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- [00:00]
Podcast Announcer
You're listening to an iHeart podcast.
- [00:05]
Dansko Advertiser
It's sandal season at Dansco. That's right, Dansco, the iconic clog brand now offers sandals. Whether you're looking for stylish wedges, comfy flats or trendy cork sandals, Danceco has you covered. And don't miss the all new platform pro club. Visit Dansko D a n s k-o.com radio to explore Dansko's full range of supportive and fashionable footwear. From Dansko's iconic heritage clogs to the latest designs. Dansko's easy to wear slip ons and adjustable styles are made made to support you through even the busiest days. Plus enjoy free shipping and returns. Visit danskO-A-N-S-K-O.com radio today go almost everywhere.
- [00:42]
T-Mobile Advertiser
With the podcasts you love on T Mobile's network because T Mobile helps keep you connected from the heart of Portland to right where you are on America's largest 5G network. Switch now, keep your phone and T Mobile will pay it off up to $800 per line via prepaid card. Visit your local T Mobile location or learn more@t mobile.com KeepAndSwitch up to four lines via virtual prepaid card allowed 15 days qualifying unlocked device credit service report in 90 plus days device and eligible carrier and timely redemption required Card has no cash access and expires in six months.
- [01:11]
Ferris State University Advertiser
You see the world differently where others see empty lots, you see blueprints where others sit in lecture halls. Future leaders choose Ferris State University to build something real. Ready to dig in and learn through action. Ferris State gives you the tools, the team and training to unleash your potential with paths to high demand careers and in state tuition for non residents. At Ferris State State, students don't just study, they build. They lead. They succeed. Visit ferris. Edu Ferris State University we build champions.
- [01:42]
Rachel Zoe
We all have that piece. The one that's so you. You've basically become known for it. And if you don't know yet, fashionistas, you'll find it on ebay. That Miu Miu red leather bomber, the cousteau Barcelona cowboy top or that Patagonia fleece in the 2017 colorway. All these finds are all on ebay along with millions of more main character pieces backed by authenticity guarantee. Ebay is the place for pre loved and vintage fashion ebay things people love. Hi everyone, I'm Rachel Zo and you're listening to Climbing in Heels. This show is all about celebrating the most extraordinary superwomen who will be sharing their incredible Journeys to the top, all while staying glamorous. Today with me, we have one of my very dear friends who I just have so much respect for the beautiful soul of a human being, Dr. Barbara Sturm. She's an aesthetic doctor and founder and CEO of Dr. Barbara Sturm Molecular Cosmetics. I am so excited to speak with Barbara about how she balances her work life, her mom life, and what it's like to work together with her beautiful daughter. Because let's be honest, that is the dream. I'm so lucky. I'm surrounded by the most incredible women in my life. Some I've known my whole life, some I've known more recently. But I think what I want to understand a little bit, and I think the thing I really try to touch on in climbing in heels, is your journey to get to the top, all while still being so incredibly feminine and strong. And I mean, I have to just say, in your case, glamorous. I mean, you're like always dressed to the nines. Sometimes you'll wear like the sickest gown ever with heels, of course, but like no makeup. Like you just come in with that dewy, fresh skin. And so I want to really talk about like as a child, were you like Charlie, were you this like pretty little blonde blue eyed girl who had dreams or were you just like all over the place and had no idea, you know, like, how, how did, how did Barbara start as Barbara?
- [03:59]
Dr. Barbara Sturm
You see, I probably was more like Pepper. And by the way, first of all, you know, when someone has you as a friend and women or people like you, it's great because you lift people up on stage and you make them, you know, stand out and you know, give them, give them the audience. And that's great. You know, you really support women like me or people like me who come up with something extraordinary, you know, and you need that. You need those people who support you. Otherwise you can have the best products, but nobody hears or sees it, you know? Yeah, so that's, that's about you.
- [04:38]
Rachel Zoe
Well, because I believe in you. I believe in you. It's genuine.
