Ava O’Dowd, a junior accounting major, is the owner of Hydraglow Co., a skincare business that focuses on creating high-quality tools designed to enhance confidence and promote genuine skin health. She hopes to bring authenticity and education to the skincare industry through products that empower women to embrace their natural beauty.
What is the story of your company? How did it start?
My mom has been an aesthetician her whole life, and I’ve been lucky to grow up watching her work. She’s incredibly passionate about helping women feel confident in their skin—a trait she’s passed down to me. I’ve been around the medical spa industry for as long as I can remember (literally—I started out in a carrier on the floor of my mom’s facial room while she did treatments), and I truly love it.
I always knew I wanted to be part of this industry, but it wasn’t until last year that the idea for Hydraglow came to life. My mom and I were brainstorming ways to create high-quality dermaplane blades for aestheticians since there’s really only one good option on the market right now. During that conversation, the name Hydraglow came to mind. Dermaplane blades were just the beginning. We started thinking about other skincare tools, not just for professionals, but for clients too. That’s when the idea for our ice rollers came in. From there, I ran with it.
Hydraglow is made for the girl who loves music, slow mornings, coffee, beach sunsets and, of course, skincare. My goal is to combine great products with real education, helping answer the questions so many young women have about their skin, sharing honest recommendations and normalizing what real skin looks like.
Why did you want to join Samford Startup?
I wanted to join the Samford Startup program for two main reasons. First, I believe it offers a unique community of people from various industrieswho share similar experiences.Each of us brings something to the table, and I am excited to hear everyone's thoughts, experiences, struggles and advice. Second, this program gives accountability, which is something I certainly need in this season of my life.
How has the Samford Startup program supported your business?
I just recently joined this group, but I can already see how it’s helping me and my business grow. One of the biggest motivators for me right now is knowing I’ll be sharing updates with everyone as the school year progresses. That accountability pushes me to keep building and moving forward. I wish to have more progress, lessons and experiences to contribute to the group.
What has been the most challenging part of launching your business? How did you overcome this?
Honestly, the most challenging aspect has been maintaining self-discipline. A business won't build itself, but sometimes I convince myself that it will. I have not overcome this but work daily at it by setting aside time to work on Hydraglow each day and tracking my hours as if it were a paying job (and hopefully, it will be)!
How has the Samford Startup program helped you grow professionally?
I am looking forward to the program helping me build better conversational skills when discussing my business. I often find it challenging to clearly express what I do and why I’m passionate about it, so I’m hoping to gain more confidence and clarity when having those conversations.
What do you envision for your business?
Looking ahead, I see my business becoming a well-known name in the medical spa industry. I want it to be recognized for authenticity, beautiful design and high-quality products. I plan to expand into wholesale, offering a variety of tools to aestheticians, and continue creating new products that work alongside what we’ve already started with, like the ice rollers. I have big dreams for this company, and I believe they can be accomplished while staying true to the heart of what Hydraglow is.
How is your business redemptive in a Christ-like manner?
I believe Hydraglow reflects Christ by encouraging women to see the beauty and uniqueness in their skin. My hope is to inspire confidence that isn’t rooted in appearance, but in care, truth and the inner radiance of each person. A verse that continues to guide me is 1 Samuel 16:7: “The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” In a world that often profits from insecurity, I want Hydraglow to stand out by offering something redemptive.
How do you see your company having an impact on the Samford and Birmingham communities?
Hydraglow is still very small, but things we want to offer in the community are: support for smaller aestheticians and medical spas in the area (through collaborations or popups), hosting skincare nights or Q&As with young women to share skin education and healthy product tips and offering internships or mentorships for Samford students interested in skin and wanting to enter the field.
Why would you encourage other student entrepreneurs to join the program?
I would encourage entrepreneurs to join this program for the community. Starting your own business is extremely challenging, especially when people question your decisions or call you crazy for trying. One piece that always resonates with me is The Man in the Arena by Theodore Roosevelt. It speaks about the gladiator in the arena: surrounded by critics, but ultimately the one doing the hard work, taking the risks and making the decisions. The crowd may yell and judge, but they’re simply spectators.
That’s why this group matters. It’s made up of people who are also in the arena,covered in the same dust, sweat and uncertainty. We push each other forward, share our wins and struggles and offer support that only someone walking a similar path can give. Perhaps it is an intense comparison, but I truly believe this community understands each other in a way that few others can and that is something that all entrepreneurs need.
Learn more about Hydraglow Co.
