Social Impact Heroes Helping Our Planet: Why and How Connie Lo & Laura Thompson Of ‘Three Ships’ Are Helping To Change Our World

An Interview With Martita Mestey

Know the difference between working “in” vs. working “on” your business. It’s easy to feel productive by checking off your list, but there’s a difference between busy work and productivity. For example, one of the first things Laura and I did was design business cards. It was a waste of hours, and unnecessary in today’s digital world.

As a part of my series about “individuals and organizations making an important social impact”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Connie Lo & Laura Thompson.

Connie and Laura are the co-founders of Three Ships, an all-natural skincare brand with simply transformative, pristinely clean formulas backed by dermatologist testing and radical transparency. Three Ships is B Corp Certified and EWG Verified, and is leading the charge for a more transparent and accountable skincare industry, with rigorous testing, shared definitions, and clearer standards when it comes to natural skincare. Connie and Laura are in the Forbes 30 Under 30 Class of 2022, EY Entrepreneur of the Year Ontario Winners (2022), RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur of the Year (2021), and appeared on CBC’s hit show Dragons’ Den (Canada’s Shark Tank). Three Ships is also recognized by The Globe & Mail as one of Canada’s Top Growing Companies (2023 and 2024).

Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we dig in, our readers would like to get to know you a bit. Can you tell us a bit about how you grew up?

Laura: We founded Three Ships in 2017 after our growing frustration with the high cost of quality natural skincare products and unchecked industry greenwashing. At 23, we scraped together $4,000 and started making our own handmade formulations in Connie’s apartment kitchen.

Our goal was to solve the problems we faced as consumers and create the most effective and accessible natural skincare products available. This is why every Three Ships product is all-natural, backed by powerful science and dermatologist-testing, and uses focused formulas that actually work.

Prior to starting Three Ships, I received my degree in Chemical Engineering and Connie in Commerce. We had no industry connections but our entrepreneurial fathers gave us the confidence and drive to start a business of our own. My foray into entrepreneurship started when I was nine and sold handmade crafts and jewelry to raise money for endangered animals. I also ran a campus bookstore, and a summer house-painting business. Connie fell in love with natural skincare in middle school, making her own face masks. She began her own businesses in high school and co-chaired the international entrepreneurs’ competition in university.

You are currently leading a social impact organization that is making a difference for our planet. Can you tell us a bit about what you and your organization are trying to change in our world today?

Connie: Our primary goal at Three Ships is to create more transparency in the beauty industry. There is actually no legal standard for ‘natural’ skincare, so we set our own. At Three Ships, our definition of natural is simple: every product must be made entirely of ingredients sourced from nature — plants, minerals, or microbes. Even the ingredients in our ingredients must be fully naturally derived. We’re on a mission to make our standards the industry standard and we’re raising the bar every day. Consumers deserve to know exactly what’s in their skincare and that it actually works. We’re here to help them navigate natural with confidence.

We’re also committed to sustainability and use upcycled ingredients wherever possible. Like in our First Light Eye Cream, which contains upcycled coffee beans as our source of caffeine, or in our Replenish Ceramides Serum, which has an active ingredient that uses 800,000 upcycled blueberries from the juicing industry for 1kg of the active. Also, most of our packaging is in glass or 50% PCR, and we partner with the non-profit Pact to recycle our customers’ beauty products.

Can you tell us the backstory about what inspired you to originally feel passionate about this cause?

Laura: Absolutely! My passion for starting a skincare brand stems from a combination of frustration and inspiration. I became increasingly aware of how misleading many so-called “natural” skincare products were, often filled with greenwashing that obscured the true ingredients. It was disheartening to see consumers misled by flashy labels instead of being provided with honest, effective options.

This frustration fueled my desire to create something different — authentic and transparent. Products that not only align with my values but also empower others to make informed choices. The creative process of formulating truly effective skincare became a thrilling challenge for me, blending science with nature in a way that genuinely benefits people’s skin.

Ultimately, I believe that making choices for your health and well-being shouldn’t involve compromises. Everyone deserves access to high-quality products that are both effective and safe. That belief is at the heart of my brand and drives everything we do.

Many of us have ideas, dreams, and passions, but never manifest them. They don’t get up and just do it. But you did. Was there an “Aha Moment” that made you decide that you were actually going to step up and do it? What was that final trigger?

