Interview with Debora Pokallus CEO of Bel Essence

beauty bel essence skin care Sep 20, 2026

Interview with Debora Pokallus

Debora Pokallus has been active in the fashion industry for over 25 years as a consultant and marketing and sales professional promoting the principles of ecological and fair trade business through advocacy and education. She promoted international ethical designers, creating events to showcase their work, and has spoken at events to promote and encourage ethical principles in all industries. She launched a natural skincare business, Bel Essence, to provide all natural, ethical solutions for skin concerns.

What kind of work do you do? I founded the natural skincare business, Bel Essence (belessence.com) in my 50s. I didn't intend to start a skincare business. I started looking for natural remedies for the problems with my own skin, researching what the medical profession and science established about effective botanicals. I developed two products for myself that solved my skin issues, then friends, family and even strangers asked me what I used, but didn't want the "recipe" from me - they wanted to buy it. So I launched the business with two products, and continued researching all natural ingredients to develop more products that would solve other skin concerns. I held to the ethical principles I learned seeking to make the products in the most sustainable and ethical way possible.

What inspired you to get started as an entrepreneur? I was always interested in doing business differently, and was rarely happy conforming to what employers asked of me. I completed an entrepreneurial certification program through the Wharton small business development center long before the school developed its entrepreneurial MBA, and one statement stuck with me. "If you want to start a business, find a need and fill it." Business is meant to serve the community, not the other way around. Most companies today are focused on revenue and profit rather than improving the lives of their immediate and global community, but when we ensure good - in our products, practices and outcomes - revenue and profit follow.

What was your biggest struggle to get things going for your online business? The biggest struggle is always awareness. There is so much online and offline noise today, that it is difficult to get your story and mission heard, both for your own business and businesses you promote.

Was there a time you thought about giving up? What kept you from quitting? I think I speak for every entrepreneur when I say that every day something happens that makes you question whether or not you made the right choice or makes you want to quit. Every time you overcome even a small difficulty, it gives you the ability to continue and the strength to overcome the next one. When I hit an obstacle, I remember all the obstacles in the past I've overcome - this one doesn't seem so overwhelming.

What have you learned since beginning? Patience and perseverance are what get you to the finish line.

What’s the best advice you’ve received? Keep to your principles and integrity, they will never fail you.

What advice would you give someone just starting out? Enjoy the process. If you just look at the final success and don't enjoy the journey - the good, the bad and the ugly - you will give up, because your fulfillment is in what you create along the way. And, sometimes, when you finally achieve your goal, the euphoria is not as great as you expected.

What’s the professional win you’re most proud of? In all of my ventures, what I am most proud of is promoting and following business practices that protect the planet and seek social justice.

Is there something you wish everyone knew? We always hear about the successes - "I built a 7-figure business in 2 years!" - all the hype. The reality is, unless you have a lot of money behind you, and the majority of small businesses are boot-strapped-pay-as-you-go, your success is going to come from a lot of work, trial and error and personal investment.

What has being successful taught you? To whom much is given, much is expected.

How can our readers find you online? The natural skincare can be found at Belessence.com.

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Interview with Debora Pokallus CEO of Bel Essence

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