Robbin Turner M.Ed. shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Robbin, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The first 90 minutes of my day? Oh, it’s a whole vibe.
It starts with what I lovingly call my “green slime shot”—aka okra water. It’s not exactly a five-star brunch item, but it’s a wellness ritual that keeps me feeling grounded and strong. Once I’ve conquered that, I head straight into my garage, which I’ve converted into a full-blown fitness sanctuary—no cars, just dumbbells, barbells, mats, and motivation.
Then the fun begins. Picture this: sweat dripping, endorphins kicking, and 80s and 90s hype music blasting like it’s a private concert. It’s my time to move, sweat, and set the tone for the day—strong, energized, and ready to take on anything.
By the time I’m done, I’m not just awake—I’m alive.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Robbin Turner, Founder, CEO, and Botanical Formulator behind Violet Botanical Skincare. I started the brand out of love for my family and frustration with the lack of gentle options for dry, sensitive, eczema-prone skin. When my husband and son struggled with dryness, I refused to believe steroid creams were the only answer. So, I went back to my science background and started creating plant-based formulas that actually worked—without the harsh stuff.
What makes Violet Botanical Skincare special is that we focus on the part of skincare most people overlook—the body. Our products are made with African botanical ingredients like Nilotica shea, Marula, and Baobab oils—plants that have been trusted for centuries for their hydrating and soothing benefits. I love that our ingredients not only nurture your skin but also support women harvesters and communities across Africa.
Right now, I’m excited about expanding Violet beyond the beauty aisle—into places like hospitals, corporate wellness programs, and even government agencies—spaces where gentle, fragrance-conscious skincare can make a real difference. At the heart of it all, Violet Botanical Skincare is about helping you care for your skin every day, with products that make you feel comfortable, confident, and naturally radiant.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
My grandparents, hands down, taught me the most about work. They didn’t just talk about work ethic—they lived it. My grandmother was the heartbeat of the home. She worked part-time while we were at school, but somehow still managed to have breakfast ready in the morning, our lunches packed, and a hot, home-cooked dinner waiting for us every single night. She made it look effortless—like love in motion.
My grandfather was the definition of dedication. He was up by 5 a.m., out the door before sunrise, and on a two-hour train ride each way to work. He’d come home late, eat, rest, and do it all over again the next day. On weekends, while most people would be catching up on sleep, he’d be outside tending to the yard—mowing, pruning, planting—then back to that 5 a.m. grind on Monday.
They never complained, never paused to pat themselves on the back. They just did what needed to be done, with grace, grit, and quiet pride. Watching them taught me that real work isn’t loud—it’s consistent, it’s done with love, and it’s what builds the life you want, one day at a time.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Ha! Ha! Oh yes—there have definitely been moments when I’ve thought, what was I thinking? As an entrepreneur, those thoughts creep in more often than people admit. You pour your heart, time, and energy into something—research every angle, double-check every detail—and when it still doesn’t work out the way you hoped, it’s crushing.
There’ve been nights when I’ve stared at my computer and thought, maybe I should just get a regular job with predictable hours and health benefits. But then, after a good night’s sleep (and maybe a workout to shake it off), I remember why I started. I didn’t come this far to stop at the hard parts.
The truth is, those low moments have a sneaky way of teaching you the most. They remind me that resilience isn’t about never wanting to give up—it’s about taking a deep breath, adjusting your crown, and trying again with the same heart, just a little more wisdom.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
Oh — this one gets me fired up. Yes, there are big lies the beauty industry tells itself (and us). Let’s call them out, shall we?
The biggest lie? Authenticity. So many brands claim to care about health and wellness, but still use ingredients linked to hormone disruption or questionable safety. You can’t champion breast cancer awareness while using the very things that may contribute to the problem. And let’s talk about the “clean” label craze—those words sound good, but they often mean nothing.
Then there’s the classic, “We removed that ingredient, so now we’re completely clean.”
Remove parabens? Okay. Replace them with something that triggers allergies in 5% of users? Not so clean. Sometimes the “new, safer” ingredient is worse—or just another less-known villain in disguise.
And here’s another big one: “We’re transparent—trust us.”
Transparency is often a half-truth. Some brands share a little sourcing or ingredient info but hide the rest behind vague terms like “fragrance” or “proprietary blend.” Real transparency means showing your sources, your process, and your safety data—not just what looks good for marketing.
Real clean beauty goes beyond buzzwords and pretty packaging. It’s about honesty, transparency, and integrity. If your gut tells you something isn’t right, even when the label sounds pretty—you’re not wrong.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
They would definitely miss my customer service—and those personal email replies. I can’t tell you how many times someone has written in about their dry or sensitive skin, and we end up having a full conversation about their routine, what’s working, what’s not, and how to make small changes that actually help. I genuinely love connecting with people that way.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve emailed or DM’d a company with a question before making a purchase—and got radio silence. They just lost my sale. Go figure. That’s why I make sure every customer who reaches out gets a thoughtful, human response.
It’s not just about selling a product—it’s about helping someone feel better in their skin. My customers know they’re not getting an auto-reply; they’re getting a real person who listens, understands, and cares. If I retired tomorrow, I think they’d miss that the most—the warmth, the connection, and the sense that someone on the other side of the screen actually sees them.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.violetbody.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/violetbodyme
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbin-turner-m-ed-431462175
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/violetbodyme
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VioletBotanicalSkincareLLC
Image Credits
The Glue on behalf of Get in the Game LA
