| Tell us about your company: |
| Dewy Monday is a woman-founded, minimalist skincare brand that transforms everyday routines into enchanting rituals. Handcrafted and sustainably packaged, our products are rich in earth-derived ingredients that nourish the skin and honor the planet. Each formulation is artfully layered with unique aromatics—designed to soothe, uplift, and delight—turning the mundane into something magical. Our scents blend Eastern and Western influences, drawn from founder Duwie’s own story as a French-born Vietnamese American growing up in California. For some, they stir nostalgia; for others, they offer a refreshing new experience. Dewy Monday invites you to create softer moments for both body and mind through skincare rooted in feeling. Sustainability is at our core. We choose recycled or recyclable materials whenever possible, keep packaging intentionally minimal, and regularly give back by donating soap and supporting environmental organizations. |
| What inspired you to start your business? |
| Self-care is essential, and it should be a joyful, sensory experience. I believe in romanticizing routines–engaging every sense so rituals become thoughtful celebrations rather than mindless habits. Enjoyment is what keeps us returning to what’s good for us in the long run. I didn’t grow up with these practices; in my immigrant family, they simply weren’t a priority. As I got older, I craved feeling held and seen. Skincare became an accessible form of self-care – something I could make with my own hands at home. I started with ingredients from the garden or supermarket, turning them into soap: functional art I loved to use and share. In the end, it wasn’t just skincare I fell in love with, but the craft itself, and the joy of gifting it. |
| What are your proudest achievements so far? |
| My proudest achievement is finding my voice and building a business that reflects it. I grew Dewy Monday from the ground up and through real, in-person connections and word of mouth, not paid ads or funnels. As opportunities from publishers and brands come in, I stay selective and aligned with what feels true. I operate from generosity and care, and I think people feel that. The trust we’ve earned – customers telling their friends, coming back again and again – is what I’m most proud of. |
| What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs: |
| Be generous, even when you don’t have much. Trust that what you give will come back to you tenfold. Give back to your community in the ways you truly care about, and you’ll attract customers who align with your values; that alignment is more meaningful than a one-off sale to a stranger. Tune out the online noise and cultivate your own voice. Don’t copy what everyone else is doing. Keep reflecting on the world you want to see and build from there. Learn to be frugal; cash is oxygen, and saving is what kept my business alive when it wasn’t making money in the early years. And most importantly, don’t give up. Keep showing up, improving your craft, and letting your values lead. |
| Please share a memory or thought about your alma mater: |
| My Film & Media Studies roots shape how I create — intentional, visual, and a little cinematic. |
Alumni Emporium 