Inspiring Conversations with Gunilla Nilsson-Ross

Today we’d like to introduce you to Gunilla Nilsson-Ross.

Hi Gunilla, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was born and raised in Sweden. My parents were hardworking and encouraged me when I earned my esthetics credentials in 1962. By the time I moved to Denver, CO, from Sweden in the early ’70s, I was already an experienced esthetics instructor with professional credentials from England as well as Sweden. I was dismayed to discover that working with esthetics in the US was exclusively licensed within cosmetology, so there was no equivalent for my UK accreditations to transfer. I decided Colorado needed an esthetics school and my experience as an esthetics instructor truly came in handy.

After earning my cosmetology license, I worked with the Colorado Board of Licensing to author the first Aesthetics Education program and state board Aesthetics Exam. This enabled state licensure for those aspiring to a professional esthetics career separate from cosmetology. My work was then used by other states for the creation of their separate esthetics programs, as well. After working in the industry for a while, I began to realize the skincare market was lacking the organic and botanical content I was accustomed to in Sweden. With my passion for skincare and my knowledge of Swedish natural treatments, I started Gunilla of Sweden® Professional Skincare in 1987. We started with LEROSETT® for professional acne care and a year later, GUNILLA® for professional skincare. For over 20 years, I have sold my products exclusively to licensed skincare and medical professionals. But in 2012, when my son Fred joined my company, we began selling directly to customers online.

Today, as a family-owned and operated company, Gunilla of Sweden® has grown its brand reputation and product selection, increasing from one to over 23 individual items within two product lines: LEROSETT® for acne and GUNILLA® for skincare. We use no unnecessary chemicals like benzoyl peroxide or other harsh ingredients, and because of this, our products can be custom mixed for personalized treatment combinations. Our customer loyalty comes from our commitment to this exceptional level of great product quality, effectiveness, and the kind of personal customer service only a family-owned company can offer.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I have been fortunate to build my business with fellow hard-working people who shared my passion and beliefs. When I began, skincare in the US was not as segmented as it is today. For years I went to all of the conventions and conferences and built the majority of my original professional client base from meeting them face to face. I have witnessed many scientific advances and trends in skincare, but because the basic principles of my formulations are precise and the high-quality ingredients I choose are clean and natural, they have remained as paragons in the field. Some companies release stylish new products for trending treatments with niche ingredients every month or year. But I have found that the efficacy of my products has stood the test of time because they have been formulated with intentionality and the shared knowledge and experience from my career and the many professionals I have been fortunate to work with throughout the years.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Gunilla of Sweden® has created professional-grade organic skincare since 1987. Our commitment to ingredient quality and efficacy brings out the most potential from the skin for outstanding long-term results. For the first 20 years, Gunilla of Sweden®’s products were available to physicians, licensed professionals, and medical spas exclusively. Today, we offer everyone the same sophisticated yet straightforward, professional botanical skincare to feed, heal, and renew the skin. Why? Because we recognize that clearer, youthful, and more beautiful skin is vital for a healthier, more content life.

How do you think about happiness?
Educating people about skin health and seeing their self-esteem flourish has always made me happy because my passion has always been helping people. With all that I’ve learned in my many years as a skin care professional, it is impossible to ignore the benefits of botanical ingredients that nourish skin to health. It is no wonder that healthy skin is beautiful skin.

Pricing:

• LEROSETT® Organic Clay – $26.95
• GUNILLA® Ceramides Cream – $37

Contact Info:

• Email: customers@gunillaofswede.com
• Website: www.gunillaofsweden.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/gunillaofsweden
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GunillaofSwedenSkinCare/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/GunillaofSweden
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtjbRjtBvjthx_536dXwjNQ