant perk me up throughout our dreary day at home. Give this a go!
2. Does your skin feel dull in the middle of the day?
Let’s refresh it with Babor’s Rose Toning Essence
I’ve said it before and I’ve said it again, it is so crucial that toning your skin with quality toner is key to a healthy looking skin. Toners are often misunderstood and most people don't know if they should use it or how to use it. Well, I am here to reassure you that Toners are your skin’s secret weapon (it’s mine too) and all it takes is just 2 minutes of your time to lather this miracle water all over our face and neck. You will quickly realise that with Babor’s Rose Toning Essence, the aromatic smell of roses is emitted almost immediately after you unpack it from the box. I get excited every single time I take it out! Give it a go!
3. What to do while you Netflix?
Pamper yourself with the ultimate stay at home product: Dermapeutics Arbutin Brightening Serum
If you have never heard of Arbutin before, then allow me to introduce to you this phenomenal ingredient that is truly a game changer. But why is Arbutin so special? For one, it is gentler than any other skin-brightening ingredients in the world. Yes. In the world.
And what’s not to love about this serum? You can be doing anything at home and all it takes is a quick lather on your face with clean fingers of course and just feel the lighness of the liquid just absorbed deep in your skin. This has been my everyday go to serum. I never start go to sleep without it and I think you shouldn’t too. The morning after, my skin always looks brighter and even. A bonus? When I apply my foundation, it blends in much better without the cakey feeling we all hate! AND my foundation didn’t budge all day.
I am honoured to be serving you together with team when we could before the circuit breaker. I am enjoying my time reconnecting with my customers via blogging and hope that my musings and sharing continue to benefit our readers, no matter where you are. I can’t wait to welcome you to our retail floor with a smile and serve your our favourite chrysanthemum tea again. Thank you for all the amazing memories, let’s make new ones when we reopen our doors.
Lots of love,
Lydia Liu, Founder of Meroskin
