Is it time to add a "slash" to my name? Model/Skin care entrepreneur?!? Well I'm definitely not taking model away.  As I'm still heavily working as a model, actually I'm just finishing my 4th annual Sports Illustrated shoot, and I'm featured on one of the 3 calenders of 2010.  So in fact, I'm very blessed to be busier than I’ve ever dreamed of. 

But let's face the facts.  I'm a veteran that's getting to be pretty old in model years (23).  I know SHOCKING and I hate to break it to you, but models do not stay at age 21 or start reversing in age (know matter what they say).  Good news is that I’m beginning to develop interest in different fun opportunities.  Some of you might know that my grandfather had a grapefruit farm where he discovered a mutation of a grapefruit. It was named "Henderson Grapefruit" which is now sold internationally.  Anyhow, growing up we used to receive crates and crates of these grapefruits sent to my house.  I got so tired of eating them that I experimented with other ways of utilizing grapefruit, I started using the extracts in my lotions and using it in others ways on my face as an "at  home facial", even as a little girl.  I have been doing this for many years now. Back then I didn’t have the scientific proof or reasons that my grapefruit treatment was a good thing for your skin, its filled with antioxidants, vitamins c and d, helps fight fatigue, moisturizes and helps prevent wrinkles.

One day, I was telling Russell about my childhood “at home facial” when he suggested that I extend my family brand.  He helped me secure the rights to go out and expand on the the Henderson name into areas where I had real passion.  The first idea I had was for renewal facial products.  It was a long process to find go through and test out all of the facial serums out there.  My favorite one was by a very famous facialist by the name of Christine Chin.   So after using her product for some time I scheduled a facial. I would not be the first supermodel in her chair, in fact my friend, Kimora Lee and many others have graced her chair.  While she was working on me, I started gabbing away about the benefits of grapefruit for the skin.  She was very much aware of all this, but had not created any products including them. I kept talking until my facial was over and somehow I convinced her to use her lab and chemist to start the development process.  She either thought it was a great idea or just wanted me to shut up.  ;)

Well, she thought it was a fantastic idea. So now fast forward and I’m am already using the product and we are picking out packaging, graphics, marketing plans and launch dates. I can barely believe this, I'm so excited I could pinch myself.  Imagine, me partnering up with the best in the business to launch the Henderson grapefruit daily renewal serum!  So it is true what Russell says about “imagination plus a little work, dreams do come true”.

xo
Julie