From Literature Professor to Skincare Entrepreneur: Adeline Koh's Pivot

Academic to Entrepreneurial Pivot

• 🎓 Adeline Koh, a former literature professor at Stockton University, transitioned from academia to launch her own skincare business, Sabbatical Beauty.
• 💡 Her decision was driven by personal struggles with skin issues and a desire for a new professional path, even after achieving tenure.

Skincare Philosophy and Formulation

• 🌿 Sabbatical Beauty combines Eastern herbal traditions, inspired by Koh's Singaporean roots, with western cosmetic science.
• 🔬 Koh personally formulates products, emphasizing high concentrations of quality ingredients to deliver visible results quickly.
• 💧 The brand contrasts with many in the industry by prioritizing active botanicals over water as the primary ingredient.

Product Inspiration and Naming

• 📚 Hero Botanicals are central to the product line, with names drawing from literature and personal connections.
• 🎭 The Dorian Gray serum is inspired by the tale of eternal youth, while the Asian powerhouse serum is likened to her grandmother's nourishing soups.

Business Origins and Vision

• 🤝 Sabbatical Beauty began as a grassroots co-op, with Koh initially providing products to friends and colleagues.
• ✨ Koh aims for an inclusive and diverse definition of beauty, focusing on improving skin health over maximizing profit.