Luxury skin care line makes official debut in the suburbs
A new suburban-based luxury skin care company is drastically different from the makeup catalogs your mom used to order from, according to the Naperville founder. Harold Zimmerman launched Votre Vu, a direct selling company, because he felt the skin care market was underserved. While researching the concept, he looked to Europe where facial care is far more important than here.
"French women have been babying their skin for years," said Zimmerman, 38.
He partnered with a family-owned lab outside Paris, France, which now serves as manufacturer. The French laboratory boasts more than 80 years of research and development expertise, creating formulations in small, artisan batches.
Items used in the products include flower and plant extracts, avocado and jojoba oils, vitamin E and marine collagen are just a few of the items used in the products.
"They care about making products that work. They wanted to get into the U.S.," Zimmerman said.
Votre Vu, based in Sugar Grove, is making that happen with a line of 50 products with a heavy emphasis on anti-aging facial creams that are botanically based. A soft product launch took place in September with the official opening taking place last week.
Nearly 1,400 independent contractors have already been hired to sell the product. The cost for a consultant to get on board is $99.
Zimmerman reported nearly $1 million in retail sales in the first two months.
Ann Brodette of Naperville serves as vice president of sales for the growing company while Jean Louise Lilly of Hawthorn Woods is executive consultant handling product development and marketing.
One of the more popular products has been Duette, a combination lip balm and hand cream with a mirror. It sells for $38.
"This has blown out the doors," Brodette said.
The products are mainly designed for women age 30 and older.
"Our focus is on staples and the four skin types as well as a hefty amount to anti-aging products," Zimmerman said.
The Snapdragon beauty beverage, the only product not made in France, is also a top seller. A two-pack of 30-ounce bottles, selling for $23, is a blend of anti-aging fruits and botanicals.
All the products can be purchased online or through consultants at home parties, called soirees, with a fun, not pushy, atmosphere, Lilly said.
Before launching Votre Vu, Zimmerman co-founded a $15 million consulting firm that provides creative business and software solutions to direct selling companies. His Naperville-based Next Wave Logistics assists Votre Vu with its overall business strategy, video production, creative and other services. The operators of skin care business believe they have a recession proof company. "Studies show that people are still spending money on luxury products," said Zimmerman, an Eastern Illinois University graduate.
"People would rather get rid of the black bags under their eyes than get another black sweater," Lilly said.