Podcast Summary: "Brutally Anna" – Episode: Why You Should Stop Thinking and Start Doing with Mathilde Thomas, Co-Founder of Caudalie
In this enlightening episode of Brutally Anna, host Anna Cai engages in a candid conversation with Mathilde Thomas and her husband Bertrand Thomas, the dynamic duo behind the beloved French skincare brand Caudalie. Released on January 20, 2025, this episode delves deep into the intertwined narratives of love, business, and personal growth, offering listeners invaluable insights into building a successful enterprise while maintaining a strong personal relationship.
1. Introduction to Mathilde and Bertrand Thomas
Anna Cai introduces Mathilde Thomas, the co-founder of Caudalie, highlighting the brand's innovative approach to skincare using grape seed extract and a commitment to clean beauty. She reveals her personal connection by sharing her experience spending a week in Bordeaux with the Thomas family, setting the stage for an intimate and informative discussion.
Notable Quote:
Anna Cai: "She’s the founder of the cult favorite French skincare company Caudalie... who we choose to love impacts not only our personal lives but also our professional ones."
[00:35]
2. The Beginnings of a Partnership
The conversation begins with the romantic origins of Mathilde and Bertrand's relationship. Bertrand recounts how they met in Paris shortly after high school, bonding over shared interests and academic pursuits.
Notable Quotes:
Bertrand Thomas: "We met back in the days in school, actually, right after high school, in Paris... He asked me, 'I could help you with your math.'"
[01:44]
Anna Cai: "That's his pickup line. 'I could help you with math.'"
[03:07]
Their relationship faced the test of long-distance during their college years, with Bertrand studying in Paris and Mathilde in Nice. Despite the challenges, their commitment endured, laying a strong foundation for both their personal and professional lives.
Notable Quote:
Bertrand Thomas: "We knew that if we could make it happen through the three years, it would be for the rest of our life. We knew that it was a good test. Long distance is a good test."
[05:18]
3. Founding Caudalie: A Leap of Faith
Against conventional advice, Mathilde and Bertrand launched Caudalie immediately after college, choosing to prioritize their entrepreneurial ambitions over traditional milestones like marriage. This bold move underscored their shared vision and mutual trust.
Notable Quotes:
Bertrand Thomas: "We just jumped in the water and then you figure out how to swim. We were so young at 23, we wouldn't have done it later in life because it's so complicated to launch a skincare brand in this highly competitive, fierce industry."
[09:23]
Mathilde Thomas: "You just didn't think. It's almost better. Just do it and see what happens."
[09:29]
Their family's influence played a significant role, with Bertrand sharing how powerful, financially independent women in his lineage inspired their path.
Notable Quote:
Bertrand Thomas: "I've been surrounded by powerful women who were working, who were financially independent. So it was a no-brainer."
[12:55]
4. Navigating Business and Marriage
Balancing a marital relationship with business partnership posed its own set of challenges. The Thomases share their strategies for maintaining harmony, emphasizing respect for each other's domains and effective communication.
Notable Quotes:
Bertrand Thomas: "We fight all the time, we disagree, yet we know how to work together. What's important is that he has his own field and I have mine."
[15:07]
Anna Cai: "I fight with my husband all the time... the ones who don't fight because they don't feel like they can bring up something are the relationships that are the most fragile."
[16:04]
The couple discusses minor disagreements, like the initial skepticism around their Beauty Elixir product, and how they navigate these conflicts constructively.
Notable Quote:
Bertrand Thomas: "This beauty elixir is a strange product... he was not happy about it... but he had to trust me because I knew it worked."
[17:37]
5. Product Development and Market Innovation
A significant portion of the discussion centers on Caudalie's flagship products, particularly the Beauty Elixir. Bertrand explains the product's origins, inspired by ancient techniques of using grapevine sap to enhance skin complexion, and its eventual success after creative marketing strategies.
