Contestant's Case to Win

After a close friend was diagnosed with skin cancer at age 29, and he explained that it was his exposure to the damaging rays of the sun in his childhood that were responsible for his condition, I began research that ultimately led to the launch of Doctor T's Supergoop! collection of DAILY moisturizing products with SPF. Reflecting on a childhood with frequent sun exposure, and even the occasional blistering sunburn, my friend's diagnoses impacted me greatly and created a passion in me to further explore this topic.

As I learned more about the potential effects of sun exposure, I discovered that it is not only the periodic sun exposure when on the beach or at the pool, that is the most hazardous, but the cummulative DAILY exposure to the UVA and UVB rays which would cause sun spots, wrinkles, moles or even life threatening cancer. More than 90% of our cummulative exposure to the sun comes from this daily exposure with which few people concern themselves. It was clear to me that we need to change the way we think about sun protection.

Educating families that incidental daily sun exposure can lead to permanent damage to the skin's genes and DNA was the basic first step for brand Supergoop! Shortly after learning that not all sun care products on the market offered broad spectrum DNA protection, that did not quickly break down when exposed to light, we went into 18 months of research and development with leading physicians(including my father-in-law, aka "Doctor T"), and chemists in the world of sun safety.

As a mom, selecting certified organic ingredients for the lotion base was critical. In our focus groups, we listened carefully to other moms, as well as fathers, who had different expectations, truly contributing to what would become a "super" suncare product for the entire family.

I quickly enlisted the help of my sister, Kelly (a super mom as well!), and we began branding our “cool” yet effective formula that both parents and children could enjoy on a daily basis.

Everything from our product's name, Supergoop!, to its modern, clean logo and cartoon representation of "Doctor T" are designed to support the concept that the entire family would want to apply this product everyday. In our first year on the shelves, Supergoop! received the prestigious Gold Triangle Award for Excellence in Sun Safety from the American Academy of Dermatology, which is an amazing achievement for us.

In early 2007 we launched our line in high-end boutiques as well as online for brand Supergoop! and have since received fantastic reviews from the media, celebrities and other moms looking to help their children form healthy habits at a young age. We now have wholesale relationships with over 260 high-end retailers, spas, resorts and physician offices nationwide. This Spring '09 we hit the shelves at Barneys NY stores and will be soon shipping to Nordstrom! iParenting Media Awards named Doctor T's Supergoop! an Outstanding New Product and we made the Sprig TOP TEN list for Green & Healthy Sunscreens in 2008.

Kelly and I consider ourselves very lucky, in the sense that we get to develop and work day to day with a business that we are truly passionate about, we have the opportunity to work together as a family, and we are helping our own young kido's form good skin care regimens at an early age.

We look forward to changing the way the world views sun protection, one sun-safe product at a time!

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