10 Lessons: How Colm Mackin Transitioned from Tax Law to Scalp Care with Act+Acre

In Season 3, Episode 1 of Turning Pro, co-hosts Ben Sharf, and Adrian Alfieri dive into an inspiring conversation with Colm Mackin, co-founder of Act+Acre. Colm recounts his journey from the structured world of tax law to the fluid, fast-paced beauty and wellness industry. After observing scalp issues during Paris Fashion Week, Colm and Helen Reavey identified an unmet need in hair care: effective scalp wellness. This insight led Colm to make a life-altering pivot, launching Act+Acre and immersing himself in the challenges of building a beauty brand from scratch.

Colm also discusses the operational shift Act+Acre made after the impact of Apple’s iOS 14 update, refocusing on subscription services - a strategy now responsible for a large percentage of the company’s revenue. He shares valuable insights on building a brand alongside his wife and creative director, Helen, as well as managing personal growth through coaching. Colm credits his own journey of self-awareness, coaching, and staying true to one focus as crucial to scaling Act+Acre.

Find Season 3, Episode 1 of Turning Pro on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube.

10 Key Lessons We Learned from Colm Mackin:

1. Pursue a Unique Angle: Colm’s pivotal moment came when he observed scalp health issues affecting models’ hair at Fashion Week. Rather than creating another conventional haircare line, Colm and Helen decided to innovate around scalp wellness - a lesser-known but essential area for healthy hair. 

2. Stay Focused on Your Core: Many entrepreneurs feel tempted to chase multiple ideas or launch side projects. Colm initially considered other business opportunities but ultimately recognized that splitting his focus could dilute Act+Acre’s potential.

3. Adapt to Market Shifts: When Apple’s iOS 14 update disrupted digital advertising, it forced many brands to rethink their marketing strategies. Act+Acre responded by doubling down on subscription services, creating a predictable revenue stream that accounted for a large percentage of their sales within a year. 

4. Embrace Support Systems: Recognizing the demands of leadership, Colm sought guidance from a coach early on. This support system evolved, as his coach later worked with the entire Act+Acre leadership team. By addressing both personal and professional challenges, Colm’s coach helps the team communicate openly and navigate complex situations with greater resilience. 

5. Balance Passion with Pragmatism: While Helen is the visionary behind Act+Acre’s scalp health solutions, Colm brings a complementary focus on operations, strategy, and brand storytelling. By dividing their roles based on individual strengths, the couple maintains a healthy dynamic that enables both creativity and stability. 

6. Understand the Power of Daily Rituals: Colm and Helen designed Act+Acre products to fit seamlessly into customers’ daily routines. Rather than occasional treatments, the products encourage consistent use, reinforcing scalp health as an essential part of daily self-care. 

7. Invest in Consumer Education: Since scalp care is still a relatively unknown concept, Act+Acre prioritizes educating its customers. Colm believes that by raising awareness of scalp health’s impact on hair quality, they empower consumers to make informed choices. 

8. Adapt Business Models as You Grow: In response to changing market dynamics, Colm shifted Act+Acre’s focus to subscriptions, achieving a high retention rate and stabilizing revenue. This transition created a more sustainable business model that allows for better forecasting and resource allocation. 

9. Create a Solid Team Culture: Colm attributes Act+Acre’s success to his team’s commitment, especially during high-growth periods when everyone went above and beyond. He fosters a culture where employees feel engaged and motivated by the brand’s mission, even during challenging times. 

10. Trust Your Instincts: Colm’s “Turning Pro” moment happened when he left tax law, relying on his instincts to guide him into an entirely new industry. Although he lacked a background in beauty or consumer products, his belief in the brand’s vision and his trust in Helen’s expertise drove him to take the leap. 

Each of these insights provides a roadmap not just for building a brand but for sustaining it through growth, challenges, and innovation. Colm’s journey with Act+Acre serves as a testament to the power of resilience, adaptability, and staying true to your mission.

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