Today we’d like to introduce you to Ali Nugent.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was Miss Texas USA 2013 and after competing at Miss USA and ending up as 4th Runner-Up I began my modeling career. I am a known model in Dallas, Toronto, Vancouver and Athens, Greece. Having been around the industry for some time now, I realize how important it is for not only women in my field but men as well to keep a healthy lifestyle and to maintain your physical appearance. Most importantly, I found that keeping my skin clean, fresh and clear was vital to working. Knowing this, it sparked my interest in the skin care industry. I created DFND (pronounced Defend) with the intent to help EVERYONE in this world achieve their ultimate skin goals. Part way into my journey, I hit a significant speed bump. The two weeks before this past Christmas, I came down with a strain of the flu that caused my liver, and both of my kidneys to go into a state of almost complete failure. My entire immune system was compromised. I underwent Kidney and bone marrow biopsies, scans, and an unimaginable amount of blood tests to make sure I would be able to make it past the age of 25. After being one day away from dialysis and a feeding tube, my body began to heal and I was released from the hospital on Christmas Eve. Three months later, I experienced my first ever seizure and am currently in the process of trying to figure out what my health will be like for the rest of my life which ultimately has pushed me even harder to want to help others. Along with modeling, I am fully committed to making my skin care line the best it can be so that I can give back as much as I possibly can to all.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
In the 4th grade, I began to experience bullying, and it didn’t quite end until after I won the title of Miss Texas USA. Life for me hasn’t always been the easiest at times, but I’ve always had my incredible family to lean back on when I hit walls where I feel like I can’t go on. Being able to wake up every day and work on growing my business in order to help others in any way that I can has been more than enough repayment for the years I struggled. My mom especially has been a big part of all of this for me. When I was 15, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She, almost immediately, had a mastectomy and underwent Chemotherapy for 1 year until she was cancer free. Her strength and guidance in life have helped me get to where I am today.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I am the founder and CEO of my own skincare line called DFND. Although it is still a baby company, I have big plans for the future. Currently, we have 2 products, a 2 in 1 Face Mask + Scrub and our best selling Facial Moisturizer. Our Facial Cleanser is being formulated and finalized now and should be bottled and ready to sell by Fall 2018. What sets us apart from other skin care lines is not only my dedication to personally connecting with our audience and customers but our ingredients. Our Face Mask + Scrub contains ingredients like Rare Brazilian Black Clay which has high levels of Titanium allowing UV rays to easily bounce off your skin and not penetrate or damage it. Also included is Astaxanthin also known as the strongest antioxidant vitamin in nature being 550 times stronger than Vitamin E. Coconut Oil, being naturally antibacterial, is proven to hydrate your skin much better than other methods. And finally, to scrub away we’ve included finely granulated bamboo for a gentle yet thorough exfoliation. Now, as for our Facial Moisturizer, along with Astaxanthin, we added an exciting ingredient from the Swiss Alps. Snow Algea, also known as watermelon snow (due to chlorophyll, when harvested has a green color, then its secondary color due to carotene, is red in pigment) – it’s cryophilic which means it thrives in cold, sub frozen water. When Swiss Snow algae are applied to the skin, it has the effect of activating the longevity gene and an enzyme called AMPK. The enzyme functions to improve DNA repair. DNA repair is at the heart of every effort to increase the longevity of the skin. All efforts to boost the longevity of the skin internally are aimed at improving the levels of AMPK in the cells.
According to researchers, application of Swiss Snow Algae to the skin has a restorative effect. A combination of peptides and hyaluronic acid in the snow algae addresses a number of concerns related to aging skin, such as dryness and wrinkles. The result is moisturized, wrinkle-free, and fully hydrated skin.
Our Facial Cleanser will contain a special ingredient called L22. Now, most people don’t know but when you’re 22 years old, that it when your skin hits its ultimate health peak. Knowing this, scientists created an ingredient which mimics the skin cells of just that, a 22-year-old, allowing you to maintain that youthful glow that we all work so hard to achieve.
What were you like growing up?
I was a total tomboy. I am 1 of 5 children and the first girl after 3 boys so naturally, I was interested in sports and definitely not in dolls. I’ve always loved to laugh and joke and keep things light, never too serious! I definitely felt more comfortable on the soccer field than I did in a cheerleading gym but I can’t say the same for my younger sister!
Pricing:
- Facial Mask + Scrub available online for $49.95
- Facial Moisturizer available online for $44.95
Contact Info:
- Website: www.dfndco.com
- Phone: 214-608-4990
- Email: ali@dfndco.com
- Instagram: @dfndco
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
