From Personal Struggles to a Passion for Change
Dot & Lola's journey, founded by Gavin Taylor, is deeply rooted in personal experience. From childhood, Gavin faced the constant struggle of skin allergies, eczema, asthma, and hay fever. Growing up, treatments focused on strong steroid creams, which alleviated symptoms but never addressed the root cause of the issue. This early experience of living with skin conditions, compounded by sensitisation to chemicals, shaped Gavin's future—and the creation of Dot & Lola.
"I was the kid who couldn’t play on grass because I was allergic to everything. Yet, my treatments were steroid creams that made my skin reliant on them," Gavin recalls.
The Culinary Connection
Starting his career as a chef, Gavin developed a deep understanding of ingredients and their impact. This knowledge, though focused on food, eventually informed his journey into the world of skincare. After transitioning from chef to hairdresser, Gavin encountered yet another personal challenge—dermatitis caused by the products used in his salon.
“Why not make my own products?” he thought, a question that became the seed for Dot & Lola. Mixing ingredients at his kitchen table, Gavin created natural products for use in his salon that not only soothed his skin but were loved by his clients.
From Salon to a Mission for Change
What started as a personal remedy soon turned into a much larger mission. Gavin sold the salon to focus entirely on growing Dot & Lola—a brand centred on using natural, safe ingredients. This wasn’t just about cosmetics; it was about challenging an industry reliant on synthetic, harmful products.
Gavin’s belief is clear: “The pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries focus too much on treatments, never asking why these issues arise in the first place.” Instead, Dot & Lola seeks to prevent skin issues by using plant-based, chemical-free products.
Cracking the Hospitality Market
The journey of Dot & Lola is far from traditional. While many cosmetic brands aim for retail success, Gavin chose a different path—hotels. His vision was simple yet impactful: offer guests products in refillable, sustainable containers with premium, natural ingredients.
"Why aren’t hotels using the best ingredients?" he asked. "They could make a huge statement about sustainability." Though challenging, Dot & Lola has begun to partner with boutique hotels, particularly those with owners who truly care about their environmental and social responsibility.
A Personal Win: The Mandarin Oriental
One of Gavin’s proudest moments came at the start of 2024 when Dot & Lola was chosen by The Mandarin Oriental to be included in their children's vanity bags in three hotels. What makes this achievement even more special is the collaboration with his daughter, who helped design the labels for the children’s products.
“It’s incredible to think that it’s just me and my family, but we’re manufacturing for Mandarin Oriental," Gavin reflects. This milestone keeps him motivated, especially when facing the inevitable challenges that come with growing a startup.
Advice for New Founders
Gavin’s advice to those starting out? "Follow your passion, not the money. Money is a byproduct of doing what you love." His own journey is proof of this mantra, as both he and his wife now work from home, balancing their careers with the joy of raising their daughters.
“I never chased money. I chase freedom—freedom of time with my family and the ability to do something meaningful,” Gavin explains.
Looking Ahead: The Dot & Lola Lifestyle
What’s next for Dot & Lola? Gavin envisions the brand growing beyond cosmetics, becoming a lifestyle. His goal is to create an education platform or retreat where people can come to learn about natural products, sustainable living, and overall wellness.
“I want Dot & Lola to inspire others not just to change their skin routine, but to rethink their lifestyle. It’s not just about what you put on your body, it’s about how you live,” Gavin says.
A Final Word
Gavin’s journey with Dot & Lola is one of resilience, purpose, and passion. His mission to disrupt the cosmetic industry by offering clean, sustainable, and effective products is deeply personal, and it’s clear that Dot & Lola is more than just a business—it's a movement.
As Gavin sums it up, “If I can set a standard for my daughters and others, why wouldn’t I push on? The future is in our hands.”
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