Building a Skincare Brand: Charles Mayfield on Launching Farrow

Send us Fan MailCut The Tie Podcast with Thomas HelfrichCharles Mayfield, founder of Farrow Skin, shares how an unexpected discovery turned into a thriving business. From regenerative farming to using pig fat for skincare, Charles breaks down his journey of innovation, challenges, and scaling his business.About Charles Mayfield:Charles is the founder and CEO of Farrow Skin, a pioneering brand using pig fat (lard) as a natural skincare solution. He also works in risk mitigation and insurance, blending his passion for health, farming, and business into his entrepreneurial journey.In this episode, Thomas and Charles discuss:From Farming to SkincareA brutal sunburn led Charles to experiment with lard, and the results were astonishing. What started as curiosity became the foundation for Farrow Skin, leveraging the benefits of pig fat for skin health.The Science Behind Lard-Based SkincarePig fat is biologically similar to human skin, allowing it to absorb quickly without clogging pores. Unlike commercial skincare loaded with preservatives, lard-based products naturally balance pH and provide essential nutrients.Scaling a Unique ProductCharles shares the challenges of growing a niche skincare brand—from handcrafting products to considering large-scale production while maintaining quality.The Business of Clean IngredientsUnlike mass-market skincare, Farrow focuses on ethically sourced ingredients. Charles emphasizes the importance of sustainable farming, explaining how animal health directly impacts product quality.Faith, Family, and EntrepreneurshipBuilding a business while managing a divorce and parenting isn’t easy. Charles reflects on how faith helped him navigate personal and professional challenges, keeping him grounded during growth.Key Takeaways:Nature Knows BestLard is the most bio-compatible fat for human skin, providing deep nourishment without artificial chemicals or preservatives.Slow Growth = Quality GrowthCharles prioritizes quality over speed, ensuring every batch meets high standards before expanding into larger markets.Consumer Education is KeyMost people don’t associate pig fat with skincare, so education is crucial. Charles uses storytelling and direct customer interaction to shift perceptions."I started this company because lard worked on my sunburn. I’m still here because it works on everything else."— Charles MayfieldCONNECT WITH CHARLES MAYFIELD:Website: https://farrow.shop/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-mayfield-34a5972/CONNECT WITH THOMAS HELFRICH:X (Twitter): https://x.com/CutTheTieX Facebook: http://facebook.com/groups/CutTheTieInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/cutthetiecommunity/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cutthetieYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cutthetieLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomashelfrich/CutTheTie.comSupport the showhttps://www.youtube.com/@cutthetie