Shannon Davenport, the founder of Esker, previously spent ten years immersed in New York’s fast-paced trend forecasting realm. This high-stress environment molded her ability to predict future trends in beauty, art, and design for top global brands. However, after years of crafting identities for others, Shannon felt compelled to establish her own clean, plant-based beauty brand, prioritizing integrity and transparency in an industry that often lacks these values.
Shannon’s journey into bodycare began during her first pregnancy when she struggled to find effective clean skincare products for her changing body. Frustrated by the limited options, she recognized that bodycare was often treated as an afterthought.
To deepen her knowledge, she attended the New York Institute of Aromatherapy, gaining the necessary skills and certification as a NAHA-certified Aromatherapy Advocate. This education laid the groundwork for launching Esker in 2018, starting with three specially formulated body oils designed to nourish the skin using responsibly sourced ingredients.
Today, Esker has transformed into a comprehensive line of advanced bodycare and wellness products, including restorative washes, bath soaks, lymphatic drainage tools, and candles. This isn’t merely a routine — it’s a holistic body ritual.
We had the opportunity to chat with Shannon about her brand’s origins, the importance of lymphatic care, and how meaningful rituals can enhance one’s beauty routine.
What inspired you to create Esker?
After years of relentless travel and trend forecasting, my nervous system was overwhelmed. Bathing became my sanctuary, the only time I felt my body could truly relax. Meanwhile, bodycare seemed either overly cosmetic or starkly clinical. Esker emerged from my desire for products that genuinely benefit the body — enhancing circulation, texture, and relieving tension — while also creating an authentic ritual, rather than just a superficial self-care performance.
What product makes the best introduction to the brand?
The Body Plane is an exceptional starting point. It’s surprising and effective, allowing users to witness the results immediately. It redefines exfoliation as a ritual rather than mere maintenance.
What has been the biggest highlight?
We recently launched at Credo Beauty. Their rigorous standards make our presence there a significant milestone. We have meticulously considered our ingredients and packaging from the beginning, so it’s rewarding to see that attention to detail recognized. But the most fulfilling aspect? Hearing customers express a sense of relief, saying they feel cared for. That’s our true goal.
What advice would you give to those wanting to launch their own beauty business?
Thoroughly research your market and keep researching. Ensure your offering is genuinely innovative or addresses an existing gap. Test your ideas in the market, gather genuine feedback, and don’t rush into a launch. It took me two years of dedicated work in my spare time until Esker was ready. Patience is crucial.
What’s next for Esker?
We plan to deepen our focus on body rituals that promote regulation, such as circulation, lymphatic flow, and magnesium replenishment. With my background in aromatherapy, we look to utilize scent as a tool for soothing the nervous system, ensuring our systems work together cohesively.
What does your daily bodycare routine look like?
It’s straightforward and repeatable. On most mornings, I dry brush. In the evenings, I enjoy a hot shower or bath, often enhanced with a shower steamer, applying body oil while my skin is still warm. My aim is not perfection, but to help my body transition into a restful state at the day’s end.
What are three beauty products you can’t live without?
- Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Glow SPF 50: This mineral-based sunscreen provides a radiant glow and settles beautifully under foundation.
- Iris & Romeo The Reset: A beloved hyaluronic serum spray, perfect for immediate hydration after a shower to seal in moisture.
- Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Freeze: This styling wax is perfect for achieving beautifully shaped brows while maintaining control and hold.
What’s the best beauty lesson you’ve learned?
If a product is tucked away under the sink, it won’t get used. Visibility is crucial — rituals often prove more meaningful than intentions alone.
Which person or brand would you love to collaborate with?
Kohler has made remarkable contributions to water therapy, aligning well with our philosophy. I’d love to collaborate with a sauna brand focused on rituals surrounding heat, water, and recovery, complementing our approach to touch and scent.
What’s not receiving enough attention in the beauty industry right now?
Lymphatic care deserves more focus. As I navigate perimenopause, I’ve discovered that understanding the role of the lymphatic system can greatly impact circulation, skin elasticity, and overall health. Awareness of this subject can shift the way we approach bodycare, tackling issues that often lie beneath the surface.
For UK customers, Esker products are available at Free People and eskerbeauty.com. In the US, find us at Credo Beauty, Bergdorf Goodman, and Ulta Beauty.
Conclusion
Shannon’s journey with Esker exemplifies the transformative power of personal experiences translating into impactful business ventures. By prioritizing honesty and authenticity in bodycare rituals, she not only fills a gap in the market but also encourages others to foster meaningful routines in their lives. Whether through dry brushing, the mindful use of essential oils, or exploring innovative body products, commit to celebrating your body daily. Remember, your self-care routine should always be more than a task—let it become an essential and enjoyable ritual.
