The Collaborative Lab: How Customer Insights Shape Lyon Care

June 29, 2024//Amy Lyon

Launching a business requires immense focus, and I strive to dedicate several hours each day to this passion. However, I’ve learned to recognize when my energy begins to flag; that is my signal to shift gears and return my full attention to my family, who remain my greatest priority. This journey is never meant to be traveled alone, and I am deeply grateful for the supportive friends and family who walk alongside me. This spring and summer have been particularly special, filled with meaningful moments and visits with loved ones.

On the business front, returning to the Farmer’s Market has been more than just a joy—it is the heartbeat of my research. I’ve come to view these direct interactions not simply as sales, but as a vital feedback loop where my customers act as true collaborators. These conversations provide a wealth of real-world insight that actively shapes the evolution of Lyon Care, turning every market stall into a living laboratory for community-driven skincare.

The Power of Collaborative Formulation:

One memorable interaction involved a woman and her mother seeking a specific lavender-infused solution. This wasn’t just a request; it was a partnership. We discussed safe application and potential sensitivities, eventually deciding to use our Hyaluronic Hydration serum as a base. By blending her specific essential oil preferences with my professional formulations, we created a custom 2 oz serum that fulfilled her exact needs. This type of request directly influences how I think about future product flexibility and the "custom-blend" potential for the brand.

Nature’s simplicity also guides my development through customer feedback. When a father chose our freshly harvested Aloe Vera Gel for his daughter’s post-swim care, or when another customer requested a version infused with MSM and Vitamin C for sun damage, they weren’t just buying a product—they were highlighting specific gaps in the market that Lyon Care is uniquely positioned to fill. These requests for targeted solutions directly influence my formulation choices for future seasonal releases.

Perhaps most inspiring are the exchanges with fellow DIY enthusiasts. A repeat customer recently shared her process for creating a potent Frankincense resin; in return, I shared the chemistry behind our Ferulic Trio and the importance of solvents like Propanediol for stability. This mutual exchange of "skincare alchemy" is the foundation of my long-term goal: building an educational skincare community. I don’t just want to sell products; I want to empower my customers to understand ingredients as deeply as I do, ensuring that Lyon Care grows as a collective effort between formulator and consumer.

Making Ferulic trio (Cynthia in robe)