Meet Erin, the founder of a Vancouver-based skincare company, Hermit. Hermit specializes in small-batch, wellbeing essentials made with the best ingredients for you to unwind, recharge and settle in. On a mission to go au natural with clean and simple ingredients, Hermit products are made with your wellbeing in mind so you can feel good about what your skin's wearing.

1. Tell us a bit about your business.

During a period in my life when I was really burnt out, I noticed I felt most recharged when I prioritized some quality alone time. I believe that resting, when done in an intentional and purposeful way can be so powerful. Our line of wellness and self-care products are some of my favourite ways to sneak moments of self-care into my busy day - and are designed to help others do the same. From bath salts to face tools, each item Hermit offers is designed to help you hit reset.

2. What three words best describe you?

Resourceful, Creative, Adventurous

3. What is your story?

I grew up in Quesnel, BC (about 7 hours north of Vancouver) before studying business at university and later moving to Vancouver. My parents are both entrepreneurs so I was exposed to the pros (and cons) of entrepreneurship at a very young age. I’m grateful for my childhood experiences - in the end owning my own business felt like a natural step to take.

4. What does a typical day look like for you?

I love a good, slow, morning routine. When the weather's nice I love to turn on a podcast and walk to our office, where I spend the day working with the team (there are six of us, all women!). After work, I try to make sure I get some form of movement in. If we’re not out and about with friends, I try to end the evening with something relaxing like a bath with our salt soaks. They’re the best before bedtime!

5. How do you stay organized?

Scheduling my day is something that I still struggle with - focusing on the important tasks that drive our business forward and not getting wrapped up in the little fires that pop up every now and then is something I’m still working on. The Get It Done Planner has been especially helpful for this - it helps remind me of what I am working towards so I don’t lose sight of my goals.

6. What is one of your goals this year?

I’m getting closer to the age where I’d like to start a family. Right now it’s hard to wrap my head around how I’ll do that on top of my other baby, Hermit. A big goal for me this year is to streamline and systemize my business in a way that it can run without me being involved so much in the day to day activities.

7. What challenges have you faced while running your own business?

Oh man, each year and each period of growth comes with new challenges. The last few years definitely weren’t easy - I’m sure many other Founders can attest to that. Specifically for us, our business is quite seasonal, so ensuring that we have enough stock (and cash flow) to get us through our busy periods is something that we’re still ironing out.

8. What are you most proud of?

I was a 30 under 30 winner (alongside Marissa!) in 2020. For years I would love reading about all the different businesses and to see my name alongside so many other talented entrepreneurs was a huge ‘pinch me’ moment.

9. What’s something else you’re passionate about or enjoy?

I love traveling (I’m actually writing this from St. Martin!) and can’t wait to squeeze more traveling in as the world continues to open up. I also love how much BC has to offer. I spend a lot of my free time in nature - whether that’s up at Whistler, sailing Vancouver’s coast, or mountain biking on the North Shore mountains. We’re so lucky to have what we have right at our doorstep.

10. Where can we find you?

Be sure to follow Hermit on Instagram @hermitgoods or visit our website at hermitgoods.com

Loved hearing from Erin, but want to know more? Check out Hermit here and use code STILCLASSICS at checkout for 15% OFF your purchase.