04/09/2026
I've thought about something all summer, and I've finally made a decision.
We're stepping back from social media.
We're not disappearing and ETHYST still very much exists, but I'm just no longer willing to build the future of this business around platforms who use AI algorithms to decide whether the people who *asked* to hear from us are actually allowed to.
The internet that allowed small businesses like ETHYST to build and grow is disappearing.
It used to be that if you followed a business, you'd see what they posted. If you searched for something, you'd find it. If a small company made something genuinely different, it had a chance to earn your attention.
Now, AI and algorithms decide what gets surfaced, summarized, flagged, buried, approved, or rejected.
Platforms change the rules overnight.
And independent businesses are expected to keep producing more content, more videos, more photos, more everything... but for what? Only for much of it to never reach the people who chose to follow them in the first place.
Not only is that a ridiculous waste of time as well as stress inducing, it is severely hurting small businesses who are not willing to continue playing (and paying for) the game.
Because eventually, out of sight becomes out of mind.
So I'm opting out of that game as much as I reasonably can.
Because it's not worth it. We want to put our hard work and efforts towards those who are truly interested in what we bring to the table.
Going forward, our independent email list will become the most important way I communicate with the ETHYST community.
That's where I'll share new launches, skin science, Sanctuary Experience news and access, behind-the-scenes stories, and the conversations I think actually matter.
Of course I want ETHYST to survive.
But I don't just want ETHYST to survive.
I don't believe the future should belong exclusively to companies with the biggest advertising budgets or those who increasingly control the algorithms, AI, and billion-dollar platforms through which the rest of us are expected to reach one another.
I want to find out whether independent businesses can still exist because the people who believe in them choose to pay attention somewhere they're still able to.
If you've supported ETHYST over the years, thank you. Truly.
You're the reason we're still here, continuing our mission to change the skincare industry for the better and make skincare safer, simpler, and healthier for all.
Have you noticed you've lost track of your favorite businesses or creators you used to hear from regularly?
I'd genuinely like to know.