Meet Amada Reyes | Founder at Buttr

We had the good fortune of connecting with Amada Reyes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amada, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My decision to start building my app, Buttr, stemmed from a deeply personal journey intertwined with a broader realization of the skincare industry. There’s an disconnect between skincare consumers and the industry itself—a gap fraught with oversaturation and misleading claims. Witnessing this disparity firsthand, I felt compelled to bridge it.

Having grappled with skincare challenges since a young age, I intimately understand the mental toll it can take. Skincare isn’t merely about surface aesthetics; it profoundly impacts mental health and self-esteem.

Buttr was conceived with a mission to revolutionize this landscape, fostering authenticity and connection over profit-driven recommendations. Rather than succumbing to the conventional model of pushing products for commissions, I envisioned a platform where users could find solace in shared experiences. By fostering vulnerability and empathy, Buttr aims to empower users to navigate their skincare journeys with informed decisions and genuine support.

In essence, my thought process behind starting Buttr was driven by a desire to dismantle the facade (no pun intended) of the skincare industry, replacing it with a community-driven platform focused on holistic well-being. It’s about creating a space where individuals feel seen, heard, and understood. Making it uncool to be superficial and over-filtered on social apps.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Diving into the world of solopreneurship has definitely been a rollercoaster ride, but I’d say I’m most excited about seeing my vision come to life. Building Buttr, from the ground up has been a wild journey filled with late nights, early mornings, and lots of coffee.

Getting to where I am today business-wise hasn’t been easy. There have been setbacks, challenges, and moments of doubt along the way. But each hurdle has been a learning opportunity, a chance to grow and evolve both personally and professionally. I’ve learned to embrace the journey, celebrate the small wins, and keep pushing forward no matter what. In this role I wear many hats and spend a whole lot of time alone with my thoughts. Sure, I’ve got a team I can lean on (sometimes) when things get busy, but most days it’s just me and my laptop.

People kept telling me, “Make sure you’re passionate about what you’re building,” and man, were they right. Having a deep connection to the mission behind Buttr is what keeps me going when the going gets tough. I genuinely care about making a difference in the skincare industry, and that passion serves as my North Star on those rough days.

So, what do I want the world to know about me and my brand? I would say- We’re all about authenticity, community, and empowerment. Buttr isn’t just about skincare—it’s about fostering real connections, supporting each other through our struggles, and celebrating our unique journeys.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I have to say my neighborhood Playa Vista. I went to school at Loyola Marymount University so it immediately became my home away from home. My itinerary:
-Walk to my favorite local coffee shop Cafe Ruisseau
-Playa vista Saturday farmers market
-Probably a tour of my schedule because the campus is truly incredible
-Head to Playa del Rey to sunbathe
-Grab lunch at Sol Mexican Restaurant in PV
– Head to the Venice Canals for a stroll
-End the day exploring venice. Maybe a good restaurant and bar by the beach.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

I would choose to honor my younger sisters, who have been my constant inspiration and driving force behind my mission with Buttr. Growing up in a world dominated by social media, filters, and the relentless pursuit of perfection online, they’ve faced unique challenges that have deeply influenced my perspective.

As they navigate their way through this digital landscape. I hope to be even if it’s just a small part of the change we wish to see for future generations, advocating for authenticity, empowerment, and self-acceptance in a world often consumed by superficiality.

Also they’v served me as a reminder of the broader goal of Buttr—to create tools that counterbalance the negative impacts of social media and promote genuine connections and well-being. Through our shared experiences and discussions, I know we can make a difference and Buttr is a platform that fosters realness and empowers individuals to embrace their journeys, flaws and all.

Beyond my sisters, I also want to extend recognition to all the women and individuals who courageously embrace their authenticity and share their stories openly. Their willingness to defy societal norms and showcase their vulnerabilities serves as a example of hope and inspiration for others. It’s through our collective efforts that we make sure we can shape the way we look at ourselves in the mirror.

Instagram: amadareyess

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amada-reyes/

Image Credits
Thale Blanc photographer