- [04:42]
Dr. Barbara Sturm
But that's authentic, you know, that's authentic. And you know, I'm authentic. And you know, people like us who are authentic, you know, we get trusted. And because we're not someone, we are not, you know, we don't pretend to, you know, want to do skincare when we don't want to do skincare when we just want to like collect some more bucks, you know, along the way. But you know, I was listening. More like Pepper. I wasn't like, you know, she's very cheeky. I wasn't like that. I had very strict parents, but, you know, I was all over the place, and I was a tomboy, and I wanted to do every sport. I wanted to be the best in school. I wanted to. I was always in the first row. I was always there when something was happening. And it was, you know, all these facets. And I still can have all these facets which, which is nice to have. I can. I can cook in the kitchen. I can wear a gown. I can go skiing. I can go and play tennis with the boys. I can be in, you know, rubber boots. I, you know, I, I take on any. Anything, you know, anything. It's also fun in life to, to, to have all these options. But, you know, when someone would have told me, you know, you would be in the beauty industry, I would not have believed it. Yeah, really? Like, no, I don't think so. I wanted to be a doctor, but, you know, I mean, like, I. I am a doctor in the beauty industry now, which I think is very good and which sets us apart from any other brand. But, you know, I created something which actually helps my skin, helps my patients skin, helps my family and friends skin. And then every skin out there, no matter which color, which concern, which skin type, which skin problem, which, you know, age, which gender, whatever it is, I have a solution for everyone with skin.
- [06:28]
Rachel Zoe
It's. It's amazing. And did I hear correctly? You didn't start out as a derm doctor, Right? Like, were you an orthopedic? Tell me about this.
- [06:38]
Dr. Barbara Sturm
Yeah, that's, you know, that's also kind of crazy. You know, I always wanted to. I always wanted to be a children's doctor. And then, you know, I had like a. I had, like, a kid when I was 23. I looked like 12 when I had a kid.
- [06:51]
Rachel Zoe
Still look 12.
- [06:51]
Dr. Barbara Sturm
And I love you, but Charlie. Charlie was there. And then I was in the, in the, in the children's hospital working with all these really sick children, and it broke my heart. I broke my heart so many times. I said, I can't do it. I can't do it. And so I went into the orthopedics and I did my doctor's study, actually, on professional ski racers. And that was my thing, you know, combining fun and, you know, and work and study. So I went into the orthopedics, and I was lucky enough to go together with some scientists and really interesting people in the orthopedics, which taught me that you don't have to accept a treatment which is in the medical space out there, you can come up with something new. You can create something which you think is really better than anything out there and bring it to the patients. So I was very intrigued with science from my early medical years. And so I, I created the vampire facial when I was 20, 29 or something.
- [08:01]
Rachel Zoe
I remember hearing about this and I was like, what is that? Which is crazy. But it's using your own blood, right? Is that correct?
- [08:09]
Dr. Barbara Sturm
And that comes from the orthopedic using the own blood, but also bringing the anti inflammatory medicine into skin. Look, when we look at skin and you know, and you go to your dermatologist, what they do is they give you cortisone, antibiotics, acid peels, laser treatments. So no matter which disease you have, you get like a treatment which pretty much destroys your microbiome, your skin barrier. And you know, this is changing now, but you know, if you come from a dermatological approach, which is, you know, very, you know, topical, let's say. Yeah, topical, also effective for certain diseases, but you know, sometimes it's better to come from an anti inflammatory background. And for the cosmetic industry or for the skincare industry, I think that approach changed a little bit. The way we look at skin care, the way we look at anti aging approach. Do we really want to aggressively target the surface of our skin? Do we really want to destroy our microbiome and our skin barrier? Do we want to make our skin super vulnerable, causing all this inflammation on our skin? We live in a time now where prevention is really the key, where we look out for our food, for our sleep habits, we don't smoke, we don't drink, we don't do all these things to stay really healthy in order to not get sick down the line. Because there's Covid, there's all kinds of viruses and we need to stay as strong as possible. Why would we destroy our skin, which is the entry point for all these viruses and bacterias? You know, not just that, but, you know, it gets translated into our immune system, whatever we put on our skin.
- [09:45]
Rachel Zoe
And I think people don't think like that. I think people are just like, oh, this is the thing I don't have to care about. You can throw chemicals on there because they'll come off when I wash my body or my face or whatever. And it's so interesting. And I think, you know, I think there is this thing, I think that people think about the sort of cosmetic industry and dermatology as this very surface industry. Right. But ultimately it's not ultimately it ties into your overall wellness and health and I think that's something that you tapped into early and I think people are now really getting a better understanding of, you know. But so, okay, so you grew up with very strict parents. I could see that, by the way. I could totally see that.
