1. How did Inouïe start? What motivated them to take the first step?
We have been friends for about 20 years and have always had a passion for cosmetics, which has brought us even closer together. The difficulty in finding distinct, innovative and transparent brands on the market, together with the difficulty that many people have in choosing the most suitable products for their skin, was what motivated us to create Inouïe. We wanted to offer a space that provided access to excellent brands, with quality formulations and effective ingredients, combined with our Beauty Coach service. As pharmacists, we consider it essential to provide personalized advice, adapted to the needs of each skin type.
2. What were the biggest challenges you faced when starting Inouïe?
There were so many challenges! From the beginning, we had to contact the brands, and it was difficult because we didn't have a store or a history, which made the process more demanding. Brands are very selective about the locations where they are present. Furthermore, as pharmacists, we had to learn to do everything: marketing, finance, design, management… All the money we had saved went to invest in inventory, and the rest, we had to put our hands to work.
3. What are the criteria for selecting brands at Inouïe?
All the brands we have at Inouïe are carefully tested before being selected. Our choice is always based on the quality and effectiveness of the products. Many of the brands we work with are relatively new to the market, and in such a competitive sector, their focus must be on innovation and excellence, to add real value to our customers. We only choose those that have the mission of bringing something new and different, always with the aim of offering the best to those who seek us out.
4. What does it mean to you to reach Inouïe’s 6th birthday?
Reaching our 6th anniversary represents a lot of effort, dedication and the support of an incredible community that we have created over the years. We take great pride in our clients and the relationships we have established. We still have a long way to go, and our goal is to continue growing and reaching even more people.
5. How does Inouïe differentiate itself from other brands in the beauty market?
Our difference lies in proximity, transparency and trust. We offer personalized pharmaceutical advice and are committed to bringing you the best in cosmetics. We want to offer the best skin care to those who seek us out, and that's why we choose each product carefully, as if it were for ourselves.
6. What motivates you most when you see customers using Inouïe products in their daily lives?
It is a pleasure and a great happiness to know that we are on the right path. When we receive messages from our customers saying that they felt a difference in their skin when using Inouïe products, it confirms that we are making a difference in their lives.
7. What were the most memorable moments over these 6 years?
The most memorable moment was, after 2 years of work, we were finally able to launch our online store on April 20, 2019. It was a dream come true. After that, we had the privilege of experiencing incredible moments with all the partnerships and collaborations we made. And, of course, the Inouïe Moments event, which has become a landmark, providing a unique and different moment for our clients.
8. How do you see Inouïe in the future? What are the plans for the coming years?
We want to continue growing and reaching more people. We know that the market is very competitive and, in the digital world, it is not always easy. But we are committed to making our dream even bigger. In the coming years, we want to bring more distinctive brands to Inouïe and increase our physical presence, so that we can get to know our customers better and offer special moments.
9. What is the most rewarding part of being the founder of Inouïe?
It is a true privilege to be part of the daily lives of so many people and help with their skin care, making it even healthier and more luminous. Furthermore, being a pioneer in Portugal by providing access to so many incredible cosmetic brands, which were previously unknown, is something that gives us great satisfaction.
10. What do you love most about the products you offer at Inouïe? Do you have any favorite products?
It's hard to choose because there are so many products we love. However, no matter how much we experiment or change our routine, there are always some that come back. Skintegra Cica Cera is Ann's favorite, while Pestle&Mortar Pure Hyaluronic Serum is Mariana's favorite.
11. What do you hope customers feel when purchasing and using Inouïe products?
We hope customers feel unique and amazing, realizing that they are purchasing much more than cosmetics. We want them to feel like they are living special and precious moments for themselves.