Looks like we are perfect fit for a Cuban-like investor - We address a chronic problem that 50M Teens struggle with every day in the USA and also ~$70M Mothers suffer from a blemish every day - and equally as important is that we solve the problem with natural botanicals which are super family friendly too.
"Self-Esteem in a Bottle" is what every Parent would want for their teen.
Your message is a reminder that every founder pitching is exactly a sales person. And, when you walk into a persons office you can tell a lot about them by what is in that office and how it is arranged!
Know your audience and adjust the pitch based on what you see!
Thank you for the time it took to write this post and your wisdom!
Matty, I appreciate this a lot. Thank you for sharing it.
When I first heard “Self-Esteem in a Bottle,” I had the same reaction -- that’s compelling.
But reading it again, especially in light of this conversation, it made me pause for a different reason.
Not because it’s wrong, but because it might accidentally signal something you don’t intend.
To a parent, “self-esteem” is deeply internal, something they want their child to build, not receive. So when it’s framed as something in a bottle, there’s a small tension there even if the product genuinely helps.
Which actually points to something bigger:
You’re very close.
This isn’t a product problem.
It’s a framing nuance.
Because what you’re really offering isn’t self-esteem itself. It’s confidence, relief, clarity...maybe even a sense of control during a stage that feels chaotic.
That’s powerful.
It might just be worth asking: “What does the parent feel they’re giving their child through this?”
That answer might land even stronger than the current line.
David, I really appreciate this thoughtful feedback. You raise an important point.
Parents absolutely want their children to build self-esteem from within. I agree with you there. A product can’t manufacture that.
What SkinKick does is something a little different.
For millions of teens, acne becomes a daily confidence killer. It creates embarrassment, social anxiety, and sometimes even bullying. When their skin clears, something shifts almost immediately, they show up differently, they speak differently, they engage with the world again.
Interestingly, the phrase “Self-Esteem in a Bottle” didn’t come from our marketing team.
It came from a 14-year-old girl in one of our very first focus groups. After using SkinKick and finally getting clear skin, she stood up and told us her life had changed. She said she finally had the confidence to try out for the school play and she ended up winning the lead role.
She looked at us and said:
“You need to call this Self-Esteem in a Bottle.”
That moment stuck with me.
So the phrase isn’t ment to suggest that confidence comes from a product. It reflects what happens when a teen no longer feels held back by their skin.
Your point about investors thinking as parents <<< and asking “what kind of world am I funding?” >>> really resonated with me David.
Helping teens navigate one of the most vulnerable stages of life with a healthier solution is exactly the kind of impact we’re trying to create.
And if you happen to know a parent-investor who believes in backing technologies that help families and teens thrive, I’d welcome the introduction. :)
Thanks again for the thoughtful perspective. I am humbled to receive your wisdom and the time it took you to share.
Don't give up on me
Matty
BTW - I now have a proven female executive who is going to be President as soon as we get funded.
David - Love this insight. Thank You.
Looks like we are perfect fit for a Cuban-like investor - We address a chronic problem that 50M Teens struggle with every day in the USA and also ~$70M Mothers suffer from a blemish every day - and equally as important is that we solve the problem with natural botanicals which are super family friendly too.
"Self-Esteem in a Bottle" is what every Parent would want for their teen.
Your message is a reminder that every founder pitching is exactly a sales person. And, when you walk into a persons office you can tell a lot about them by what is in that office and how it is arranged!
Know your audience and adjust the pitch based on what you see!
Thank you for the time it took to write this post and your wisdom!
Matty
Matty, I appreciate this a lot. Thank you for sharing it.
When I first heard “Self-Esteem in a Bottle,” I had the same reaction -- that’s compelling.
But reading it again, especially in light of this conversation, it made me pause for a different reason.
Not because it’s wrong, but because it might accidentally signal something you don’t intend.
To a parent, “self-esteem” is deeply internal, something they want their child to build, not receive. So when it’s framed as something in a bottle, there’s a small tension there even if the product genuinely helps.
Which actually points to something bigger:
You’re very close.
This isn’t a product problem.
It’s a framing nuance.
Because what you’re really offering isn’t self-esteem itself. It’s confidence, relief, clarity...maybe even a sense of control during a stage that feels chaotic.
That’s powerful.
It might just be worth asking: “What does the parent feel they’re giving their child through this?”
That answer might land even stronger than the current line.
Curious how you think about it.
Your buddy,
David
David, I really appreciate this thoughtful feedback. You raise an important point.
Parents absolutely want their children to build self-esteem from within. I agree with you there. A product can’t manufacture that.
What SkinKick does is something a little different.
For millions of teens, acne becomes a daily confidence killer. It creates embarrassment, social anxiety, and sometimes even bullying. When their skin clears, something shifts almost immediately, they show up differently, they speak differently, they engage with the world again.
Interestingly, the phrase “Self-Esteem in a Bottle” didn’t come from our marketing team.
It came from a 14-year-old girl in one of our very first focus groups. After using SkinKick and finally getting clear skin, she stood up and told us her life had changed. She said she finally had the confidence to try out for the school play and she ended up winning the lead role.
She looked at us and said:
“You need to call this Self-Esteem in a Bottle.”
That moment stuck with me.
So the phrase isn’t ment to suggest that confidence comes from a product. It reflects what happens when a teen no longer feels held back by their skin.
Your point about investors thinking as parents <<< and asking “what kind of world am I funding?” >>> really resonated with me David.
Helping teens navigate one of the most vulnerable stages of life with a healthier solution is exactly the kind of impact we’re trying to create.
And if you happen to know a parent-investor who believes in backing technologies that help families and teens thrive, I’d welcome the introduction. :)
Thanks again for the thoughtful perspective. I am humbled to receive your wisdom and the time it took you to share.
Don't give up on me
Matty
BTW - I now have a proven female executive who is going to be President as soon as we get funded.