- [10:29]
Dr. Barbara Sturm
Fun, fun, but strict. I mean, like, I had my boundaries, you know, it was, it was, it was, I think it was good. I.
- [10:36]
Rachel Zoe
Listen, I'm strict about a lot of things and I have no qualms about it because I actually think that children need guidance, they need rules, they need, they need structure or they're just gonna like lose their way, you know, in my opinion, I mean, it works for us. You know.
- [10:55]
Dr. Barbara Sturm
I'm sure, you know, with Pepper, Pepper is so different and she is so strong headed. I mean, like, I mean, I'm trying.
- [11:03]
Rachel Zoe
You're raising yourself now. It's like you're raising yourself now. Don't you see that? Like you're like, wait, that's how I was. Okay, this is coming back to me now.
- [11:12]
Dr. Barbara Sturm
The thing is I, you know, I was listening to my parents. She's just like, oh, I'm doing this or this. It's like, you know, and you know what, if you try to, you know, not punish, but like, you know, take away. She doesn't care. It doesn't work.
- [11:25]
Rachel Zoe
Doesn't work. I find with kids that have stronger minds, I find talking is so much more effective. It's like the conversation.
- [11:33]
Dr. Barbara Sturm
Yeah.
- [11:34]
Rachel Zoe
Explaining the why. Because I actually have found as a parent that we grew up in a time where there was zero question who was the authority. Right. It was like, it was like, if you said why, they were like, because I said so. And that was the executive. There's no discussion, None. And I think now we're raising our kids in a time where parents, we're trying to find that balance of being their best friends and being their authority because we want them to share everything with us. We want them to live this life where they're advocates for themselves. We teach them to be confident leaders and things like that. And I find that sitting down and explaining exactly why is so much more effective. Because once they can process, this is why they're protecting me. They're this, if I do this, I'm going to get hurt. If I do this, I'm going to get in trouble and the ramifications are going to be this. Right.
- [12:32]
Dansko Advertiser
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- [12:37]
Rachel Zoe
Yep.
- [12:38]
Dansko Advertiser
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- [13:32]
Podcast Announcer
Mobile with a message for everyone Paying Big wireless way too much. Please, for the love of everything good in this world, stop with Mint. You can get premium wireless for just $15 a month. Of course, if you enjoy overpaying. No judgments. But that's weird. Okay, one judgment anyway, give it a.
- [13:50]
Dr. Barbara Sturm
Try@Mintmobile.Com Switch upfront payment of $45 for.
- [13:54]
Ferris State University Advertiser
3 month plan equivalent to $15 per month required intro rate first 3 months only, then full price plan options available, taxes and fees extra. See full terms@mintmobile.com you see the world differently. Where others see empty lots, you see blueprints. Where others sit in lecture halls. Future leaders choose Ferris State University to build something real. Ready to dig in and learn through action. Ferris State gives you the tools, the team and training to unleash your potential with paths to high demand careers and in state tuition for non residents. At Ferris State, students don't just study, they build. They lead. They succeed. Visit ferris. Edu Ferris State University we build champions.
- [14:32]
Rachel Zoe
We all have that piece of. You know the one, the thing that's so you. You've basically become known for it. And if you don't have yours yet, you'll find it on ebay. Putting you on here, fashionistas. Ebay is where you'll find those. One of a kind. Can't stop researching. Stay up dreaming about pieces again and again. I'm talking that Miu Miu off the.
- [14:51]
Dansko Advertiser
Runway red leather bomber, the Cousteau Barcelona.
- [14:53]
Rachel Zoe
Top with the cowboy on it. Or that Patagonia fleece in the 2017 colorway. All these finds are on eBay, and they even offer millions of main character pieces backed by authenticity guarantee. Ebay is the place for pre loved and vintage fashion. Ebay, things people love. So I have a question, so. Well, first of all, I do want to point out that you're a young mom. I want to point out the actual challenge and how hard that is to build a career while having a young child. Because I always say, like, God, you know, I should have done this younger so that I was a younger mom and blah, blah, blah. And sometimes I say that, and sometimes I'm like, thank God I did this late. I probably would have given up on my career so that I didn't have to leave them. But you somehow managed to never leave Charlie, basically. Right?
- [15:44]
Dr. Barbara Sturm
And I had to leave for some time. Yeah, yeah, yeah.
