What happened at PERL HQ in July?

Spa Shoots, Rebrands, and Real Talk from Isobel

It’s been a full (and slightly emotional) month here at PERL, from spa shoots to office chaos to some very honest founder reflections. Here’s what we’ve been up to behind the scenes this July.

 

Summer Sale: 20% Off Your Essentials ☀️

We’re running our Summer Essentials Sale from 31 July–3 August with 20% off our favourite heat-proof heroes:

Nourishing Lash Oil

Nourishes and strengthens for long, fluttery lashes, even post-beach nap

Hydrating Lip Oil

Ultra-hydrating and lightweight with zero stickiness

Stimulating Hair Oil

Protects your strands from sun, sea, chlorine and gives that silky shine

 

A Spa Day Shoot with Isobel & Kayla 📸

We took some time out this month to shoot our products in a spa setting, capturing that calm, minimalist vibe you know and love.

You'll spot Kayla, our brilliant office assistant, in some of the photos too, we’re a small team and it means the world to include everyone in these moments, and of course Kayla looked INCREDIBLE alongside our beautiful founder. 

 

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Let’s Go Behind The Scenes (You’ve Been Loving It) 😂

Over on Instagram you might’ve seen us share some funny, behind-the-scenes videos from the PERL office, and let’s just say, you really ran with it.

Running a small business isn’t always serious. Some days it’s coming in with ideas for TikTok and Instagram trends we want to spend the day filming!

 

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We’re Rebranding, and You're Helping Shape It 📋

Big news: we’re undergoing a full rebrand, including new packaging, visuals, and brand direction.

This month, we asked for your feedback on some of our packaging ideas and your responses were so helpful.

 

Isobel Returned to Uni (As a Guest Speaker) 🎤

One of this month’s most full-circle moments: Isobel returned to University of Nottingham, where she once studied biology, to teach a seminar on entrepreneurship, branding, marketing, and AI.

Here’s what she had to say:

I quit my first proper job after 3 weeks, dropped out of my master’s, got let go from my 9–5…

And this week… I stood at the front of a seminar room at my old university teaching students about entrepreneurship, branding, marketing, and how I use AI to run my business.

I didn’t follow the plan. But it worked out better than I imagined.

So if you’re stuck in a path that doesn’t feel like you, here’s your reminder:

It’s okay to quit.

It’s okay to pivot.

It’s okay to build something completely new.

You’re not lost — you’re just getting started.

 

If you want more honest founder thoughts, she’s always sharing over at @isobelperl

Isobel Opens Up About the Struggles Behind the Scenes 💖

We’re all about transparency,  and this month, Isobel shared one of her most vulnerable posts yet.

My small business is struggling.

I’m not saying that for sympathy, I’m saying it because behind the curated posts and pretty packaging, it’s been really tough lately…

From revenue dips to rebrand pressures to slow organic growth, it’s been a challenging season. But we’re still here. Still showing up. Still believing in what we’ve built, and so grateful for your support.

If you’ve liked, shared, commented, or placed an order this month: thank you. You’re part of what keeps this brand going.

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What’s Next?

We’ve got thousands of units to sell before December. The rebrand is in motion. And we’re holding tight to our belief in building something meaningful, skincare that’s gentle, effective, and good for your mind as well as your skin.

If you’re a founder going through it too: we see you. You’re not alone.

And if you’re a PERL customer: we’re so glad you’re here. Let’s keep building.