121. Skin Deep: 'Peeling' Back the Layers of Skin Microbiome Diversity with Fjor's Natalie Enslow

Erum and Karl dive into the fascinating world of the skin microbiome with Natalie Enslow, CEO and co-founder of Fjor. Natalie shares her journey from marketing to biotech, explaining how her brand is revolutionizing skincare by embracing the power of beneficial bacteria. She discusses the importance of microbial diversity, the challenges of launching a biotech-driven skincare brand, and how Fjor's enzyme-powered formulations are designed to support rather than replace the skin’s natural microbiome. The conversation also touches on the future of gender-neutral skincare, the intersection of biotech and entrepreneurship, and why the beauty industry needs a serious science-backed shake-up.

Grow Everything brings the bioeconomy to life. Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories and interview the leaders and influencers changing the world by growing everything. Biology is the oldest technology. And it can be engineered. What are we growing?

Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.messaginglab.com/groweverything⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 – Welcome to the World of Skin Microbiomes!
• 00:00:14 – Erum & Karl Reunite: Travel Tales and Jet Lag
• 00:00:46 – From Panama to London: Adventures and Insights
• 00:02:28 – Why We Started Grow Everything – A Podcast for the Bioeconomy
• 00:02:44 – The Bioeconomy Boom: What’s Next for Biotech?
• 00:04:26 – RFK Jr.’s Mission to Ban Food Dyes—Science or Politics?
• 00:07:08 – Who Owns Your Genetic Data? The Debate Heats Up
• 00:10:43 – Meet Natalie Enslow: The Biotech Innovator Changing Skincare
• 00:13:00 – Culture, Science & Skincare: The Nordic Philosophy Behind Fjor​
• 00:17:00 – Why Your Skin’s Microbiome Is in Crisis (and How to Fix It)​
• 00:23:00 – Convincing Family: How Natalie’s Mom Became a Believer​
• 00:25:00 – Too Many Choices? How Fjor Cuts Through the Skincare Noise​
• 00:27:27 – Gender-Neutral Branding: Why Fjor Is Breaking Beauty Norms
• 00:28:45 – Luxury Meets Science: Natalie’s Background in High-End Marketing
• 00:30:33 – TikTok’s Influence on Biotech: How Fjor Uses Social Media to Educate
• 00:33:29 – What’s Next? The Future of Fjor’s Skincare Innovations
• 00:35:54 – Raising Capital & Building a Dream Team in Biotech
• 00:41:47 – Women in Biotech: Challenges, Wins, and Breaking Barriers
• 00:44:31 – The Future of Skincare: Trends in Biotech Beauty
• 00:49:58 – Wrapping Up: Key Takeaways & Final Thoughts

Links and Resources:

• Fjor -  science-backed microbiome  skincare. Order today!
• Who gets ownership of useful genetic data? (Ars Technica)
• Connect with Natalie on LinkedIn

Topics Covered: 

biomanufacturing, biotech startups, biotech investing, biomanufacturing pilot plants, Houston economic development, synbio

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Email: groweverything@messaginglab.com

Music by: Nihilore