- [15:48]
Rachel Zoe
But tell me about that. Tell me about that. And now this sort of second time around, the difference.
- [15:53]
Dr. Barbara Sturm
So when Charlie was little, I had my parents. You know, my mom was like a second mom to Charlie. So when I was traveling, Charlie was with them, or when I had to work, my mom would pick them, pick her up from school. So it was very perfect with Charlie. And she was never really sad about it or anything, but, you know, she always saw me working, I think, which was very, very good for her. I think that, you know, watching your parents building something, I think is very good for the kids. And with Pepper, you know that pepper now is 8, I was heavily building the business during that entire time. And she was traveling with me ever since she was two weeks old or three weeks old, and I put her on a plane and we traveled everywhere, and I took her, and that was hard. And then sometimes I went to Australia, so I just left her behind sometimes, like for two, three weeks. This was so hard.
- [16:47]
Rachel Zoe
Oh, my God, I cannot imagine.
- [16:49]
Dr. Barbara Sturm
Yeah, it was so. I mean, like, leaving your children, I mean, you know, that, you know, even if it's just for two days, it's the worst.
- [16:55]
Rachel Zoe
Your heartstrings are like, being.
- [16:57]
Dr. Barbara Sturm
Even if it's better for them. Yeah, it's better for them to stay in their, like, you know, whatever system or school. It's.
- [17:06]
Rachel Zoe
It hurts. But now I think that, you know, watching Charlie, for our listeners that don't know, Barbara has an older daughter who's in her 20s, mid-20s. Right. And she's obviously, like, beyond stunning. But, you know, I think I met her when she was maybe 15, and I just. But she always was watching you. She always was next to you. She always was, like, respecting what you were doing. And I remember her teen Moment where she was like, I have pimples. But my mom's thing, like, she was still being a teenager. She would still keep you in line if you said something she didn't like. And you know what teenage daughters do, What I certainly did and probably still do to my mom. But I think that now that she works with you, I mean, how does that feel? That must feel incredible. Cuz, like, to me, that's the dream, but I feel like the dream doesn't always happen.
- [18:01]
Dr. Barbara Sturm
Oh, my God. It's the best. It's the best. It's the best. I love Charlie so much. She's so smart. So smart. Also in business, she does business strategy. Yesterday she hosted a big lunch at Art Basel Miami. She did an entire speech. I didn't even. I didn't talk to her. You know, she didn't ask me. She said, she just does this. She's so confident now. It's fantastic. And, you know, we did a big leadership meeting, and she was part of it. And then in our company, and then we had a coach with us, and the coach said to my md, after that leadership meeting, she said, charlie has to take over the company. So it's. It's unbelievable. It's not that I expected that. No, I didn't expect it. I didn't ask her to do. Do it. But she's like, also, she's covering an entire Next generation.
- [18:50]
Rachel Zoe
Yes.
- [18:50]
Dr. Barbara Sturm
Look, you know, we. We are us. We know each other. Like, you know, we have like, our, like, whole network, but Next Generation network. I mean, like, she knows everybody. She travels to Milano, to London, to New York to. She knows everybody. She's invited to everything. It's unbelievable.
- [19:05]
Rachel Zoe
It's incredible. No, no, it's incredible. And I think, you know, it's interesting because I always give Missoni as an example of this beautiful family business, right? Where the grandmother and the grandfather and then, you know, the mom and Margarita and the sisters and the cousins and the uncles and, you know, it's amazing. And I think for us, like, you know, when Raj and I started our business, I remember when we had sky, and everyone kept saying, what do you dream for your kids? And it was like, look, you want them to live their own life, right? You hope that you build something that you can pass to your children, but at the same time, if. If the kids have zero interest in doing this, like, let them live their life. Let them live their dream and do their thing. But for you, I feel like you handled it so beautifully because you didn't ask, and that is smart.
- [19:57]
Dr. Barbara Sturm
You know, it's hard for kid. You know, she's my daughter. You know, other employees or co workers not always respect her that way because.
- [20:07]
Rachel Zoe
It'S handed to her.
- [20:08]
Dr. Barbara Sturm
Make them. Yeah, but I also didn't make them.
- [20:10]
Rachel Zoe
Of course.
- [20:11]
Dr. Barbara Sturm
She had to. She had to work herself up and, you know, and strengthen her position. And I'm not telling people to love my kid. You know, it's like, it's up to them. Everybody. Yeah, and everybody loves her.
