EP8: Claire van Bekkum, Communications Specialist and Co-Owner of Monuskin

In this episode of The Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast, Jo interviews Claire van Bekkum, co-owner of Monuskin, a UK-based skincare brand. Claire shares her journey from a successful 20-year publishing career to becoming a midlife entrepreneur alongside her husband Laurent. She discusses how they redefined the Monuskin brand, redesigned the packaging, and launched innovative skincare lines. Claire also delves into the dynamics of working with her husband, the challenges of pivoting careers, and the crucial lessons she's learned about communication, confidence, and entrepreneurship. The conversation is filled with insights and advice for midlife entrepreneurs looking to embark on a similar journey.

00:00 Introduction to the Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast

00:15 Meet Claire van Bekkum: From Publishing to Skincare

00:57 Redefining Monuskin: A New Chapter

01:45 Claire's Role and Responsibilities

02:42 Transitioning from Publishing to Skincare

04:39 Learning and Growing in a New Industry

08:31 The Evolution of Monuskin

18:17 Balancing Work and Personal Life

22:08 Lessons Learned and Future Goals

25:54 Behind the Scenes: The Challenges of Production

26:51 Embracing Technology in Midlife Entrepreneurship

28:02 The Power of Gratitude and Continuous Learning

29:16 Facing Fears and Building Confidence

30:09 The Importance of Partnership in Business

30:43 Reflecting on Career and Personal Life

34:19 Investments and Lessons Learned

43:34 Acknowledging Influential Mentors

47:08 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Claire’s 3,2,1s:

3 things you’ve invested in that have been worth every penny:

1.           Moving to a new factory was a gamechanger for the team and the business. 

2.          It also motivated us to rethink our website and freshen everything up. We use Emma Provins from Skylight9 Ltd for Meta support. www.skylight9.co.uk 

3.          Finding our photographer Ria Fletcher, follow her on Instagram @ria.fletcher

2 things you wish you’d done differently:

1.           At one stage we had the finance/ business side of things in a swanky office in Cheltenham and everything else at the factory, that was a mistake. Being all under one roof is better all round. 

2.          I wish I’d met my husband 10 years earlier.  I was 46 when we got married. 

1 person you’d like to thank:

1.           Emma Redmayne, my boss at Conde Nast, I learned a lot from her, especially about self-belief and being proud to sell – whilst enjoying the experience and having fun! 

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Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025.
Recorded at Eight Works Podcast Studios, 1 Dysart Street, London, EC2A 2BX
For bookings: [email protected]

Jo Glynn-Smith is an entrepreneur, professional coach, writer, and speaker from London, she is an expert in career transformation and change.

Instagram @jojoglynnsmith
Contact: [email protected]
www.joglynnsmith.com

MUSIC CREDIT Easy Money by REX BANNER licensed by Artlist.io
PHOTOGRAPHY by JONATHAN GLYNN-SMITH www.jonathanglynnsmith.com