#PoshPeople #BrilliantBusinessPeople #Exclusive #Interview #DoubleFeature with Mover and Shaker Pamela Friedman CEO of her own skincare brand, CV Skinlabs Our Coverage Sponsored by Cosmopolitan Dental, Official Dentist of Whom You Know @GaroNazarianDDS #cosmopolitandental #loveyoursmile
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Mover and Shaker Pamela Friedman is a beauty industry veteran, entrepreneur, cancer survivor, and CEO of her own skincare brand, CV Skinlabs known for its high standards of safety and efficacy.
A native New Yorker, she lived in New York City for more than 30 years before moving to the Palm Beaches of Florida about 10 years ago with her husband.
With decades of experience in the beauty industry and a passion for delivering safe skincare that really works, Pamela helps others reclaim healthy and beautiful skin. She’s been committed to putting health, wellness, and safety first and that continues to be at the core of her mission and values, both personally and in her company.
Pamela is motivated by her own experiences within the industry and her personal experiences with cancer, medical skin challenges, and other reactive skin issues. Her career spans decades, having spent more than 20 years in the lifestyle, beauty, health, and wellness industries with companies like Felissimo, Crabtree & Evelyn, Victoria’s Secret beauty in senior executive positions, before starting her own consultancy company, where she helped other brands in the beauty and wellness arena with marketing strategies, product development, manufacturing, and distribution. She learned a lot about ingredients and how skincare products were made and marketed. She saw the use of troublesome ingredients, some that were questionable and potentially harmful or toxic at a time when there weren’t a lot of choices for products that were toxic free and performed well.
She was also caring for her husband who had cancer. Realizing we are exposed to more toxins and chemicals than ever before, she became consumed with the health effects of the toxins that surround us, especially the skin care ingredients we are putting on our skin every day, some laden with harmful ingredients. She saw how harsh ingredients can harm skin, especially for those suffering from the side effects of cancer treatments, and other conditions, like dryness, rosacea, eczema, and other sensitive skin issues. She learned how important it is to protect and feed skin with safe and nourishing ingredients to truly thrive and glow with a healthy radiance.
She went through some challenging times, battling cancer herself, and losing her husband and mother in a short span of time. Her personal journey had a profound impact on her life and prepared her for a life of purpose, fueling her mission with her company which has been healing and rewarding. She found a way to transform her tribulations into a force for good, helping others live and healthier, more holistic lifestyle, and providing products that are not only safe, but supremely effective to help nourish, soothe, and transform skin.
She says it’s a labor of love. She’s passionate about providing the skincare needed to help people get their best skin. She helps advocate for a cleaner world and supports research to help end cancer. She helps create awareness about how harsh ingredients can harm skin, revealing the risks of certain ingredients, and how to approach skin care – recognizing that the health of the skin is interconnected with the health of the body and mind. We are absolutely thrilled to present her as a double feature in both Posh People, which features Fashion and Beauty Movers and Shakers, and Brilliant Business People which features Business Movers and Shakers. Peachy Deegan interviewed Pamela Friedman for Whom You Know.
Peachy Deegan: What does beauty mean to you?
Pamela Friedman: I believe physical beauty is having healthy, radiant looking skin that glows, but also beauty is much deeper than skin. I think beauty is a philosophy that embodies the whole person, including body, mind, and spirit. When you honor your whole being with loving care, your natural radiance shines through.
What is the end of the story with Maxims, your previous brand?
Pierre Cardin decided he wanted Maxim’s de Paris to focus on its core competency, which is fine food and gourmet treats, and so the home fragrance -Maxim’s candle license ended in 2013.
Tell us about the birth of CV Skinlabs.
CV Skinlabs was born out of a need for non-toxic, yet efficacious solutions for those with compromised skin. The formulas were inspired by the lack of safe, soothing, and nurturing products for those with the most sensitive skin. The products can safely be used by those people who require gentle formulas that deliver real results, without further harm, or irritation. Additionally, for those who often can’t use standard skincare products because they are too harsh and make the skin feel worse, and especially for people going thru chemo, radiation and with sensitive reactive skin.