- [20:25]
Rachel Zoe
She's amazing. She has your very similar demeanor, though. She's very like. Well, you're like, inner, not calm, but she has this very, like, calm, kind of chill thing.
- [20:37]
Dr. Barbara Sturm
Oh, my God, she's so calm. I'm like. I'm like a firecracker. Well, so am I. I'm a. Yeah, I. I'm impulsive. I just do this and this, and if this opportunity is. I do that as well, you know, And Charlie's, like, thinking, thinking, thinking. And then, you know, she grew up as my mother, and I was her kid.
- [20:57]
Rachel Zoe
Always I'm not amazing.
- [20:58]
Dr. Barbara Sturm
Always, like, the one who just, you know, calms me down and just, you know, mom, look at this this way. And maybe it was so funny, actually.
- [21:08]
Rachel Zoe
So then. Maybe so then. Okay, so I do want to talk about mentorship, because I think to your point earlier, you know, I grew up. I don't know how you grew up, but in my career, I didn't have a lot of female mentors that took me under and said, let me help you. Let me tell you what to do and what not to do in this industry. I'm gonna tell you what's gonna trip you up. And, you know, all those things, I didn't really have that. And I think that's why I really try hard to be that person for people, because I do know how valuable it is. And, you know, I think for you, growing up with, you know, amazing, strict parents, I did as well. I imagine your parents were mentors for you.
- [21:54]
Dr. Barbara Sturm
They teach you the basics. You know, my parents always said, you know, be kind to everyone. You know, have respect for everybody. You know, keep your feet on the ground. And that was something, you know, these are good skills to have, of course. And, you know, building this business, I mean, I didn't even know I had a business. You know, I was just making creams for and stuff for my patients. As a doctor, you know. Yeah, I was like this, you know, business became a business way way later. But, you know, I'm still. As a doctor, it's service to my patients. And that really what matters to me, I don't really remember having mentors other than my parents. I had an orthopedic doctor who helped me to really fulfill the dreams and doing my own treatments. And that really gave me the power also now to say, I'm confident. I don't look right or left. I have a strong view of what's good for the skin. That doesn't mean, you know, it's what other people do. It's really just us. It's sturm. It's nothing else but sturm. I don't care what other people do, you know, so it's like a very strong, strong way.
- [23:04]
Rachel Zoe
Yeah, I think that's so smart because I actually think that I read a quote recently and I'm trying to remember was so profound and so true. Comparison is the thief of joy. That's the quote. Yeah.
- [23:18]
Dr. Barbara Sturm
Focus on yourself.
- [23:19]
Rachel Zoe
And I loved it. I loved it.
- [23:21]
Dr. Barbara Sturm
And that's why I don't like this, you know, social media, going through Insta stories, you know, I always say to the kids of my friends, to everybody say, stop watching other people's life. It doesn't make any sense. You know, focus on yourself, what you want to do, you know, you're beautiful, you're, you know, your own person with your own life. It's crazy.
- [23:42]
Rachel Zoe
So true. I think grownups have the same problem, though. That's the thing. And I think that, like, you know, kids, I think the impact is sometimes irreparable, you know, But I have actual girlfriends that stopped being on social media because they said it's, it's really ruining me. Like, it's really making me feel like I'm not included in anything. I feel like I live this really boring life.
- [24:08]
Dansko Advertiser
She's like.
- [24:08]
Rachel Zoe
And it really makes me feel bad about myself. And she's like. And I find when I don't look at it, I'm genuinely happier, you know, And I was like, okay, that's, you know, it's great, you know, you're obviously living your dream beyond dreams.
- [24:22]
Dansko Advertiser
It's sandal season at Dansco.
- [24:24]
Rachel Zoe
That's right.
- [24:25]
Dansko Advertiser
Dansco, the iconic clog brand, now offers sandals. Whether you're looking for stylish wedges, comfy flats or trendy cork sandals, Dansko has you covered. And don't miss the all new platform Pro Clog. Visit danskO-A-N-S-K-O.com radio to explore Dansko's full range of supportive and fashionable footwear. From Dansko's iconic heritage clogs to the latest designs. Dansko's easy to wear slip ons and adjustable styles are made to support you through even the busiest days. Plus enjoy free shipping and returns. Visit Dansko D A n s k o.com radio today you see the world differently.
