In the latest episode of Turning Pro, co-hosts Ben Sharf and Adrian Alfieri sit down with Colm Mackin, co-founder of Act+Acre, to explore his bold pivot from tax law to building one of the most innovative brands in beauty and wellness. From raising $2.5 million in pre-launch funding to scaling a subscription model that now powers 60% of the company’s revenue, Colm’s journey is packed with lessons for every aspiring entrepreneur.
Whether you’re a young founder or just curious about how someone transitions from corporate finance to creating a groundbreaking beauty brand, this episode is for you. Dive in for Colm’s tactical advice, candid reflections, and inspiring moments of trusting his gut and taking the leap.
Before co-founding Act+Acre, Colm Mackin spent 14 years in corporate finance as a tax lawyer. Despite the stability of his career, he felt unfulfilled. A turning point came in 2017 during Paris Fashion Week when his wife and co-founder, Helen Reavey, noticed a recurring issue with scalp health among models. That observation sparked a question: why isn’t scalp care a priority in the beauty industry?
Just five days later, Colm left his job, determined to build a brand focused on scalp wellness. By blending Helen’s hairstyling expertise—she’s worked with stars like Alicia Keys and Harry Styles—and Colm’s business acumen, the duo launched Act+Acre in 2019. Today, their products are redefining hair care, and their flagship scalp detox has become a cult favorite.
Act+Acre’s growth trajectory hasn’t been without challenges. In 2021, Apple’s iOS 14 privacy changes disrupted digital advertising, forcing Colm to rethink their strategy. Enter the subscription model: with a shift in focus, subscriptions surged from 15% to 60% of their total revenue in just one year. Retention rates? An impressive 83% over six months.
“You have to fundamentally change the business when the rules shift,” Colm shared. “It’s all about adapting, creating value, and building a sustainable model.”
During the pandemic, Colm and Helen relocated to Tulum, Mexico, where they ran the business from the beach for nearly two years. While it might sound idyllic, Colm admits that the time away allowed them to rethink their approach and double down on their mission. The relaxed pace of Tulum also offered perspective—but it was a far cry from the daily grind of growing a consumer brand.
Here are some of Colm’s top insights from the episode:
Focus on One Ventur: “I thought about starting two other businesses, but even if they did well, they’d still be where Act+Acre is now. So why not put everything into this one thing?”
Adaptability is Key: The iOS 14 changes were a wake-up call to pivot. Shifting focus to subscriptions transformed their revenue model.
Education Drives Engagement: Many people don’t realize the importance of scalp health. Act+Acre’s commitment to consumer education has set them apart.
Coaching Changes Everything: Colm’s executive coach not only supports him but also works with his leadership team to enhance communication and problem-solving.
Stay Curious, Not Comfortable: Moving from law to beauty was a leap into the unknown, but trusting his gut made all the difference.
Today, Act+Acre is in 300 Sephora stores across the U.S. and expanding globally. Their Apple Stem Cell product, which started as 2% of revenue, is now a hero product thanks to its proven results and a strategy that prioritizes customer education. As Colm puts it, “The best brands aren’t just selling products—they’re building trust and loyalty through storytelling.”
For Colm, his “Turning Pro” moment was clear: coming back from Paris Fashion Week and deciding to leave his corporate career behind. As he reflects, “I didn’t know anything about consumer goods, but I believed in Helen, the vision, and myself. Sometimes, you just have to jump.”
Want to hear more about Colm’s journey, his thoughts on leadership, and what’s next for Act+Acre? Watch the full episode on YouTube and see why this conversation is a must-watch for young founders.
Please fill your information so we can get in touch with you.
Please fill your information so we can get in touch with you.
