Behind the Brand: Doctor Rogers

One of the brands featured in our August/September box is Doctor Rogers. We are obsessed with the Restore Healing Balm, and wanted to learn more about this new skincare and personal care product before for everyday use! 

We chatted with founder and creator Doctor Heather D. Rogers about her why she started and the values behind her brand.  

Why and how did you start Doctor Rogers?

I started Doctor Rogers Skin Care Solution to meet a need for my patients, friends, family and myself. 

What do you use to help your skin heal?

Many people think of over the counter antibiotic ointments like Neosporin or Bacitracin but I see allergic reactions to these products every week. Plus, given their widespread use for over 40 years bacteria are resistant to them so they are not helping to prevent infection. Pediatricians and Plastic Surgeons often recommend Aquaphor. Aquaphor contains lanolin, something I see allergic reactions to regularly as well. Many dermatologists (including myself until recently) recommend plain petroleum jelly because the risk of allergy is low. But this is just a fossil fuel that occludes the skin. We all deserved a better option; one that is hypoallergenic, plant-based and most importantly more effective. Doctor Rogers RESTORE® Healing Balm is exactly that and we now have the clinical studies prove it!

The overwhelming excitement for the balm made me realize there really is a need for these types of products, even in the very saturated beauty market. We are now making the best of the basics in skin care products with a face wash, face cream and body cream… all safe, effective and plant-based.

You are committed to being a sustainable, nontoxic and cruelty free brand. Please share why this is important to you.

These words are all over the beauty industry but when you really dig in you realize that most are being used as a marketing tactic and not core company values. Ingredients are improving but packaging has a long way to go. I did not start this company to become rich and famous or trick my patients into buying my products. I started this to make better products in better packaging that people could feel good about using for themselves and their families. I would rather not make a product than make one that is just another irritating or synthetic option in a pretty package that ends up in the landfill.  It took 3 years and over 30 batches to make my face wash because I refused to compromise on my brand values and I firmly believe if something is worth doing it is worth doing right.

My brand values:

What is the most fun part of your business?

There are many. I love problem solving, being part of team, moving toward goals. But after a long day when maybe none of these things happened, reading a review or email from a customer sharing how much they love RESTORE Healing Balm always makes me smile.

What is the most challenging part of your business?     

There are two.

First, I am not a saleswoman and feel uncomfortable promoting products. We make better products and I just expect that will be enough, but it is not.

Second, I have too many jobs. I work full time as a dermatologic surgeon, I own my practice with 16 employees so there are a lot of administrative duties to manage outside of patient care.  Then RESTORE can be a full-time job.   For me, the greatest challenge is juggling all the different business components, giving each the attention they deserve and while prioritizing the one thing I will not sacrifice, having time to play with my husband and children.

What three words best describes you?

That is hard. How about three facets of my personality?

Principled/Moral

Passionate/Driven

Optimistic/Compassionate/Loving

Who is your lifestyle icon?  

I am inspired by successful women with amazing jobs and families who are still honest about the messy process of making it all work.

Sheryl Sandberg

Arianna Huffington

Michelle Obama

Gwyneth Paltrow

Victoria Beckham

What advice do you have for other entrepreneurs?  

Figure out your strengths and weakness and ask for help you where need it. I know the skin, good skin care products and what I am trying to create.  But, I am terrible at marketing and know nothing about the inner workings of the beauty industry. I am lucky to have found partner in Michelle Olsen who is outstanding at both but we still need someone to proof read everything!