Employee Spotlight: Saykon, Product Development Manager
What does a typical day look like for you?
At 6 am — my day begins in the icy tundra known as my garage, lol. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, my mom will join me for an hour-long 6:30 am workout that can involve anything from 3 minutes straight of hellish burpees to what seems like a never-ending push-up gauntlet. We have Kayla Itsines’ BBG workout guide to thank for this — sometimes I feel like I am just dying, not getting healthier. When she doesn’t come over, I will switch things up with a boxing workout and a simple walk around my neighborhood. I have found that my morning workouts give me energy and that feeling of accomplishment early in the morning, which helps get me through the day. Once I have exhausted myself, I promptly fill my tank with a steaming coffee and a delicious oatmeal breakfast. Once breakfast is done I complete my post-workout restoration, aka — a hot shower!
Now let’s finally get to work, shall we? It’s fun! I work with an amazing team, and we collaborate a great deal in order to create the best products. I log off around 5 pm and almost always end my day with a walk in my neighborhood as it helps me to unwind. I would love to say that I make dinner every night, but typically, I eat what is in the refrigerator. The selection is usually some combination of deliciousness pilfered from my parents’ fridge (they don’t live far).
After dinner, it’s time for an episode of Catfish (current obsession), maybe a glass of wine (cabernet sauvignon), and then I head to bed. And this pattern will likely repeat itself four more times in a given week…
How are you able to express your creativity in your role at Curology?
An important part of my job is understanding what’s hot in skincare as well as remaining abreast of the latest research and brewing developments. At Curology, Product Development hosts an Innovation Day that occurs quarterly for the entire Product Marketing & Development team. We work together to achieve the following: 1) educate our team on new advancements in skincare, 2) lead a team focused activity, and 3) explain new trends and recent product launches. The aforementioned occurs while the team is able to test each new product out in the safety of their own home! From a personal standpoint, this allows me to learn and express my creativity in a variety of ways, particularly through teaching and presenting. It requires a great deal of work but is one of the best parts of my job.
How would you describe your team?
Currently, on the Product Development team, it is my coworker Kayla Vines, Product Development Coordinator, and myself. I like to think of us as a dynamic duo. We have developed a great partnership and work well together. Our roles are focused on the development of all non-prescription products, including cosmetic and OTCs (over-the-counter). Our extended team includes Medical Providers, Packaging, Testing & Claims, and the Product Marketing Team. Collectively, our roles are all extremely cross-functional as we each play a critical role in ensuring that we create and launch the very best products.
What do you like to do for fun when you aren’t in the office?
My two favorite things are traveling the globe and working out! What better way to incorporate both than a trip with my boyfriend to Thailand for over a week of two-a-day workouts, amazing food and activities ranging from muay thai boxing to diving into the ocean off the side of cliffs! The photo below is from our trip in September 2019, when standing within 6ft of another human was still safe…
What is your favorite Curology memory?
Both the Holiday party last year as well as the wine tasting event with the G&A team! It was too hard to choose just one. Looking forward to making some in-person memories with the Product Marketing & Development team in the future. ❤
How have you grown since working with Curology? What’s the most valuable thing you’ve been able to learn by working at Curology?
Since working at Curology, I have learned to be a much more efficient multi-tasker, as well as improve my ability to be an effective communicator, presenter, and leader. The most valuable thing I have learned by working at Curology is the importance of teamwork and how to be a better leader.