Outside of skincare what companies do you believe do the best to produce products without harmful toxic ingredients?
The great news is that today there are many companies that are producing products with less toxic ingredients than their conventional counterparts. While we can’t avoid toxins in our life completely, there are a couple of companies that come to mind that are doing a good job eliminating some of the harmful ingredients. It’s impossible to avoid all chemicals with nail polish, but one that I like is JINsoon. It’s vegan and 21-free. Coyuchi makes organic linens that are clean and toxin-free. I also like Puracy Laundry detergent and AlterEco Chocolate!
What should everyone know about your mother?
My mother was full of grace, beauty, and kindness. She touched everyone with her goodness. She was a self-taught naturalist. She showed me the many ways nature and science work together to provide wellness. After raising four kids, she became a hospice nurse and was dedicated to her work caring for terminally ill patients with the kindness and empathy that came so naturally to her. I was always in awe of her care and concern for others and she inspired me to help others.
What should everyone know about your husband?
My late husband (David Horner) was one of the most respected and well-known creative and strategic minds in the cosmetics and fragrance industry with an exceptional record of accomplishments and an illustrious career. He was also known for his intellect, talent, humor, and creativity, and lively personality.
Are you still influenced by Paris and what do you love about France?
I still find France captivating. Paris remains one of my favorite places in the world. The French philosophy of “Joie de Vivre” is so appealing. I’m enchanted by its rich history, art, cuisine, the romantic atmosphere, the café culture, and of course the people watching.
You are credited with telling Peachy about Star Vodka ages ago which led to our review, interviewing Charles, and of course the Peachy Deegan cocktail.
Have you tried his new brand Hudson House?
I haven’t tried his new whiskey Black Creek, but congrats to Charles Ferri! I’m sure it’s excellent.
How did you defeat cancer and how do you live now to prevent it?
Shocked to learn that I had stage 4 cancer, I went all in with treatment – both intensive chemotherapy and radiation. I was so busy in my life, (working and caretaking for others) I didn’t pay attention to the early warning signs. I’ve learned the hard way the importance of pro-active early detection. Folks, please go to the doctor if you feel something is wrong in your body. Don’t put it off. I’ve always lived a healthy lifestyle, eating non-processed foods, and of course avoiding toxins when possible, but not so good about exercise. Today I have a better exercise routine. There are studies that show that exercise can help reduce certain cancers.
What or who has had the most influence on your pursuit of excellence?
My parents and my late husband, as well as many friends and workmates all have had influences on the pursuit of my dreams, goals, and growth journey. Plus, I think it’s just in my DNA. I’ve always been interested in striving to be better, setting the bar high, with an inner drive and determination to make a difference and an impact in the world.
What are you proudest of and why?
I’m proud to be able to provide safer alternatives for beauty, health, and wellness with my company (CV Skinlabs) that is perhaps to become my legacy. I’m also proud of the support that I give to research and advocacy organizations to help prevent cancer and provide awareness on how certain toxic ingredients may cause harm.
What would you like to do professionally that you have not yet had the opportunity to do?
Write a book. (or a docudrama)
What honors and awards have you received in your profession?
I’ve received numerous awards for CV Skinlabs. Most recently honored to win an Earth Day Beauty Award from Healing Lifestyles, and many others like Top Holistic Healer from Organic Spa, A Kiwi Natural Beauty Award, LuxLife’s Health Beauty and Wellness Award, Green Parent Natural Beauty Award, and NCW Eco Excellence Award to name a few.
What one word best describes you and why?
Compassionate. I’m empathetic, kind, and have concern for others. Compassion for people is what drives and motivates me to succeed in my mission.
What do you take your sense of identity from?
Knowing who I am and living life with a sense of purpose fuels my identity. I can credit my parents, my husband, family, friends, and even certain difficult circumstances for encouraging me to be true to my values.
