Jean Michel believes helping people to age beautifully is the best thing. He combines technology and science to create skin rejuvenating products.
What’s your story?
I have always worked in the life science industry. I really like the use of technology and science to designed products helping doctors and nurses impact people’s lives positively. This is what inspires me. In my research and business ventures I had the opportunity to learn more about the “science of the skin” and realized how much “noise” there is in the cosmetics industry around this. Beyond the mass market offering, you have fantastic and truly effective products existing out there. The question is “how do we bring them to the customers?” This is what we do at Haute Swiss Cosmetics. We curate highly effective products from brands that are born in science and nature with that very strong Swiss heritage of being, at the forefront of skin rejuvenation.
What excites you most about your industry?
What is better than helping people to age beautifully and see your customers coming back delighted and displaying confidence provided by radiant skin?
The need for effective skincare products will continue to grow by virtue of demographic, climate change and urban lifestyle. It will be more and more important to advise people on the importance of using the right product and find the right solution for them. It is very rewarding to think that we are helping our customers to protect such a vital organ, the skin.
What’s your connection to Asia?
I have been travelling privately in the region for over 2 decades and my wife and I are truly fascinated by the culture, the philosophy and natural wonders you can find here. Business wise I have been setting up businesses and managing teams in various locations in the region for over 5 years and settled in Singapore last year.
Favourite city in Asia for business and why?
Singapore, so far for sure. It is a very business friendly country with the right attitude and no nonsense approach. In addition, Singapore is a truly multicultural place and you can easily assess what will work best, or not, in other countries in the region.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
“Listen before you speak.”
Who inspires you?
I had the chance in my career to have a few mentors who have been really inspirational. Anonymous leaders who displayed a sense of gratitude, humbleness and respect for others whilst having great business acumen.
What have you just learnt recently that blew you away?
I recently read a book on Quantum Biology which postulates on the application of quantum physics principles to biology. This is really something!
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
Study more, waste less time, work smarter, spend more time with my family. I would also be truly grateful for all the great moments I have been privileged to in life.
How do you unwind?
Walking in the open air, meditating and watching my kids grow up…
Favourite Asian destination for relaxation? Why?
Bali! There is a natural reserve in the very north west of the island. I had the best scuba diving experience there.
Everyone in business should read this book:
The Blue Ocean Strategy from Chan Kin and Renee Maugorgne.
Shameless plug for your business:
Example Client: “Hi, I am 50 years old and the beauty advisor proposed me the same product that my daughter of 25 years old uses! I dont feel I have been advised in the right way.”
Haute Swiss Cosmetics: Right, go to Haute Swiss Cosmetics, with their wide range of products they are as closed to personalized skincare as you can get.
How can people connect with you?
Email: [email protected]
https://sg.linkedin.com/pub/jean-michel-deckers/14/374/901
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This interview was part of the Callum Connect’s column found on The Asian Entrepreneur:
Callum Laing invests and buys small businesses in a range of industries around Asia. He has previously started, built and sold half a dozen businesses and is the founder & owner of Fitness-Buffet a company delivering employee wellness solutions in 12 countries. He is a Director of, amongst others, Key Person of Influence. A 40 week training program for business owners and executives.
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