Notable Quotes:
Bertrand Thomas: "We discovered this molecule because it was an ancient tradition... we were the first to use it in the beauty industry."
[37:55]
Anna Cai: "Don't listen to the experts. Just trust your gut."
[41:22]
They also touch upon the challenges of formulating effective sunscreens, sharing lessons learned from early product failures and subsequent successes.
Notable Quote:
Bertrand Thomas: "Sunscreen is complicated. It has to be FDA approved... now we have a fantastic sunscreen, 100% mineral, really good, that mattifies the skin."
[45:27]
6. Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Patience
The Thomases candidly discuss the financial and operational hurdles they faced in the early years of Caudalie. Breaking even took two years, a period during which they persevered despite initial losses and skepticism from peers and family.
Notable Quotes:
Bertrand Thomas: "It took us 30 years... when you start a business, you have to be patient."
[23:22]
Bertrand Thomas: "If you strongly believe that you have revolutionary products... you should never let go."
[55:00]
Their story serves as a testament to the importance of resilience and faith in one's vision, even when immediate success seems elusive.
7. Family Dynamics and Parenting Philosophy
Balancing family life with business responsibilities, the Thomases share their parenting approach, emphasizing the importance of both parents being involved and aligned in their parenting strategies. They discuss their daughters' upbringing and the values they instill regarding independence and partnership.
Notable Quotes:
Bertrand Thomas: "We are strong against this team. It’s important that both parents agree on the dog, on the kids, on whatever."
[25:21]
Anna Cai: "My parents always told me that the two most important decisions in your life are what you do and who you choose to do it with."
[14:09]
The Thomases also address cultural differences in relationships, reflecting on Anna's experiences and their own multicultural influences.
Notable Quotes:
Anna Cai: "I married someone who is culturally Chinese and fits in so well with my family."
[31:43]
Bertrand Thomas: "We lived in China, we lived in New York, and we lived in Hong Kong. I completely understand what you say about feeling too Chinese and dating American guys."
[31:56]
8. Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs and Women
Throughout the episode, both Anna Cai and the Thomases offer heartfelt advice to women navigating the complexities of career, relationships, and personal well-being. They emphasize the importance of balance, self-care, and unwavering belief in one's capabilities.
Notable Quotes:
Bertrand Thomas: "American women put so much pressure on themselves. You're already fantastic as you are."
[49:58]
Bertrand Thomas: "Make sure that you keep time for yourself... keep time for your loved one, keep time for your family."
[49:58]
Moreover, Bertrand shares his strategic approach to overcoming business obstacles, encouraging entrepreneurs to break down large challenges into manageable steps.
Notable Quote:
Bertrand Thomas: "You're going to climb Mount Everest. Look at Camp Base 1, Camp Base 2. Break it into achievable pieces."
[55:00]
9. Reflections on Success and Future Endeavors
As the conversation wraps up, the Thomases reflect on their journey, the evolution of Caudalie, and their continuous dedication to innovation in skincare. They discuss their ongoing commitment to clean beauty and the importance of staying connected with their team and customers.
Notable Quotes:
Bertrand Thomas: "Now we are very clean for skin and very clean for the planet."
[45:27]
Anna Cai: "You do not have to suffer to be beautiful."
[51:14]
Conclusion
This episode of Brutally Anna offers a profound look into the life and business of Mathilde and Bertrand Thomas. Their story is one of love, resilience, and unwavering dedication to their craft. Listeners are left inspired by their ability to balance personal relationships with professional ambitions, navigate challenges with grace, and maintain a steadfast belief in their vision. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a professional balancing multiple roles, or someone seeking inspiration to pursue your dreams, the Thomases' experiences provide valuable lessons on perseverance, partnership, and the beauty of embracing both personal and professional growth.
Follow the Thomases:
Connect with Anna Cai:
- Social Media: @maybeboth
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Note: This summary intentionally omits advertisements and non-content sections to focus solely on the meaningful dialogue and insights shared during the episode.