Name: Maddie Fantle
Brand: Maes Face
Established January, 2021
Hometown: New York (for the business) - but I'm from Milwaukee, WI

What motivated you to start Maes Face?

I’ve worked for a few founders in my professional career and was so motivated by what they built. I wanted to create something of my own that I was interested and passionate about - and my past experience in digital marketing and health and wellness gave me the motivation to start.

What would you consider your hero product from your brand?

Our face masks! We only have five products total - four of them being face masks. Our focus is on masking because we believe they encourage self-care (if only for 15 minutes!).

What standards/non-negotiables do you take into consideration when thinking about enhancing or developing new products?

All our products will ALWAYS be vegan and non-toxic. We don’t believe in using harmful chemicals in our products - and we never will. It’s also important to us that our products are inclusive and can be used by anyone.

What do you think are some of the biggest challenges for "beauty/wellness" brands today?

Making sure you have a strong brand identity and mission so you can stand out. It’s a crowded space - but there’s room for everyone to thrive.

What has been one of your proudest moments since creating Maes Face?

Two things! One has been the feedback on the products. You spend so much time creating it then for strangers to message you how much they loved it is so special.

Another proud moment was expanding into Urban Outfitters and selling out of SKU there within a couple of days.

We're a small startup, so getting into a big retailer early on was a huge win - and something our small business was very proud of!

What can we expect in the future from Maes Face?

More products that are good for you and promote self-care. Stay tuned!

What advice would you give customers who want to make the most out of your brand?

Make an experience out of it - turn it into an at-home spa night. They’re face masks that you mix with either water, apple cider vinegar, yogurt or honey! Apply it to your face - maybe take a bath, put on a relaxing playlist and then 15 minutes later wash it off and feel refreshed in every way!

How do you start your day?

Every single morning I get up, make an iced americano and a big glass of water and go sit outside on an outdoor porch in Vermont (where I’m living/working for the Summer) and answer emails. It’s a great way to start the work day.

Do you have a morning/evening ritual?

I have my coffee and water every morning - but other than that my rituals vary! For the most part though, my mornings consists of a green smoothie and ice rolling while I work- and my evenings ( after work ) consists of a walk, cooking or going out to eat, and then watching a TV show with some form of dessert.

What is your daily skincare routine?

I have a simple routine! I don’t wash in the morning just splash with water and ice roll (it’s the best!), in the evening I wash my face with timeless Organics foam wash, then follow up with my Maes Face Face oil! About 3-4 times a week I do a Maes Face mask too after washing and before the face oil. The mask I use depends on what my skin needs - if I’m breaking out I use my Charcoal and Spirulina Masks - and if I need extra hydration / glow I go for the Algae Blue Mask and Beet Red Mask!

Do you have a daily wellness routine?

I wish I could say I did...I’ve always wanted to be the person that wakes up every morning meditates, does yoga, journals etc., etc., but I don’t. I do though
practice self-care whenever I think I need it; for me that looks like alone time, binging shows I love, reading, bathing.. and watching Tiktoks - and I never let myself feel guilty for that! Oh, and I also try to drink a green smoothie every morning so I can get my daily greens over with :).

What is a beauty product or tool you can’t live without?

I’m biased - but my Maes Face masks + Maes Face Oil..and an ice roller!

What do you do for R&R when you need to reboot?

Sleep in, binge Netflixs and take baths!

What are your must haves when traveling?

Snacks, hand sanitizer, lotion, face wash + oil and a ton of water!

What selfcare advice would you have given yourself 5 years ago?

Don’t feel guilty about staying inside your apartment all day on a weekend :). If you need a day to relax, you should take it and never feel like you’re not being productive, because taking care of yourself is one of the most productive things you can do!

Do you have any beauty/wellness advice for our followers?

Try making the switch to natural products! Not only did it change my skin for the better, but common chemicals (including fragrances) in wellness products can be endocrine disruptors that interfere with your hormones.

Also - less sometimes is more! :)