- [25:00]
Ferris State University Advertiser
Where others see empty lots, you see blueprints. Where others sit in lecture halls, Future leaders choose Ferris State University to build something real. Ready to dig in and learn through action. Ferris State gives you the tools, the team and training to unlock. Unleash your potential with paths to high demand careers and in state tuition for non residents. At Ferris State, students don't just study, they build. They lead. They succeed. Visit ferris. Edu Ferris State University we build Champions.
- [25:28]
T-Mobile Advertiser
Go almost everywhere with the podcasts you love on T Mobile's network because T Mobile helps keep you connected from the heart of Portland to right where you are on America's largest 5G network. Switch now keep your phone and T Mobile will pay it off up to $800 per line via prepaid card. Visit your local T Mobile location or learn more@t mobile.com KeepAndSwitch up to four lines of a virtual prepaid card. Last 15 days qualifying unlock device credit service port in 90 plus days device knowledgeable carrier and timely redemption required card is no cash access and expires in six months.
- [25:59]
Rachel Zoe
We all have that piece. You know the one, the thing that's so you. You've basically become known for it and if you don't have yours yet, you'll find it on ebay. Putting you on here fashionistas. Ebay is where you'll find those. One of a kind. Can't stop researching. Stay up dreaming about pieces again and again. I'm talking that Miu Miu off the.
- [26:18]
Dansko Advertiser
Runway red leather bomber, the Cousteau Barcelona.
- [26:20]
Rachel Zoe
Top with the cowboy on it, or that Patagonia fleece in the 2017 colorway. All these finds are on ebay and they even offer millions of main character pieces backed by authenticity guarantee. Ebay is the place for pre loved and vintage fashion ebay things people love. But I think the question is, you know, I want to talk about education for a brief second because I always like to talk about I really believe your education does not define you in any way. I think to go to sort of like your earlier point, you were sort of like I was going to be a child doctor. I thought I was going to be a child psychiatrist for what it's worth. But I want to understand your point of view on that. Like did Charlie go to college? You obviously went to college because you're a doctor. So you went all the way. But I do want to hear your thoughts on that.
- [27:13]
Dr. Barbara Sturm
I think you collect life skills throughout your life. Yeah. And you're smarter. You're not smart. Doesn't matter if you're, you know, first in class or good in math. I don't think it matters. And to give you really strong examples with Pepper, for example, Pepper talked very late, read very late. Everything's very late. I know. She's so smart. She outsmarts me every day, but different smart. I don't push. I don't. I don't think it's important. It's important how, you know, does she interact with other people? How is she? Is she happy? Is she sporty? Does she get, like, her energy out? You know, I think, you know, kids find their way. And with Charlie was the same. I was never at a parent teacher conference. I was never, you know, I let her do. I wasn't, you know, checking her homework. She was doing everything herself. She went to boarding school. She was the best in her entire grade. I mean, like the entire, you know, age group. She was the. I didn't ask her for any. Anything. It was her choice. But I still strongly believe that you learn your life lessons in so many other ways and, you know, not just being good at school and certain things.
- [28:19]
Rachel Zoe
I agree. But you had to have been a student like Charlie. You had to have been because how do you become a doctor?
- [28:24]
Dr. Barbara Sturm
I, you know what? I was, I was lucky. I have a photographic memory.
- [28:28]
Rachel Zoe
Me too.
- [28:29]
Dr. Barbara Sturm
That really helped me.
- [28:30]
Rachel Zoe
Me too. I swear that got me through school.
- [28:34]
Dr. Barbara Sturm
And I was like, you know, medical school is very hard, you know.
- [28:37]
Rachel Zoe
Yes.
- [28:39]
Dr. Barbara Sturm
And, you know, I. I hate sitting behind books forever.
- [28:42]
Rachel Zoe
Okay, two questions I want to ask you. What are your biggest challenges? Like, what keeps you awake at night?
- [28:49]
Dr. Barbara Sturm
I'm a very good sleeper. But obviously sometimes, you know, when you. I thank God when you go to bed with something really like crazy problem or something. I like to fix problems. Yes. I'm actually, I like challenges. So if something is not 100%, I find it extremely interesting. So that's why I'm never really all that bothered with it. The biggest challenge is, I think, is, you know, the people you're surrounded with, if they're coming into your life as workers or whatever, this is. This, this is so hard. And regarding where your business is at, at what level, at what point, you need to make sure you have the right people with the right skill set for that part of your growth. And, you know, are they lawyer. Can you trust Them, you know, are they good to you? Do they. Are they passionate about, you know, what you're passionate about? And, you know, it's. It's.
