Woman Behind the Brand Mardien Radewalt
That fantastic supplements and skin and hair care products do not necessarily have to come from blue zones, is proven by Mardien Radewalt with Skin for Skin. She develops her own line right in Urk. She started locally, her dream is big: ‘To offer as many women as possible the best care products at an affordable price.’
Mardien, tell me. How did it all come about? When I was young, the internet didn't even exist and I couldn't have dreamed of an online platform. But writing has always been in my heart and mind. Is that the same for you with skincare? Were you fascinated by the world of beauty as a little girl?”
“My fascination mainly started from necessity; I had eczema as a child and was constantly looking for something that wouldn't make my skin explode immediately. I quickly found out that the solution wasn't in makeup to camouflage. Hormone ointment was my lifesaver for a long time. Until I started to delve into nutrition, avoiding triggers, and dissecting skincare ingredients to help myself achieve healthier skin.”
Did you go straight to your goal or did you come to Skin for Skin through detours?
“It was certainly not a straight line… I wish I could take the credit for the company. But that really goes to my husband. He is a co-owner of a fish processing company in Urk and came up with a sustainability question: how can I circularly upgrade the residual stream of the fish company?”
“The skin and bones were usually thrown away. Just the skin contains valuable substances like collagen. After three years of developing, testing, and obtaining a patent on our extraction method, we had a pure, powerful native fish collagen powder – different from the commonly used hydrolyzed products.”
“And because I had eczema, I was – of course – the first test subject. When my skin improved and people around me wanted to try it too, I thought: okay, we have something here. Skin for Skin was born.”
What education did you pursue?
“After high school, I went straight to work in the family business – ‘for a while’ – but I never left. Administration, purchasing, sales, customer service; I learned it all. So no official study, but a master in practice.”
“Everything I know now about entrepreneurship and about the skin, I learned by doing. Of course, I follow training and courses to keep deepening my knowledge.”
How many hours a week do you work?
“Well… how many hours are in a week? I work more than full-time, but it doesn't always feel like work. There is always something to do – an idea, a test, a customer with a question. It still gives me energy.”
Do you keep work and private life separate?
“No, are there even entrepreneurs who can keep that strictly separate? Even on vacation, I'm still busy with the company. That also comes from the fact that I'm quite a control freak – letting go is not my strongest suit.”
Where do you get your inspiration from?
“My husband is indirectly involved and my daughter also works with us now, so at home, we often talk about Skin for Skin. But I draw inspiration from everywhere: Instagram, TikTok, magazines, customers, stores, art, music, fashion. If you have an eye for it, you see ideas everywhere.”
What is your favorite work outfit?
“Classy comfort. A wide pant or jeans with elastic, a nice top or blouse, blazer, and sneakers or heels. It has to look good, but also feel nice.”
“I can really enjoy a party; then I go all-in with clothing, makeup, hair, and jewelry.”
What perfume do you wear on a workday?
“I'm addicted to perfume. Depending on my mood, I wear Orphéon by Diptyque, Angel Dust by Fugazzi, or M02 by Escentric Molecules. For meetings or parties, I often choose something stronger, like Bois Impérial by Essential Parfums or Bois d’Ébène by Matière Première.”
What is your beauty ritual?
“My day starts with our collagen supplement – that is really the basis. In the morning, I cleanse my face with just water, followed by vitamin C serum and our ’Stay Pretty Forever‘ SPF day cream.’
“I keep makeup basic: concealer, mascara, and a lip product that I'm testing. In the evening, I cleanse with a double cleanse, occasionally a mild peel, and finish with our serum ’Boost it Up!‘ and the ’Lock it In!‘ cream.’
What do you wear when you want to impress during a meeting?
“A blazer and heels. That gives me just that little extra strength and confidence. And then I make sure my hair and makeup are top-notch – that underscores that I know what I'm talking about.”
What distinguishes Skin for Skin from other brands?
“It started with the effectiveness of our fish collagen: I saw the difference myself and received the same reactions from others. We use patented native fish collagen powder – unlike the commonly used hydrolyzed collagen.”
“We know from catch to capsule where everything comes from: the fish is caught by Urk fishermen, processed by my husband, and we extract something valuable from it. Everything happens locally and sustainably.”
“We develop our products ourselves, based on feedback. That keeps them effective, practical, and affordable. Because good skincare doesn't have to be a luxury.”
What is an important career lesson you have learned?
“Follow your gut feeling. And don't get stuck in something that doesn't feel right – whether it's about people, products, or projects. Your work should be an addition to your life, not a replacement for it.”
“My friends and I often say: what do you want people to say about you at your funeral? ‘What a hard worker she was’? Or: ‘What a loving, attentive, and present person she was’?”
Mardien’s current faves
- Album you keep listening to: “I mainly have the radio on. My music choice varies from classical to country, R&B, Dutch music, and current pop music.”
- Perfume: Angel Dust by Fugazzi
- Book: Just ordered: The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins. “I hope this book reflects what we often say in Urk: let it go!”
- Last clothing purchase: “A pair of earrings in the color theme of the Dutch Beauty Awards, where we were nominated with two products – and won a third prize!”
