Louis Watkins

Clear For Men is more than just a skincare brand - it’s a mission to change the conversation around men’s mental health, one small daily habit at a time.

The idea was born out of personal experience. After facing mental health challenges and experiencing anxiety for the first time in 2020/21, I found my confidence slipping. Like many men, I didn’t feel comfortable opening up about how I was feeling, and that silence became something I wanted to change - not just for myself, but for others too.

In February 2021, with no previous business experience and just my dining room table as a workspace, I took the first step and launched Clear For Men. It wasn’t about having everything figured out - it was about starting. I focused on taking small steps every single day, and I truly believe those small, consistent actions are what built the foundation of where the business is today.

At the heart of Clear For Men is a purpose. I wanted to create something that would encourage men to pause, reflect, and take care of their wellbeing in a simple, accessible way. Our flagship product, The Take Five Facial Cleanser, is more than just skincare - it’s a daily reminder for men to Take Five® for themselves. Alongside this, 15% of profits are donated to mental health charities CALM and Mind, ensuring the business gives back and creates real impact beyond the product itself.

In the early days, I didn’t know many entrepreneurs, and I didn’t have a roadmap to follow. What drove me was the idea of making a difference and starting conversations that many people still find difficult. In a way, I was inspired by my own situation - the need to create the kind of role model I wish I’d had when I was younger. Over time, as the business has grown, I’ve found inspiration in others too, including founders like Aimee Smale and Ben Francis, as well as voices like Gary Vaynerchuk.

The journey hasn’t been easy. Building something from nothing comes with constant challenges. Managing cash flow and learning to be patient have been some of the toughest lessons. Things almost always take longer than you expect, and there are countless obstacles along the way - but those challenges have been some of the most valuable parts of the journey.

What makes it all worthwhile is the impact. Being your own boss means waking up every day with the opportunity to make a positive difference. For me, success isn’t measured purely in sales or growth - it’s in knowing that Clear For Men has helped even a small number of people pause, take a breather, and feel more comfortable opening up about how they feel.

This journey is proof that you don’t need experience to start - just a purpose and the willingness to take that first step.