Q+A with Bluestone Sunshields Founder Jen Podany

Licensed esthetician and global operations expert Jen Podany has completely changed the game when it comes to post-treatment care. With her experience in the world of skincare and in business operations, Jen and her team have created the holy grail for not only protection from the sun, but also the privacy her high-profile clients want, too. We sat down with Jen to discuss more about how her brand Bluestone Sunshields came to life, the development process behind them, and so much more. Read on for the full conversation

Q: First and foremost, we’d love to hear about how you first got into skincare.

I’ve always been drawn to the medical industry. At the age of 18, I started working as a CNA at Children’s Hospital Omaha, NE and it was a true passion of mine. When I moved to Los Angeles I wanted to find something that was still patient-related and fell in love with cosmetics, skincare, and dermatology. I started working at the nation’s first laser tattoo removal clinic in Beverly Hills and that was a springboard for my career. I’ve been lucky enough to work with some of the best in the industry and gain friendships that have only continued to drive my love and passion for all things related.

Q: Bluestone Sunshields was founded as a response to observations you made about patients’ needs while working with top dermatologists in LA. Can you share with us what you were noticing and how you developed these shields to fill those gaps?

At the time, I was working at a very high-profile dermatology office. I would see patients confidently walk in and after having an aggressive treatment, they would leave hiding under a towel, trying to avoid the sun and other people. This was the first spark that something was missing. Also after any treatment, proper post-care is essential and there was a lack of fashionable solutions, so I wanted to create something the doctor's office could have available right there to offer their patients on the way out the door.

Q: What was the development process like when first creating Bluestone Sunshields?

In between the laser clinic and the dermatology office, I worked as the Global Operations Manager for a consumer electronics company. This was an amazing experience that taught me a lot about every aspect of business, and I made a lot of contacts all over the world. When it was time for me to develop my own brand, I was already familiar with the processes of manufacturing, order fulfillment, and so on — so that part was pretty easy.

Q: What do you love the most about what you do?

The thing I love the most is the business operations aspect. We source materials from all over the world, assemble our products in Burbank, CA, and then any given day are shipping to places like Hong Kong, Dubai, Germany, Poland. It’s been really amazing to see people from all over the world enjoying our products, and to get to be a part of every aspect of delivering those goods to people is really fun.

Q: Bluestone Sunshields has donated thousands of PPE items to hospitals and healthcare workers amidst the pandemic. We’d love to hear about what inspired you to do so, why it was important to get involved, and how you’ve seen gear like these shields increase in prominence beyond the medical field over the past year or so.

Last year was just beyond what anyone could have predicted. In March of 2020, we started to hear of frontline providers not being able to access proper protective equipment. I had people telling me about their PPE shipments being seized and they were frankly scared. I spoke with my manufacturers about changing up production to only create clear shields with the intent of making them and giving them away. Before I knew it, we had thousands of medical professionals reaching out asking for help. Because we already had a lot of parts in place, we were able to act quickly and help a lot of people! We were also graciously approached by RealSelf and thanks to their help, we were able to expand our efforts.

Our Clear Shield has actually become one of our most popular products, and we see them continue to be in demand. I think it's because there aren’t many fashionable solutions that focus on comfort, which is why we continue to be the go-to brand.

Q: What is one skincare product everyone should be using, no matter what their skin type?

The Method: Polish by Dr. Lancer. This is one of my most favorite products and it achieves great results.

Q: What do you wish people were talking more about in skincare?

I think one of the most important things to remember is that it’s not just about one product or treatment, but it takes an overall healthy lifestyle to achieve great results. One of the most impactful things you can do is focus on clean eating, plenty of water, and exercise.

Rapid Fire Round

Q: Worth the splurge:

The Method: 3 Step Set by Dr. Lancer.

Q: Favorite drugstore or budget find:

TonyMoly Hydrating Sheet Masks.

Q: Latest beauty empty:

Goldfaden MD Brightening Elixir.

Q: Recent discovery:

Goldfaden MD line! I love the products and the results are great.

Q: Product you can't leave home without:

Hot Mess Ice Roller by The Skinny Confidential.

Q: Brand you wish more people knew about:

ManiGlovz – these UV protection gloves are a must!

For more of Jen's favorite products, check out her shop!