From Losing Everything to Building a Skincare Brand: Inge Caes' Story

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After 18 years of marriage, Inge Caes found herself alone with her children. She rebuilt her life and launched DermaLab, a skincare brand now used by over 200 clinics. Her story of resilience and entrepreneurship.

### When Life Falls Apart, a New Path Emerges After 18 years of marriage, Inge Caes found herself suddenly alone with her children. She had to rebuild her life from scratch—both personally and professionally. It was during this challenging period that the seeds of DermaLab were planted. Inge's journey is a testament to resilience. Instead of letting hardship define her, she used it as fuel to create something meaningful. Her story resonates with anyone who's faced a major life upheaval and wondered, "What now?" ### The Birth of DermaLab: Where Science Meets Skincare Inge didn't start from nothing. She brought years of experience with adult acne, formal training as an esthetician, and a background at Babor Cosmetics. All of this came together in one vision: making scientifically-backed, innovative skin improvement accessible for home use. "I wanted to create products that actually work—not just promise results," Inge explains. "Having struggled with my own skin issues, I knew how frustrating it is to try product after product with no real change." She launched DermaLab in June 2024. What began as a consumer brand quickly gained traction in the professional market. Today, over 200 clinics use her products, and the range keeps expanding—from Micro Infusion Treatments to solutions for acne and hair growth. ### Building a Brand from Zero: The Entrepreneurial Rollercoaster Starting a business is never easy, and Inge's path was no exception. She had to make tough calls, from product development to pricing strategies. But her personal experience gave her a unique edge. - **Authenticity:** She built DermaLab around real problems she understood firsthand. - **Quality over hype:** Every product is backed by research, not marketing fluff. - **Gradual growth:** She started small, listened to feedback, and scaled organically. "There were moments I doubted everything," she admits. "But when you believe in what you're building, you find a way forward." ### Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs Inge's story offers valuable insights for anyone dreaming of starting their own business: - **Turn your pain into purpose.** Your struggles can become your greatest strength. - **Leverage your expertise.** Don't ignore the skills you've built over the years. - **Start before you're ready.** Waiting for the perfect moment means waiting forever. - **Stay adaptable.** The market will surprise you—be ready to pivot. ### What's Next for DermaLab? With a growing network of clinics and a product line that keeps evolving, Inge shows no signs of slowing down. Her focus remains on innovation and accessibility, ensuring that effective skincare isn't just for the elite. "I want DermaLab to be a name people trust," she says. "Not because we shout the loudest, but because our results speak for themselves." Inge's journey from loss to leadership is a powerful reminder that even when life knocks you down, you can build something remarkable. It just takes courage, clarity, and a willingness to start again.