Connie: I grew up watching my father run his own business and always knew I would be an entrepreneur, starting at 10 years old with my homemade skincare and continuing into high school and university. But I didn’t have an idea big enough to quit my corporate job, until I met Laura! As soon as she told me she wanted to start a natural skincare brand, I knew this was what I was meant to do. When Laura asked me to be her co-founder, it was an easy yes. We each invested $2,000 CAD and started working on the business the next day.

Laura: In college, I ran a College Pro painting franchise, which ignited my passion for entrepreneurship. I loved the excitement of building a business, connecting with customers, and collaborating with my team.

When I began my first corporate job at Labatt the following summer, I found myself longing for the energy and purpose I felt as a founder. I knew the corporate ladder wasn’t my path, so I started brainstorming business ideas.

That was my turning point. I needed to create something meaningful and impactful: a skincare brand that prioritizes transparency and integrity.

Many people don’t know the steps to take to start a new organization. What are some of the things or steps you took to get your project started?

Laura: I shared my idea with friends and family. They not only helped me practice my pitch but also refine my vision. The people who love you are also your harshest critics because they don’t want to see you fail. The feedback was invaluable and one of those early discussions connected me to my co-founder, Connie. It’s amazing how sharing your passion can open unexpected doors!

Next, I had to ensure the company was financially feasible with a solid foundation. I scoped out the startup costs and analyzed the product margins to understand what it would take to launch sustainably.

Our initial product was about 80% there. Instead of delaying launch, we used our customers’ insights to refine and improve. This process allowed us to adapt and grow based on real feedback, ensuring the brand truly resonated with its audience. Taking these steps not only helped us kickstart our journey but also instilled confidence that we were heading in the right direction.

Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began leading your company or organization?

Connie: In the fall of 2021, just before Black Friday — our busiest sale of the year — the highway connecting Vancouver to our warehouse in Toronto was wiped out by a flood, stranding our outer packing. We were unable to afford air shipping, so Laura’s father and uncle saved the day by renting a 26ft U-Haul and transporting it through the U.S. While they were en route, our team hand-assembled thousands of bottle packages. It was a holiday season I’ll never forget!

It has been said that sometimes our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Do you have a story about a humorous mistake that you made when you were first starting and the lesson you learned from that?

Laura: One of my most memorable — and painfully funny — mistakes happened while shipping 300 oil serums to a subscription box customer in Europe. We had no experience packing orders of this size and didn’t think to bubble wrap the bottles. Instead, we packed them into cardboard boxes, 100 at a time.

Then came the customer’s email: photos of broken boxes covered in oil and full of shattered glass — a comical yet cringe-worthy sight!

The lesson was clear: never underestimate the importance of proper packing, especially when shipping delicate items. We ended up hand-making (and carefully wrapping) all the serums again with successful shipping. Since then, we’ve made packaging a top priority, and lesson learned!

None of us can be successful without some help along the way. Did you have mentors or cheerleaders who helped you to succeed? Can you tell us a story about their influence?

Connie: Oh that’s easy, my parents. When Laura and I outgrew my apartment kitchen and boxes took over the entire space, we moved production to my parents’ basement. For nearly two years, they helped by hand-making tens of thousands of products, packing orders, driving packages to the post office, and even cooking meals for Laura and me to take home. All their support and belief in our vision not only kept us going but really rubbed off on us. We’re so grateful and wouldn’t be here without them.

Are there three things the community, society, or politicians can do to help you address the root of the problem you are trying to solve?

Laura: Yes definitely!

1) Establish a Regulated Definition of “Natural”: We need a clear, government-regulated definition for what constitutes “natural” in consumer products. Right now, the market is flooded with confusing, often misleading labels. A standardized definition would empower customers to make informed choices and hold companies accountable.

2) Strengthen Ingredient Regulations: Canada and the U.S. lag behind the EU in terms of regulatory standards for personal care products. By banning more harmful ingredients, we can ensure safer products for consumers. This would not only protect public health but also promote transparency and trust in the industry.

3) Combat Fear-Mongering Marketing: It’s essential for companies to move away from scare tactics that exploit consumer concerns about natural ingredients. Encouraging ethical marketing practices would foster a healthier dialogue around product safety and efficacy, allowing consumers to make decisions based on facts rather than fear.

By taking these steps, we can create a more transparent and safe skincare industry that truly serves the needs of consumers while promoting integrity in the marketplace.

How would you articulate how a business can become more profitable by being more sustainable and more environmentally conscious? Can you share a story or example?

