We had the good fortune of connecting with Chloë Chevalier Palmer and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Chloë, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
When I started working on Sacré in 2020, it was during the height of the COVID pandemic. I had flown back to my parents’ house in Burkina Faso, and while shopping for toiletries, I noticed that the stores were filled with European brands. The few African brands available lacked proper certifications and were often handmade in someone’s kitchen, which made me hesitant to trust their quality. This realization ignited a fire in me. I began researching how to create high-quality skincare products using African ingredients, with a strong focus on finding a lab in Africa that could meet the highest standards. My goal was to create a brand that represented the richness of African resources while ensuring the safety and efficacy of the products.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Sacré is a brand deeply rooted in Africa, with our entire operation based in Burkina Faso. What truly sets us apart is that every ingredient we use is sourced directly from Africa, and we are proudly certified organic and ECOCERT. This approach not only ensures that our products are of the highest quality, but it also allows us to create jobs and contribute to our local economy. It’s our way of investing in Africa and bringing our potent body care and traditional savoir-faire to the rest of the world.
Getting to where we are today has been anything but easy. One of the biggest challenges was our commitment to producing everything locally. While most brands opt to manufacture in Europe or China, we were determined to keep our production as close to home as possible. Making that happen has been incredibly difficult, but it’s a challenge we embraced because we believe in the power of African craftsmanship.
Interestingly, in the skincare industry, about 90% of ingredients are sourced from Africa, yet very few African brands have a global presence. We want to change that narrative. The lessons I’ve learned along the way are numerous, but one of the most important is the value of persistence. When you believe in your vision, no obstacle is too great. I want the world to know that Sacré is not just a skincare brand—it’s a movement to showcase the richness of African resources and talent on a global stage.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Day 1: Arrival & Relaxation
Morning: Start the trip with a leisurely morning at your accommodation, allowing time to settle in.
Afternoon: Head to Malibu and enjoy a relaxed lunch at Nobu with ocean views.
Evening: Walk along the beach and catch the sunset, then return for a quiet evening to rest up for the week ahead.
Day 2: Hiking & Exploration
Morning: Begin the day with a hike up Wisdom Tree for panoramic views of the city and a bit of morning exercise.
Mid-Morning: Grab breakfast at Destroyer in Culver City, where the minimalist design matches the innovative dishes.
Afternoon: Visit the Rose Bowl Flea Market (if it’s the second Sunday of the month) to hunt for unique finds and vintage treasures.
Evening: Head back to the city and enjoy a casual dinner at a local favorite in West Hollywood.
Day 3: Wellness & Shopping
Morning: Indulge in a facial at Dr. Barbara Sturm in West Hollywood for a luxurious skincare experience.
Afternoon: Spend the rest of the day shopping in WeHo (West Hollywood), exploring trendy boutiques and designer stores.
Evening: Cap off the day with drinks at a chic rooftop bar, then enjoy dinner at a trendy WeHo restaurant.
Day 4: Cultural & Artistic Exploration
Morning: Visit the Getty Center for stunning architecture, gardens, and art exhibitions.
Afternoon: Head to LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art) to explore modern art installations and enjoy the outdoor art.
Evening: Have dinner at République for a mix of French-inspired cuisine in a beautiful setting.
Day 5: Beach Day
Morning: Spend a relaxing day at Venice Beach or Santa Monica. Start with a stroll down the boardwalk, taking in the eclectic mix of street performers and shops.
Afternoon: Rent bikes and ride along the beach path, stopping for lunch at a local café.
Evening: Return to your accommodation to freshen up, then head out to a beachside restaurant for dinner with a view.
Day 6: Adventure & Dining
Morning: Take a day trip to Griffith Park for a hike up to the Griffith Observatory, where you can also explore the exhibits inside.
Afternoon: Grab lunch at a popular food truck, then explore the Los Angeles Farmers Market.
Evening: End the day with a memorable dinner at Bestia, known for its Italian-inspired dishes and industrial-chic setting.
Day 7: Farewell & Reflection
Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, followed by a stroll through Runyon Canyon or another nearby park.
Afternoon: Spend the last few hours revisiting any favorite spots or shopping for last-minute souvenirs.
Evening: Have a final dinner at a cozy neighborhood restaurant, reminiscing about the week’s adventures before heading home.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have to give a huge shoutout to my family—the Chevalier family! They’ve been my rock throughout this entire journey. From the very beginning, they’ve trusted me and my vision, testing all my products from stage one to where they are today. They’ve always believed in me, sometimes even more than I believed in myself, which is truly priceless. Having such an amazing support system has made all the difference.
Website: www.sacreskin.com
Instagram: @sacreskincare
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sacreskin
Image Credits
photographer Olga Pankova