Join us for an exclusive interview with Art McCarthy, the innovative founder of OneUp, which transforms skincare with simplicity and efficiency.
Tell us about your background and what led you to the skincare world.
My journey began in the digital space—I grew my YouTube channel to a million subscribers over a decade, which was a wild ride. From there, I ventured into business, starting NanoZebra to manage brand deals for content creators. Being immersed in this scene, especially with skincare collaborations, I noticed everything felt too complex and almost overdone. It struck me—why not cut through the noise? That's when OneUp came to life. I wanted to create something super straightforward but effective, an all-in-one face cream that delivers. It's about making top-tier skincare a no-brainer for everyone, especially for people with a fast-paced, on-the-go lifestyle like mine.
What inspired you to create OneUp, and what makes it different from other skincare products?
When I started OneUp, my main goal was to strip back the complexities I saw dominating the skincare industry. Our all-in-one face cream is designed to cut through the clutter. It consolidates essential skincare steps into one product that does it all—hydrates protects, rejuvenates, and more. With OneUp, we're not just simplifying routines; we're upgrading them with a single, powerful solution that meets the demands of any lifestyle. This isn't about adding more products to your shelf; it's about giving you everything your skin needs in one go, with results you can see and feel.
The concept of an all-in-one skincare solution is intriguing. How did you come up with this idea?
The whole journey of creating OneUp was intensely personal. It began with nearly a year of planning what I wanted in a skincare product. I wasn't just looking for something to sell; I wanted something I could use and benefit from every day. After we nailed down the concept, I tested it on myself for the next six months. This wasn't just checking boxes; it was about ensuring we had crafted an all-in-one skincare solution that delivered. Every tweak and adjustment was guided by my experience, ensuring that what we brought to market wasn't just good but great. The result? A cream that hydrates, rejuvenates, and protects—all in one go. It's the single product I had been looking for, and I am now ready to simplify routines for everyone else, too.
What challenges did you face in developing a product that combines multiple skincare benefits into one formula?
I quickly learned that this business is way more complex than it looks. The first big step was finding the right specialist to help us nail the formula. Designing the aesthetic and theme for OneUp was another major piece. We wanted something that looked as good as it worked. Many of our early days were spent on developing the product—communicating our vision to find the perfect blend of ingredients that could deliver the all-in-one benefits we dreamed of. But beyond just the product, there's the whole manufacturing side and brand building, which are enormous tasks on their own. You're not just creating a cream; you're making a brand, a story that needs to resonate on shelves and in hearts.
Sustainability is an aspect of OneUp. Can you explain how the brand practices sustainability in its operations?
One thing we've done differently at OneUp is offering a bigger, more practical bottle that can last a couple of months. This approach isn't just about convenience; it's also about sustainability. Instead of buying multiple products you don't use regularly, which creates more waste, we've streamlined the process. You have everything you need in one bottle, reducing clutter and minimizing environmental impact. On top of that, we're constantly looking for ways to enhance our sustainability practices, from sourcing ingredients responsibly to improving our packaging. It's all about making intelligent choices that benefit our customers and the planet.
How do you see OneUp evolving in the next five years, and are there new brands or features in the pipeline?
We have several exciting ideas brewing, but at OneUp, we're committed to ensuring that anything we release is the best it can be. We're not in the business of rushing products to market to fill a shelf. Every new item must live up to the high standards our customers expect from us. It's about thoughtful innovation and precision in development. We want each new product to enhance our users' routines genuinely, not just expand our line. So, while I can't share specifics yet, rest assured we are working on future offerings that are as groundbreaking and effective as our all-in-one face cream.
What key lessons have you learned from founding OneUp that you would share with new entrepreneurs?
Coming up with an idea is just the starting point; the real challenge—and where true success lies—is executing and sticking with it. In the entrepreneurial world, persistence is vital. It's not just about having a groundbreaking idea but also about bringing it to life in a way that meets market needs and stands out from the competition. Moreover, staying committed to your vision, especially through tough times, is crucial. Turning an idea into a successful business requires resilience, adaptability, and relentless dedication.
We thank Art McCarthy for sharing his vision and insights with us. OneUp continues to redefine skincare, promising simplicity and efficacy for every user.
