[12] Skincare R&D in a Hotel, Pharma to Holistic, & Why Simple Works | Natalie Gardner of Dr. Doug's

Natalie's husband, Dr. Doug, formulated a 7-ingredient balm in a hotel room while preparing for an ultra-marathon. What was meant to be used for himself started as a side-business, and ultimately turned into Natalie leaving a multi-decade career in pharma and biotech to help run the business.As a team, they eventually earned trust from dermatologists, holistic practitioners, and endurance athletes with their brand Dr. Doug's Balms. She breaks down what it actually takes to scale a wellness brand without compromising values.The conversation explores education-first e-commerce, resisting “bright shiny objects,” navigating AI’s impact on small brands, and why witnessing your product change lives in person is still the most meaningful KPI.Guest Bio:Natalie is the co-founder of Dr. Doug’s Balms, a neurologist-developed body care brand built around clean ingredients, real science, and products people actually finish. With a background in biotech and pharma, she leads brand, education, and growth while her husband, Dr. Doug, a neurologist and endurance athlete, oversees formulation and R&D. Together, they’re building a trusted wellness brand that turns complex science into simple, effective recovery and skincare solutions.Connect with Natalie:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nygardnerLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/drdougsbalms/ Website: https://www.drdougs.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drdougs/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdougsbalmsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYKoVKFiUiTi5Jdsx6UOLpQConnect with Jordan:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jspensirLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordanscarrollFollow Wellness Founders:Website: https://www.wellnessfounders.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellnessfoundersSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5YjVR6OICHSlx03nsEnNMlApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wellness-founders-podcast/id1842965990 Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2531665/free_share_page