Be Gentle, Man™️ - REYAL

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Tanner Johnston, co-founder of REYAL, located in Vancouver, BC, Canada.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

REYAL is a Vancouver-based company that creates men’s performance skincare and supplements that work to fuel, strengthen, and protect. Our skincare line is entirely cruelty-free and ‘clean’ and was designed for men living active lives – it follows a simple 3-step approach making it simple to incorporate into a daily routine. Equally as simple as our skincare, REYAL provides supplements that combine the best assortment of traditional ingredients that help your body recover, refuel, and build muscle.

Tell us about yourself

In a previous life, I worked at a financial consultancy firm where the ‘work hard/play hard’ mentality was celebrated. Working 12 hour days and staying out late was the norm. This left very little time to prioritize taking care of myself, and I noticed most men around me were struggling to do the same. Not only were the men in my life struggling with their physical and mental health, but they were also unaware of how to talk about it and where to go for improvement. This work environment catalyzed my own self-care journey, starting with fitness and nutrition and, several years later, my skin. I had a desire to build a platform where men feel comfortable embodying self-care and feel safe to do so. Given my passion for fitness and my in-depth knowledge of skincare (having started another skincare company in 2017), I felt confident that I could develop products and create a brand that helps men along their self-care journey and that they are proud of. REYAL was built on the foundation that there is nothing more “manly” than taking care of your mind and body

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

It’s all about our community of like-minded people – hearing our customers’ feedback about our products and how they’ve helped them to pay attention to their minds and bodies is my biggest accomplishment. Better self-care is why we’re here.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

That the buck stops with my co-founder and me, we’re ultimately responsible for all of the decisions and responsibilities.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

1. Believe in yourself and your business; otherwise, you can’t expect anyone else to.
2. Have zero egos and learn from those around you.
3. When things get challenging and you hit roadblocks, stay committed. Get creative and problem to solve.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.reyalperformance.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reyalperformance/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reyalperformance/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/reyal-performance/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.