Laura: Absolutely! A business can get more profitable by going green, and small choices can really add up. For example, our customers can choose to skip branded stickers or insert cards with their orders. It’s a simple thing, but it saves a lot of paper and cuts down on costs.

What’s cool is repeat customers tend to do more of this as they get to know our brand. This not only reduces waste but makes them feel like they’re part of something bigger and more sustainable. When they see we care about the planet, they’re more likely to keep coming back, which boosts our sales overall. It’s a win-win!

What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why?

Connie:

1. Celebrate the small wins! When growing a business, it’s easy to overlook victories and focus on shortcomings or feel like you’re not doing “enough.” I wish we had documented more wins early on, and taken more photos, no matter how silly and small our operation seemed at the time. It not only makes great marketing content, but takes you back to remind you of how far you’ve come.
2. Know the difference between working “in” vs. working “on” your business. It’s easy to feel productive by checking off your list, but there’s a difference between busy work and productivity. For example, one of the first things Laura and I did was design business cards. It was a waste of hours, and unnecessary in today’s digital world.
3. Develop your financial acumen early. There is so much power in knowing your numbers and reviewing your P&L weekly. This enables you to make more strategic decisions, like taking calculated risks if you’ve maintained a healthy gross margin. Plus, being able to confidently speak to your numbers is crucial for fundraising.
4. Ask for (a lot) of help. People are far more willing than you think. When we were new, I worried they might think I was incapable, or worse, taking advantage of them. Not true! Most were eager and proud to lend a hand. And if they couldn’t help directly, they would connect me with someone who could. For instance, Laura’s uncle assisted with trademark law and reviewed our documents, a photographer friend shot all our lifestyle images for our launch, and one of my friends wrote our first holiday magazine feature.
5. Befriend your imposter syndrome. Trust me, it doesn’t go away by landing your first retail partner, securing your first investment, or hiring your first employee. The moment you master one challenge, you’re faced with a new one — which is scary, but THAT is growth! Acknowledge all those victories!

If you could tell other young people one thing about why they should consider making a positive impact on our environment or society, like you, what would you tell them?

Laura: We only get one planet, so let’s leave it better than we found it. Every little effort counts, and the choices we make today shape the world we live in tomorrow.

Also, life is short. Don’t wait around for your purpose. Think about the impact you want to have in your life. If you’re passionate about making a difference, start now! Whether it’s through your career, volunteering, or simply making sustainable choices in your daily life, every step matters.

Pursuing something that aligns with your values not only contributes to the greater good but also brings fulfillment and joy. So, dive in and make your mark — you have the power to create positive change!

Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?

Connie: “Fake it till you make it.” We sure did. I remember signing up with one of our first big retail partners back when we were still making our products by hand in my kitchen. Laura and I WERE the company, so I had to put our names under every department — purchasing, accounting, operations, sales, customer service…I felt like such a fraud completing that form. But our “faking” landed our little hand-crafted products on big department-store shelves. Everyone has to start somewhere!

Laura: One of my favorite life lesson quotes is “always forward, never back.” This mantra has been a guiding light for me, especially during some of the most challenging times in my life. At 26, I was diagnosed with brain cancer and had brain surgery during the first week of COVID in 2020. It was a surreal and terrifying experience.

During that period, those four words reminded me to focus on the future rather than dwelling on the past or things I couldn’t change. Instead of getting caught up in fear and uncertainty, I channeled my energy into recovery and looking ahead to what was possible.

Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would like to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. :-)

Connie: Sara Blakely! We are so inspired by what she’s built with Spanx and now Sneex. Her interview with Guy Raz on NPR’s How I Built This podcast kept us going during many late nights. I would love to speak with her about how she fostered a culture of celebration, especially during challenging times at work.

Laura: Oh, I would love to have breakfast with Taylor Swift! Not only is she an incredible artist, but an astute businesswoman who’s navigated some serious ups and downs in her career. I admire how she’s handled challenges with grace and turned them into opportunities. Plus, she seems genuinely caring and knows how to surround herself with a great team.

How can our readers follow you online?

You can learn more about Three Ships and our natural skincare by following @threeshipsbeauty on Instagram, and/or learn about our founder journey on our personal Instagram accounts (@itsconnielo and @laura.athompson). Shop our clean beauty at threeshipsbeauty.com.

This was very meaningful, thank you so much. We wish you only continued success on your great work!