911 Cancer Survivor Creating the Glow-Focused Skincare Brand
As our skin matures, it naturally becomes drier and more delicate. The oils that once kept our skin supple begin to decline, leaving many people searching for ways to restore moisture and comfort. For those undergoing chemotherapy or radiation, this dryness can be even more intense. Skin may feel extremely tight, sensitive, or depleted, making everyday skincare a challenge.
1. Tell us about your background and how 29Balmere began.
29Balmere began from a very personal journey. After living in Ground Zero following 9/11, I was later diagnosed with multiple myeloma cancer. During chemotherapy and immunotherapy my skin changed drastically, I experienced severe dryness and hyperpigmentation, and I couldn’t find products that truly helped restore my skin without harsh ingredients. So that led me to explore natural remedies and botanical ingredients, particularly those used in Ayurvedic remedies. I started experimenting with ingredients like hibiscus, amla oil, and sea moss, plants known for their restorative properties. What began as a way to help my own skin heal slowly evolved into 29Balmere, a skincare line focused on restoring hydration, balance, and glow.
The goal was simple: help skin look healthy and radiant again, no matter the age.
2. Your brand talks about “glow” instead of anti-aging. Why is that important to you?
I never liked the term anti-aging. Aging is a privilege, and it should be celebrated, not fought. What mature women and men really want now isn’t to look younger—they want to look healthy, vibrant, and confident in their skin. That’s where the idea of “Glow at Every Age” came from. Glow represents hydration, vitality, and skin that feels nourished. When skin is supported properly, it naturally reflects light and looks radiant. That’s the philosophy behind 29Balmere.
3. What inspired the ingredients you use?
Many of the ingredients in 29Balmere are inspired by Ayurvedic healing traditions that have been used for centuries. For example, hibiscus is often called the “botox plant” in nature because of its ability to support skin elasticity and brightness. Amla oil is incredibly nourishing and helps restore moisture to dry or stressed skin. Sea moss is rich in minerals that support skin hydration. I was fascinated by how these plant ingredients could nourish the skin without aggressive treatments.
4. Who is 29Balmere designed for?
The brand was originally created with women over 40, because that’s when many people start to see changes in their skin, loss of moisture, dullness, and uneven tone. But what I’ve discovered is that people of all ages respond to the products because the focus is on skin health and glow, not age. We also created products like Lien, which is a body and beard oil designed for men, because men deserve a ritual too.
5. What are some of your hero products?
One of our most loved products is the Lift Hibiscus Vitamin C Serum, which hydrates and brightens the skin while creating a natural luminous glow. Another favorite is the Ashy All-Purpose Balm, which was inspired by the dryness I experienced during treatment. It’s designed to help with extremely dry areas and hyperpigmentation.
We also have our Jour and Nuit botanical body oils, which create a daily ritual for glowing skin one for daytime and one for evening.
6. What makes 29Balmere different from other skincare brands?
The difference is really the philosophy. Many brands focus on correcting flaws or reversing age. We focus on supporting skin so it can thrive naturally. Our formulas are botanical and intentionally simple, focusing on ingredients that nourish the skin deeply. We also design the products to feel like rituals rather than routines. Skincare should be something you enjoy not something that reminds you you’re getting older.
7. What does “Glow at Every Age” mean to you personally?
It means embracing the evolution of who I am. As I get older, my skin tells a story of everything I’ve lived through; joy, hardship, resilience. Glow represents vitality, confidence, and self-care. For me, creating 29Balmere was about helping people feel comfortable and radiant in their own skin at any stage of life.
8. What has been the most meaningful moment since launching 29Balmere?
One of the most meaningful things has been hearing from people who say the products helped restore their confidence in their skin. When someone tells me their skin finally feels hydrated again, or they feel comfortable without makeup, that means everything to me. That’s why I created the brand.
9. What is your vision for 29Balmere in the future?
My vision is to see 29Balmere become a wellness-driven skincare brand that lives in beautiful spaces, spas, boutique hotels, and wellness retreats. I want people to discover the brand in places where they are already taking time for themselves and their wellbeing.
Ultimately, the mission will always remain the same: helping people glow naturally at every age.
10. What advice would you give someone going through a difficult journey like yours?
I would say never give up on your purpose. Life can change very quickly, and sometimes the most difficult moments lead us toward something meaningful. My health journey could have stopped me from pursuing my dreams and simply giving up on life but instead it became the reason I started this brand.
Sometimes our greatest challenges reveal what we’re meant to create.
TOPICS: CLEAN-SKINCARE GLOW. AGING