- [29:43]
Rachel Zoe
Yeah, no, I.
- [29:45]
Dr. Barbara Sturm
That was the biggest learning curve.
- [29:47]
Rachel Zoe
Yeah, it's same, by the way, I think. And I. And I want to point that out because I think that that is a very common thread with entrepreneurs. It's finding your team, finding your people, and then you hold on to them for dear life. Those stars and those great people.
- [30:04]
Dr. Barbara Sturm
Yeah. But also, I'm like, you know, I have a very naive optimism, which is good because I'm good in risk taking because of that. But, you know, I'm also like, you know, for me, my team is family. You know, I love harmony, my life. I don't want to fight. I don't want to struggle with, like, negative energy. So I want a happy place. And that is not always possible. And that keeps me up, you know, I want. I want to be good with everybody.
- [30:31]
Rachel Zoe
I think it's a very common thread. I have to tell you, all my friends that are CEOs, founders, it is the same thing. Cause your team that you trust, you trust for life. You keep them close, they share, like, every breath you take, and they're next to you all the time. So it's this trust that you need. And I think when that gets tripped up, it really throws you.
- [30:54]
Dr. Barbara Sturm
One doctor left me. One doctor left me, went to the competition. I told everything, everything, everything. I. I didn't sleep for months. I had to do sleeping pearls because I was so disappointed.
- [31:06]
Rachel Zoe
It's like someone taking a marble statue and throwing it into your stomach is.
- [31:12]
Dansko Advertiser
What it feels like.
- [31:12]
Dr. Barbara Sturm
And then. Absolutely. And then what it does to you actually is, like, it makes you even better. Because, you know, I. I developed a bunch of new techniques and treatments, which nobody knew because I said, you know, I have to. I have to develop further. So I'm ahead of everybody again, you know?
- [31:28]
Rachel Zoe
Of course. Of course. And that's the good you take from that. That's the good you take from that. And I think that's. Yeah, but it. But it also helps you develop a bit of a thicker skin. You know, it can't change who you are. Can change who you are.
- [31:43]
Dr. Barbara Sturm
But thicker skin, I mean, thicker skin also makes you kind of rough. I know that not always. That not always helps because you just become a little more, like, cynical, you know, toughened up.
- [31:56]
Rachel Zoe
I agree. Last question for you. Where do you see yourself? What's the dream? Do you ever say, okay, I'm gonna keep doing this? And then I'm moving here, and I'm gonna be doing this. I always joke I'm gonna live in the south of France and, like, live, like, near the Hotel Du Cap and sit on the beach and make jewelry. That's gonna. That's my end game. But, like, what's your dream? Dream?
- [32:20]
Dr. Barbara Sturm
You see, I'm. I totally live in the present. I'm not much in the past. Sometimes. Sometimes when you have, like, you know, little things which happen to your life, sometimes you have to go back to the past a little bit, which I don't like. And I like to float. I like, you know, And I never chose a boyfriend who I knew I would. I would know my life in 10 years, you know, and if somebody would give me this feeling, oh, my God, in 10 years, you would be this and this and this and this. And I was like, no, I'm here. So that was not. I could. I couldn't deal with it. So the dreams I have, I like to fulfill while I'm doing whatever I'm doing. So what I did, I actually moved to Switzerland in the mountains. I'm living in the mountains. I always wanted to do that. So I'm skiing, basically. Got a cute wooden. Wooden chalet. And, you know, I go skiing in the morning, you know, before working, I go skiing. So that's my dream. So I live my dream, you know, as I go along. And that I had to learn, too, because, you know, you always think, you know, oh, when you do this, then you do this.
- [33:22]
Rachel Zoe
It's guilt, right? You feel guilty. Like, wait, if I live in the mountain, then I'm not doing all the things I am. And you're like, wait a minute, I can do both, right?
- [33:31]
Dr. Barbara Sturm
But we need to do. We need to do the things we want to do. If we want to do something, let's just do it. Because who knows how we end up? Who knows how long we will live? Who knows what's happening? You know, I think we just have to do a few things. If we can. If it. If it put. If it fits in our time, if it fits into our life, it fits with our children. Because the end game to me is like, happy children, you know, and them, you know, being healthy enough to be with them for as long as we can and, you know, take care of them as much as we want to, you know?
