2022 Honorees

Ericka Dichy

Founder and CEO

“I'm a passionate entrepreneur who enjoys inspiring others to follow and pursue their dreams.”

Innovator2022

Tell us about where you work and what you do there.

I’m the founder and CEO of Midsummer Skin. We are a groundbreaking neuro-cosmetic skincare collection that innovates with cutting-edge research technology that stimulates the skin’s sensory receptors, focusing on boosting energy inside the skin cells, improving their ability to transmit information to the brain, and triggering cell regeneration.

At the age of 14, I had an accident that caused severe skin and tissue damage to my face. After eight surgeries, 158 stitches, grafts and endless treatments with renowned Brazilian and American doctors, out of the ashes of pain, I made a decision to use everything that had happened to me for the good of myself and others with similar conditions.

Along with what became my “dream team” of doctors, pharmaceuticals, and chemists, I created a skincare line that could heal my own damaged and scarred skin. I’m involved in every aspect of the company, which I enjoy, from advertising to product development.

How would you describe yourself?

I’m Brazilian, and I like to cook and spend time with my family and friends. I enjoy being around people, and while I appear talkative, I am secretly an introvert. I can’t speak in public and lose my voice in front of a camera.

While trying to ensure that I am constantly learning, I am opinionated but surprisingly thoughtful, and I love hearing other people’s opinions. Even when I respectfully disagree, there is always something to learn.

I thrive on diversity, and knowing about other people, their experiences, backgrounds, views, and what makes them run is what keeps me going!

I’m a passionate entrepreneur who enjoys inspiring others to follow and pursue their dreams. My main goal is to motivate others to pursue their own passions. This approach was crucial in my entrepreneurial journey. I feel that everything relies on how one approaches the problem, overcomes one’s own difficulties, and considers what can be done, accepting the challenge.

I’ve been a part of a number of non-profit groups that promote women’s empowerment. I’m also a strong supporter of diversity and inclusiveness and deeply concerned about climate change and sustainability.

Innovation is at the heart of advancements in eCommerce. Do you have any thoughts or advice around maintaining an innovative edge?

Our expert team of professionals is always pursuing a groundbreaking futuristic approach to skincare.

At Midsummer Skin, we blend the best of nature with the greatest of technology and science to improve the elasticity, vitality, radiance, and  beauty of your skin. It’s a breakthrough for healthy skin!

With a premium product line based on neuroscience formulated with ultimate technology and scientific knowledge resources in a state of the art laboratory the company strives for continuous innovation without losing human values and roots

We organize team brainstorming sessions and encourage everyone to express their thoughts. We have a multi-cultural environment that creates an open space or context in which people from many perspectives can meet at the intersection of their fields.

People who live in other nations and immerse themselves in other cultures, or who work in more than one industry for an extended period of time, have statistically better views about generating new ideas simply because they have lived in two worlds. They are stronger at combining perspectives and producing unique creative results.

What do you think has been your biggest professional success so far?

Like any foreigner, it is very difficult to arrive in a country with different laws and customs and set up your own business. My biggest challenge was starting the company, getting all the licenses and permits, and getting financing to buy the first equipment. I had the support of my husband and the health professionals who worked with me from the beginning, but I had to make all the other professionals involved believe in my dream. Everything that came after became a challenge to be overcome.

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What goals do you have for 2022?

I’m looking to expand my team and I am concentrating my efforts in gaining more visibility and maintaining a high standard of quality, while improving sales through eCommerce. On the other hand, we need to find our way through traditional high-quality retail.

What do you think is the next big trend in eCommerce?

I anticipate that the new trends for 2022 will be the advancement of voice shopping, conversational shopping, and the optimization of the customer journey.

Name an eCommerce brand you admire and why.

I admire Essilor/Luxottica’s online store. They are always evolving and providing a branded shopping experience through an omnichannel strategy.

With their legendary brands, their eCommerce presence engages consumers through a powerful brand story, an endless range of designs, shapes, colors, and materials, and high-tech capabilities, Luxottica’s eCommerce platforms have established a new benchmark for the eyewear industry with virtual try-on, customization options, and the ability to get prescription lenses online.

What do you geek out over?

Technology and design