Combine an irreverent sense of humor, savvy business marketing and a fascination with facial hair – and you might have yourself a billion dollar idea. Just ask Michael Dubin, Founder and CEO of the ever-expanding Dollar Shave Club empire. He’s the man who freed razors from the fortress, changing the way men groom with a single viral video. While many of us are familiar with the brand’s meteoric success story, less is known about its publicity-shy mastermind. We lured Michael out of the bathroom to share his nightly routine, his unconventional midnight snack and his his go-to spots in our shared Venice neighborhood.
Your ‘blades are f–king great.’ Can you say the same for your home decor? Tell us about your L.A. pad!
My home is a one-story craftsman-style in Venice. The bones of the house are simple, so I wanted to decorate it with unique pieces – like artwork from interesting independent artists, distinctive area rugs and some awesome cowhide barstools.
Your ‘blades are f–king great.’ Can you say the same for your home decor? Tell us about your L.A. pad!
My home is a one-story craftsman-style in Venice. The bones of the house are simple, so I wanted to decorate it with unique pieces – like artwork from interesting independent artists, distinctive area rugs and some awesome cowhide barstools.
How do you unwind when you get home from the office? Does it include a #2?
Maybe…it depends on what I had for lunch (kidding, kind of). I like to start with a meditation to separate work from personal life, then I can focus on my evening plans.
How do you unwind when you get home from the office? Does it include a #2?
Maybe…it depends on what I had for lunch (kidding, kind of). I like to start with a meditation to separate work from personal life, then I can focus on my evening plans.
Your business is focused on the bathroom. Describe your ideal set up in there: Tub? Plants? Artwork? Reading material?
Naturally, the ideal bathroom would be outfitted with all of DSC’s products – everything from Wanderer (shower line) to Big Cloud (skin care line) to Boogie’s (hair styling line) to the Razors. In general, I keep a modest bathroom with just the necessities. I’m not really a bathtub kind of guy, but it’s a nice luxury.
Your business is focused on the bathroom. Describe your ideal set up in there: Tub? Plants? Artwork? Reading material?
Naturally, the ideal bathroom would be outfitted with all of DSC’s products – everything from Wanderer (shower line) to Big Cloud (skin care line) to Boogie’s (hair styling line) to the Razors. In general, I keep a modest bathroom with just the necessities. I’m not really a bathtub kind of guy, but it’s a nice luxury.
Last year DSC launched Wanderer, a body and face care line that’s 100% sulfate free. Walk us through your nightly skincare routine – and which products you use.
My nightly skincare routine is very straightforward: I wash my face with Wanderer Hydrating Daily Face Cleanser, followed by a test run of new products we’re considering to launch.
Last year DSC launched Wanderer, a body and face care line that’s 100% sulfate free. Walk us through your nightly skincare routine – and which products you use.
My nightly skincare routine is very straightforward: I wash my face with Wanderer Hydrating Daily Face Cleanser, followed by a test run of new products we’re considering to launch.
You studied at the Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB) theater in New York City. What comedy series do you recommend binge-watching in bed?
I can never get enough of “Arrested Development.”
You studied at the Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB) theater in New York City. What comedy series do you recommend binge-watching in bed?
I can never get enough of “Arrested Development.”
Does the Mo’ Money, Mo’ Problems adage ring true? When you can’t sleep, you…
I read.
Does the Mo’ Money, Mo’ Problems adage ring true? When you can’t sleep, you…
I read.
What’s your favorite midnight snack?
My go-to snack is Mary’s Gone Crackers with hot sauce.
What’s your favorite midnight snack?
My go-to snack is Mary’s Gone Crackers with hot sauce.
Your tips for achieving the perfect morning shave?
First you start by holding a hot, warm washcloth to your face. This opens your pores for the best shave possible. Then, I use Dr. Carver’s Mandatory Prep Scrub, which exfoliates dead skin cells for closer blade access. Next, I put on Dr. Carver’s Easy Shave Butter, which helps fight razor bumps and prevent ingrown hairs. Now I’m ready for my Executive Razor. After I’m done shaving, I clean my face off with another hot, warm towel and then finish with Dr. Carver’s Magnanimous Post Shave Cream.
Your tips for achieving the perfect morning shave?
First you start by holding a hot, warm washcloth to your face. This opens your pores for the best shave possible. Then, I use Dr. Carver’s Mandatory Prep Scrub, which exfoliates dead skin cells for closer blade access. Next, I put on Dr. Carver’s Easy Shave Butter, which helps fight razor bumps and prevent ingrown hairs. Now I’m ready for my Executive Razor. After I’m done shaving, I clean my face off with another hot, warm towel and then finish with Dr. Carver’s Magnanimous Post Shave Cream.
The best place to grab coffee in L.A. is…
Superba Food + Bread Bar. I’ve been drinking their coffee every day for the past few months, and I don’t get tired of it.
The best place to grab coffee in L.A. is…
Superba Food + Bread Bar. I’ve been drinking their coffee every day for the past few months, and I don’t get tired of it.
You lived in New York prior to moving to Los Angeles and starting DSC. Who does brunch better?
Don’t ask me that! That’s like saying ‘Do you like horses or hockey?’ You can’t compare the two.
You lived in New York prior to moving to Los Angeles and starting DSC. Who does brunch better?
Don’t ask me that! That’s like saying ‘Do you like horses or hockey?’ You can’t compare the two.
DSC got its start in Venice (and is now nearby in Marina Del Rey). What are your favorite spots in the neighborhood?
Love + Salt in Manhattan Beach, Prince O’ Whales in Playa del Rey and Super Pho in Culver City.
DSC got its start in Venice (and is now nearby in Marina Del Rey). What are your favorite spots in the neighborhood?
Love + Salt in Manhattan Beach, Prince O’ Whales in Playa del Rey and Super Pho in Culver City.
Do or don’t: 5 o’clock shadow?
A 5 o’clock shadow is fine if your facial hair isn’t patchy. If it is, like mine, it’s best to either be clean shaven or maintain well-groomed facial hair.
Do or don’t: 5 o’clock shadow?
A 5 o’clock shadow is fine if your facial hair isn’t patchy. If it is, like mine, it’s best to either be clean shaven or maintain well-groomed facial hair.
