Podcast Summary: "From Breakouts to Breakthroughs: Waepril’s Rise to a 180K-Strong Skincare Community | Ep 207"
Introduction
In Episode 207 of IBH Media's "Founder’s Story", host Daniel welcomes April, also known as Waepril, a prominent Canadian beauty influencer with a dedicated following of over 180,000 Instagram followers. April specializes in skincare and makeup, offering invaluable insights into her journey from battling teenage acne to building a thriving online community. This episode delves deep into her personal struggles, entrepreneurial endeavors, and the strategies that propelled her success in the saturated beauty industry.
April’s Personal Journey: From Acne to Advocacy
April opens up about her teenage years, highlighting her struggle with persistent acne, which significantly impacted her self-confidence.
"I always stare at myself in the mirror and say, oh my gosh, like I have a new acne again. Like it's almost like every single day I'll get the new acne." [01:40]
This personal battle led her to explore various skincare products, where she discovered the critical importance of understanding ingredient efficacy. Her experience with products that exacerbated her condition underscored the necessity of informed skincare choices.
"The ingredients are the ones that really does something to your skin and you need to find the right ingredient that will work well for your skin." [02:30]
Building a Community: From Social Media to Business
Daniel commends April for her authentic approach in a crowded digital space. April explains that her deep passion for skincare and makeup kept her motivated despite initial low engagement.
"If you're passionate about something, you'll keep going. Don't just give up and say, oh, I only have five followers this month." [06:39]
She emphasizes the importance of originality over merely following trends. By infusing her personality and unique perspective into her content, April ensures her audience connects with her on a deeper level.
"I want people to look at a specific reel and say, oh, it's Waporil who created that reel." [07:10]
Overcoming Personal Challenges
April shares a poignant moment in her life—the passing of her father in 2021—which served as a catalyst for her renewed commitment to her passion.
"I always remember that conversation that I had with my dad before he passed away." [09:04]
This personal loss reinforced her determination to persevere in her endeavors, turning her grief into a source of strength and clarity for her business goals.
Monetization Strategies: Turning Passion into Profit
Daniel inquires about the next steps for content creators aspiring to monetize their platforms. April outlines a clear pathway:
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Collaborations with Brands: April frequently partners with brands she genuinely loves, promoting products that align with her values and resonate with her audience.
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Paid Collaborations: Smaller brands seek out influential figures like April to help introduce their products to a broader market.
"Brands that I love saying that, hey, we're launching in Canada... and we want you to tell your audience about us." [05:40]
She also discusses the potential of social commerce, highlighting platforms like Amazon Shop and YouTube Commerce as viable avenues for influencers to monetize their influence.
"Amazon is actually a good place to start, have a little bit of a website and then attach it and put your commission links." [15:18]
Advice for Aspiring Influencers
When asked about tips for growing a community from scratch, April offers pragmatic advice:
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Persistence: Continue creating content despite initial low engagement.
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Originality: Develop a unique voice and style that stands out.
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Engagement with Trends: Adapt trending ideas creatively to maintain relevance while staying true to personal brand values.
"I think what's important is I want to be different. It almost has like my personality, my passion, my love into that reel." [07:50]
The Future of Social Commerce
April envisions a promising future for social commerce, driven by the increasing integration of shopping features on platforms like Instagram and YouTube.
"There's definitely a huge potential to make it as a business... it's a good place to start for people who are starting." [15:24]
She believes that as platforms continue to evolve, influencers will have more tools at their disposal to monetize their content effectively.
April’s Favorite Products and Skincare Routines
April shares her top skincare regimens and favored products, providing listeners with actionable tips:
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Double Cleansing Method: She advocates for cleansing twice—first with an oil-based cleanser to remove makeup, followed by a water-based cleanser to ensure thorough cleanliness.
"The idea is to use an oil-based cleanser to remove makeup and the second one is a water-based cleanser to further make sure that your face is clean." [21:47]
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Product Recommendations:
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Pharmacy Beauty Double Cleansing Balm: An unscented oil-based cleanser ideal for sensitive skin.
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IT Cosmetics Confidence Cleanser: A nourishing water-based serum cleanser.
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Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream: A versatile, unscented moisturizer suitable for all seasons.
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YSL Lash Class Mascara: Praised for its volumizing effect and enhancing eyelash appearance.
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"The Kiehl's Ultra facial cream... my skin feels moisturized because... I want people to say, oh, it's Waepril's reel." [21:47]
Conclusion
Daniel wraps up the episode by expressing gratitude for April’s vulnerability and the valuable insights she’s shared. April provides her website and social media handles for listeners to connect and follow her ongoing journey.
"Thank you for being vulnerable today for sharing your story and sharing some tips and strategies that we can all take away." [25:32]
April encourages listeners to explore her website glambyapril.com and follow her on Instagram @April_Waerpl_Beauty for more content and updates.
This episode of "Founder’s Story" offers a heartfelt and comprehensive look into April’s path from personal struggles with acne to establishing a robust and engaged skincare community. Her story underscores the importance of passion, resilience, and authenticity in building a successful brand in the competitive beauty industry.