Meet Deborah Hernan of Ottilie & Lulu

Name: Deborah Hernan
Deborah Hernan of Ottilie and Lulu
How many children: 1 wonderful daughter, Jules. And, of course, I adore her.

Business Name: Ottilie & Lulu

Brief Description of Your Business:
Ottilie & Lulu is a new line of face, hair, body and sun protection products specially formulated for the unique skin and hair challenges faced by tween girls, ages 7-14. Since 80% of the damage done to skin is done by the age of 17, it is never too early to start protecting a girl’s natural beauty. Tween girls don’t need strident colors, irritating glitter, heavy fragrances or inappropriate imagery on packaging. They do need safe, effective, easy-to-use products made for them to help build healthy self-esteem and to instill a lifelong regime of daily hygiene.

Ottilie & Lulu products contain anti-oxidants to protect, vitamins to nourish, and botanicals to soothe. All of our products are Dermatologist Tested, Allergy Tested, and Clinically-Tested. Our products are Non-Irritating, and are Not Tested on Animals. There are no parabens, phthalates, SLS, mineral oil, or petrolatum in Ottilie & Lulu products.

When do you make time to run a business with your busy MOM schedule?
After school drop off, I do a quick 3-mile jog and then grab a BIG latte to be at my desk by 9:30. It’s all business until I pick up Jules from her after school activities. (There are no school buses in New York City!) As a start-up, there are frequent late nights, but that’s okay because I can be there for homework and family dinner time.

What is your favorite beauty tip?: A great colorist/hairdresser is worth his/her weight in gold!

What did your mother teach you about beauty and fashion? Never rub anything in a downward motion on your face and always, always clean your face before you go to bed. The fashion tip I will never forget, and we still laugh about today: Only zebras look good in wide stripes.

Tell us about the outfit that makes you feel confident and beautiful.
Calvin Klein blue suit. I love it because it can be casual, corporate, or sexy. Accessories make it whatever I need it to be.

Favorite Online site to shop: Mini Boden (for Jules)

What motivates you to look your best? Being a role model for my daughter.

As a mom, “Me Time” is limited… what are your time saving beauty tips? Get a Brazilian Treatment!

Name one beauty product you can’t live without: Eyebrow pencil

Heels or flats? Flats–Merrells for everyday-hands down. (black, brown and beige).
Manolo sling-backs for anything that requires a little “height”.

Fashion Faux Pas: Bustiers. (What was I thinking?)

Lip gloss or Lip Stick? Do you have a favorite brand/color?
Gloss. Lancome’s Color Fever Plumper in Puckered is amazing!

Additional Comments on beauty and style:
Keep your beauty regime simple so you will do it regularly. Sleek and uncomplicated is always in style.

Editor’s Note: I am so glad you shared your business and personal beauty/style tips with us, Deborah! I have to agree with your time saving tip! Brazilian Blowouts is the most amazing thing to ever touch my hair! Readers, Deborah shared with me that she just received her first Brazilian Blowout this summer after years of weekly blowouts. Deborah enthusiastically agreed that the BB is a life changing process!

Moms, please visit Ottilie & Lulu where you’ll find quality products like these:

The website features the sweetest, wholesome tweens! I love that! Deborah encourages us to, “Give Ottilie & Lulu as tween gifts to your daughter and her friends and create some new memories!” I encourage you to give the line a try because it is never too early to start teaching your daughters about sun protection and skin care!

Shipping is free on orders over $50.