This episode is brought to you by Ordergroove.   Realea is a skincare brand rooted in the traditions of medicinal alchemy, but focused on using plant-based products and some materials produced by animals, says Nick Grossenbacher, co-founder and Head of Product at the brand.   "There's a phrase in alchemy, which is 'Let nature be your guide,' or 'The alchemist follows in the footsteps of nature," Nick says. "If you go back far enough at a certain point, what became the modern pharmaceutical industry and what is now this kind of alternative practice of modern alchemy have a common origin."   To that end, Realea's products have a foot in nature's history and modern ingredients. Three of Realea's five products, for example, use oil of egg yolk, which is rich in retinol, a vital vitamin supplement.   Other active ingredients in Realea's products have similarly unique, historical connections to alchemy.   In Part 1, Nick talks about:   * Gratitude toward his landlord, who believed in his vision and became one of the company's first investors. * His unusual career path as a Ph.D. student studying pre-modern systems of medicine. * An explanation of alchemy. * Why substances produced by animals are so important. * The importance of retinol and its possible sources.   Join Ramon Vela and Nick Grossenbacher as they break down the inside story on The Story of a Brand.   For more on Realea, visit: https://realea.com/    Subscribe and Listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for “The Story of a Brand,” or click here to listen on your favorite podcast player: Listen now.   *   This episode is brought to you by Ordergroove.   It’s time to let your customers enjoy the products they love without the friction of reordering...   That’s why innovative brands like Peet’s Coffee and Il Makiage rely on Ordergroove’s subscription solution to build long-lasting relationships that drive recurring revenue.   From enrollment incentives to churn-fighting AI, Ordergroove gives your business the tools it needs to be a subscription success story.   Book a demo today and receive 2-months off your contract. Visit https://www.ordergroove.com/story/