We asked Roshanne; founder of The Glowcery some questions about her journey into skincare and what it means to her:
What inspired you to start The Glowcery, and how did your journey into natural skincare begin?
Honestly, I didn’t plan to start a skincare brand. I was just a stressed-out lawyer trying to piece myself back together. When I went vegan and started paying attention to what I was eating, the penny dropped, why wasn’t I holding my skincare to the same standard? That curiosity quickly turned into frustration when I realised how many products were full of junk ingredients (petrochemicals, parabens, microplastics and silicones) that offer little to no nutritional benefit to your skin, wellbeing or the environment. That sense of betrayal led me to retrain as a Natural Skincare Formulator and The Glowcery was born out of a need for skincare that actually cares for your skin the way real food does for your body.
Can you share a pivotal moment that shaped your vision for the brand?
There was this one day I was scanning the back of a “natural” product, and I realised that the first ingredient was mineral oil a derivative of petroleum that we put in our cars. That’s when it really clicked. I knew I wanted to create something different, something with integrity. That moment pushed me to prioritise transparency and wholesome, nutrient-rich ingredients from day one.
How did your background influence the way you approached creating a beauty brand rooted in wellness?
Coming from law, I was trained to question everything and never take things at face value, which came in handy when I started digging into the beauty industry. I approached building The Glowcery the same way I’d approach a legal case: with research, clarity, and a healthy dose of skepticism. Wellness became my foundation because I was literally trying to heal mentally, physically, and emotionally from the stresses of corporate. The brand reflects that whole-person approach.
Sustainability is a big part of The Glowcery’s DNA — how do you balance eco-conscious practices with running a growing business?
It’s definitely a balancing act, and sometimes it means taking the longer or more expensive route, but it’s always worth it. I think long-term. Every decision, from packaging to ingredient sourcing, is about creating harmony between self-care and planet care. We’re not perfect, but we’re intentional. Growth doesn’t have to come at the cost of our values.
Your products are packed with superfood ingredients — what’s your process for selecting them?
I always start with a question: What is the benefit of this product? Then using my formulation skills and knowledge I dig deeper. I look for ingredients that align with that overarching benefit goal and that are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and naturally nourishing properties, things that bring skin back into balance without overwhelming it. Cold-pressed oils, fruit extracts, and raw butters are my go-tos because they work in harmony with your skin, and the environment not against it.
What does “clean beauty” mean to you, and how do you ensure your products align with that philosophy?
For me, even though I don’t use the word “clean” in The Glowcery’s marketing (as it has been hijacked by greenwashing beauty brands) “clean beauty” for me isn’t about being trendy, it’s about being honest. It’s about understanding exactly what you’re putting on your skin and why it’s there. I avoid unnecessary nonsense, fillers, and ultra-processed ingredients that disrupt your skin’s natural balance. I’m also conscious of the ingredients' environmental impact. Clean beauty should feel like second nature, effortless, nourishing, and harmonious.
How did it feel to be part of Handpicked by Nubian Skin?
It felt amazing! Nubian Skin has been such a trailblazer in reshaping the fashion landscape by creating space for women of colour to be seen and celebrated. It was validating, not just for me, but for the message behind The Glowcery. We’re proving that there is room for brands rooted in integrity, purpose and wellness.
What do you think connects The Glowcery and Nubian Skin at a deeper level?
At our core, we’re both about reclaiming space in an industry that hasn’t always made room for us. We prioritise inclusion, representation, and honesty. Both brands challenge the status quo and empower people to feel seen, nurtured, and in control of their beauty and fashion journeys.
What’s been one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a founder, and how did you overcome it?
Letting go of perfectionism. In law, everything had to be airtight. But when you’re building something from scratch, you’ve got to learn to trust the process, make decisions, and move forward, even if things aren’t 100% perfect. I’ve learned to give myself grace and stay connected to why I started in the first place.
What moment made you stop and think, “Wow, this is really happening”?
It was probably seeing our products ITV This Morning with Sarah Jossel Beauty Editor at The Sunday Times Style. That, our numerous beauty awards and reading DMs from our community who say The Glowcery helped them feel confident in their skin again. Moments like these remind me that this isn’t just a cute idea. This is impact.
What advice would you give to other women who want to start their own brand?
Start messy. Don’t wait until everything is perfect, because it never will be. Trust your gut, stay rooted in your why, and build something that feels true to you. And surround yourself with people who get it, founder life can be lonely, but community makes all the difference.
What’s one misconception about clean beauty or natural skincare you’d love to set straight?
That it doesn’t work. People still assume that natural skincare is all ineffective, but that’s just not true. Think about it, with the clean eating movement, we trust natural, whole foods to nourish our bodies and support our health, so why wouldn’t we do the same for our skin, our largest organ? When you use ingredients that are cold-pressed and nutrient-dense, like the ones in our products, you feed your skin exactly what it needs. Natural skincare isn’t fluffy. It’s effective when formulated with purpose.