What is your favorite place to be in Manhattan?
Spring time in central park, especially after a long winter.
What is your favorite shop in Manhattan?
Probably an old favorite - Bergdorf Goodman.
I also like Ovando, a beautiful florist shop.
If you could hire anybody who would it be and why?
Maybe an octopus, known for its intelligence and eight multi-tasking arms.
What is the best advice you’ve received in your career and what mentors have influenced you the most?
My late husband always encouraged me to keep it simple, do one thing well, and be resilient when overcoming obstacles.
What is your favorite drink?
Vodka on the rocks.
What is the funniest thing that has ever happened to you at a cocktail party?
I went to a Halloween party with a group of friends. We were dressed up like the cast of The Wizard of Oz. When we walked in, we realized that it wasn’t a dress-up party. Funny to everyone else. Not so much for us.
What is your favorite restaurant in Manhattan?
It’s impossible to choose, but Avra, La Galoue, Balthazar, Nobu, and Sarge’s Deli are a few.
What is your favorite Manhattan book or favorite character in Manhattan literature?
The Great Gatsby, Zelda, Breakfast at Tiffany’s are a few that come to mind.
What is your favorite tv show and why?
Jeopardy. I love games.
What is your favorite movie and why?
The Devil Wears Prada. It reminds me of my experiences in the fashion industry.
What do you know now that you wish you knew at the beginning of your career?
Don’t sweat the small stuff.
What’s one thing you wish the world better understood about you and why?
I’m not someone who gets hung up on being understood or misunderstood.
Who would you like to be for a day and why?
For a fleeting day …. a bazillionaire. It would be amazing to see what it feels like to be able to give money to help as many people as possible.
What would you like to be asked in an interview that you never have been asked, and how would you answer it?
How would you enlighten your 22 year old self?
Life is a journey. Worrying doesn’t change anything. Enjoy what you can.
If you could have anything in Manhattan named after you what would it be and why?
Perhaps a charity that helps people.
What has been your best Manhattan athletic experience?
Walking miles and miles without being bored.
What is your favorite thing to do in Manhattan that you can do nowhere else?
So many, but a few of my favorites are just walking the streets, gallery hopping, going to green markets, meeting with friends, great restaurants, and immersing myself in the art and culture – all of which embodies the spirit of Manhattan.
If you could have dinner with any person living or passed, who would it be and why?
My late husband. I miss him.
What has been your best Manhattan art or music experience?
I have fond memories of some of the greats at BB Kings, like Etta James, and it was exciting meeting Ron Woods and his family backstage at a Rolling Stones Concert backstage at Madison Square Garden.
What do you personally do or what have you done to give back to the world?
I regularly donate proceeds and products from my company to science-based advocacy organizations and cancer centers. They provide nurturing comfort, helping to restore confidence, dignity, and beauty to patients.
I strive to make a positive impact on the world by helping educate about the importance of overall health, and to inspire others to reduce exposure to toxins and make smarter self-care decisions.
I hope that I’m making an impact with my company providing products with a higher standard of clean ingredients, that are not only safe, but supremely effective to help transform the health of skin.
What do you think is most underrated and overrated in Manhattan?
The overrated: Times Square, especially New Years Eve.
The underrated: even though NYC has been getting a bad rap lately due to crime, the city offers so much that is unparalleled -not only the iconic landmarks & museums, but the many hidden gems of culture, diversity, restaurants, shopping, entertainment, and nightlife that embodies this vibrant and exciting city.
Other than Movers and Shakers of course, what is your favorite WhomYouKnow.com column and what do you like about it?
“Unique to Whom You Know” particularly “Peachy and the City”.
Great articles and photos of activities and goings on in the city.
What else should Whom You Know readers know about you?
I love design, orchids, and animals.
How would you like to be contacted by Whom You Know readers?
pamela@newbeautysales.com or pfriedman@cvskinlabs.com
