E030 C3 - How a Brand Works to Transform Stigma to Stunning to Connect with the Alopecia Community with Melissa Stern

Today's guest is Melissa Stern. She and her partner, Adam are the founders of C3 Comprehensive Cranium Care. I met Melissa in person last year at the NAAF conference. She wanted to introduce their head wash to the alopecia community in a more formal way, and she was looking for advice on how to do that. I'll admit, when I saw the email, I was a bit skeptical. Over the years, I've been asked to promote product a lot, and if I don't have supportive testimonials from the alopecia community and a personal experience, I just don't do it. I got to know Melissa, and she allowed me to ask a lot of questions, not only about their head wash, which was never intended to be for people living with alopecia, their mission statement, and I asked her if she had done more extensive tests for people who have skin issues with their scalp. I am a mama-bear of sorts and super protective about responsible product recommendations. I kind of put her through the ringer, and she handled it with an extremely open mind, allowing my questions for the alopecia community to guide how she might present it at the conference.  Other key points about us:— Chicago-based indie grooming brand— Certified cruelty free by Leaping Bunny / USDA BioPreferred certification in process / made in USA— Certified woman owned business— We donate 1% of proceeds to The Children's Alopecia ProjectUse code ALOPECIALIFE for 50% off entire first purchaseUsing this link will automatically apply the discount to the shopping cart: https://cranium.care/discount/ALOPECIALIFE or people can enter the code at checkout.www.cranium.careInstagram: @cranium.careFB: https://www.facebook.com/craniumcarePinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/craniumcare/ Comprehensive Cranium Care® (C3) is transforming bald from stigma to stunning with the premier line of skincare products for bald, shaved and buzzed domes.  Whether you're bald by choice or by circumstance, you deserve a stellar grooming experience that addresses your unique skincare needs. Our vision for C3 is informed by the varied experiences of our customers, and our concern for human and environmental health. That's why our products are formulated to be simple and effective, with nothing artificial -- no b.s., and no marketing nonsense. Beyond providing excellent products, C3’s bald positive #OwnYourDome movement speaks to countless men and women experiencing hair loss, and empowers them to know that they can look and feel amazing just the way they are. Support the showAlopecia Life provides free resources for school and home education, including a growing list of alopecia books, education videos on YouTube, links to support groups within the US, UK, Canada and more. You will also find access to Head-On, Stories of Alopecia, the Alopecia 101 free course, paid Alopecia Roadmap course for parents of children living with alopecia, and personalized coaching. Together, we can make a difference. To find out more, https://www.alopecialife.com/