About

Is it any wonder that Nicolas Travis (https://www.buro247.sg/stars/nicolas-travis) has an amazing complexion? The man is behind local cult beauty brand (https://www.buro247.sg/beauty/buro-loves/singaporean-beauty-brands-best-buys.html) Allies of Skin (https://www.buro247.sg/beauty/buro-loves/allies-of-skin-day-cream-and-reformulations.html) , which boasts clean and effective products that are stocked in big-name retailers around the world including Sephora (https://www.buro247.sg/beauty/buro-loves/new-beauty-brands-sephora-singapore-sunday-riley.html) , Harrods, Net-a-Porter, Space NK, and Galeries Lafayette. However, behind that flawlessness is a backstory of imperfections and faith. Nicolas launched his own skincare label because he became increasingly dissatisfied with the products that claimed to treat his severe acne. Somewhere along the way, Nicolas also suffered a major fall, that saw him sink into a period of depression. In the fifth episode of Buro's Brave Living, the tenacious founder talks to our host Simone Heng (https://www.buro247.sg/stars/simone-heng) about his unusual childhood, how he struggled to find his footing in the beauty (https://www.buro247.sg/beauty) industry, and his unwavering commitment to his dreams. Hit play to get inspired! 00:00 Growing up Estranged from his biological parents when he was just three months old, Nicolas was raised by his nanny, whose family he calls “an incredible blessing”. It was in this self-made household that he learnt the value of hard work and self-reliance. 03:44 Starting from scratch Nicolas shares how, as a biomedical undergrad, he had always been fascinated with skin. It was only after unfulfilling stints in advertising and PR that he considered building a skincare business on his own. However, it wasn’t all rainbows and sunshine in the beginning. He recounts how he was constantly worried about money and working with major retailers. 22:18 A life-changing moment  A major fall in Nicolas’ younger days changed him. He sunk into depression and was on antidepressants for years. After popping mood-adjusting pills for a decade, Nicolas decided to stop medicating and, under the advice of his shrink at the time, made a bucket list of his dreams. 31:08 On the horizon  Nicolas reveals his expansion plans for Allies of Skin in terms of products and distribution. He concludes with words of encouragement: “The grass is not greener on the other side; it’s green where you water it.” For more inspiring stories, subscribe and tune in every fortnight to Buro.'s Brave Living with Simone Heng (https://www.buro247.sg/stars/simone-heng) . For more updates, head over to our website (https://www.buro247.sg/) , Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/buro247singapore) , and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/buro.singapore) .