- [34:03]
Podcast Announcer
Yep.
- [34:03]
Rachel Zoe
That's so funny. It's like, the more I talk to you, the more I realize why we're such good friends. We're actually really similar creatures. But I just Want to say I love you. I. You know, I talk about you, your products, probably at least once a day, actually.
- [34:17]
Dr. Barbara Sturm
I know. I love you, too.
- [34:18]
Rachel Zoe
So much. No, I mean it. I mean it. I have so much respect for you. I love your story. I love your kids. I'm fortunate that I get to be with Charlie a lot, but I just.
- [34:29]
Dr. Barbara Sturm
Yeah. You're such a great friend to us.
- [34:31]
Rachel Zoe
Please. You're such a great friend to us.
- [34:33]
Dr. Barbara Sturm
I'm so grateful.
- [34:34]
Rachel Zoe
I love it.
- [34:35]
Dr. Barbara Sturm
I'm so happy Malcolm introduced us.
- [34:37]
Rachel Zoe
Oh, he's the best.
- [34:37]
Dansko Advertiser
I love.
- [34:38]
Rachel Zoe
God, I love that man. I do. I love that man. And I love you, and I'm so happy for you. And, you know, for my listeners, if you have not tried Dr. Barbara Sturm's products, you have to. And if it's one product, I get asked a lot when I do my. Ask me anything on my social. If I could afford one product, and I'm like, oh, God, oh, God, oh, God. I'm so obsessed with, like, the beast serum now or the D. Ser like, me, too.
- [35:07]
Dr. Barbara Sturm
Oh, my God.
- [35:07]
Rachel Zoe
But I feel like one should be the hyaluronic. Right One.
- [35:11]
Dr. Barbara Sturm
I mean, the hyaluronic is a game changer. But, you know, I also.
- [35:16]
Rachel Zoe
1.
- [35:16]
Dr. Barbara Sturm
When I started. When I started using. I think you only should use Sturm. And if you only can have one product, I would do the face cream, because that's how you need to start with.
- [35:25]
Rachel Zoe
Right?
- [35:25]
Dr. Barbara Sturm
And then if you can add the next one, you do the hyaluronic.
- [35:28]
Rachel Zoe
Okay.
- [35:28]
Dr. Barbara Sturm
And you have a serum and then the face cream. So then you're good. Your skin will be always glowy and beautiful and transformed, and you will love it.
- [35:35]
Rachel Zoe
I love and adore you. Have the best time. Go skiing for me. Get to sleep. I think it's late there. Or have dinner or have a glass of wine or something. But I love you madly.
- [35:44]
Dr. Barbara Sturm
All of it.
- [35:45]
Rachel Zoe
All of it. Let's be real. Dr. Barbara Sturm is absolutely one of the sweetest people I know. I'm so, so happy that we got to really dig more into her background, because as well as I may know somebody when I have them on the podcast, you really uncover, you know, just more layers of how they came to be the success that they are. And, you know, I think she is so interesting because, as she said, she was a very young mom and an older mom, and, you know, that's a real interesting challenge in life to try and figure out how to do both simultaneously and, you know, how to do it the second time around as you know, being sort of more of a grown up, I like to say. And she did it while building her career, which I have to tell you, is one of the greatest challenges that a parent could ever face. Because you have to leave a lot, and especially when it's your business and your brand. It's like there's no one that can show up instead of you. She just does that so beautifully. And I know that there isn't video of Barbara, but you know, you can certainly find her on my Instagram. On her Instagram she is strikingly beautiful. And I will say that her skin is literally glowing 24 hours a day. Like when she sleeps, when she wakes up, I've seen her at all hours. I've seen her with, with not a stitch of makeup on except like lip balm. And I mean, she really does practice what she preaches. Thank you so much for listening to Climbing in Heels. And please don't forget to write a review wherever you get your podcasts while you're at it. Follow me on Rachelzo and Climbing in Heels pod on Instagram for more updates.
- [37:41]
Dansko Advertiser
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- [38:21]
Rachel Zoe
Every step of the way.
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Dansko Advertiser
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- [39:10]
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- [39:40]
Chase Advertiser
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