How to treat pimple-prone skin: Best friends build a multi-million dollar business with Silvi pillowcase, celebrated for its “transforming” skin

Growing up, Max Hertan always had an entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to become financially independent.

However, the 33-year-old from Melbourne never imagined that his common skin concern would be the key to building a $20million business selling a product billed as “life-changing”.

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Like most wide-eyed teenagers heading into adulthood, Max was beginning to feel insecure about his constant breakouts and irritating dermatitis.

After spending hundreds of dollars on expensive or ineffective products, he wanted to use his passion for learning to find a solution that could benefit people with problem skin around the world.

Along with co-founder Ben Goodman, the pair spent 12 months in extensive research, development and testing before bringing Silvi to market.

Their first product – The Original Anti-Acne Silk Pillowcase – is a world first combination of silk treated with natural antibacterial silver to prevent bacterial growth.

And the proof is in the pillow – it’s clinically proven to eliminate 99.7 percent of acne-causing bacteria, making it perfect for all skin types.

“Your face will spend a third of its life in just three days on a pillowcase that contains 1,000 times more bacteria than a toilet seat. It’s this bacterium that’s known to cause acne and breakouts,” Ben told 7Life.

Founded during the global pandemic of 2020, The Mates focused on customer demand for clean and holistic skincare products.

“In the first six weeks of launch, Silvi pillowcases were flying out the door and hitting $350,000 in sales, eventually hitting a million a month in sales within the first year of launch,” shares Max.

Since then, Silvi has garnered a cult following of passionate customers who swear by the innovative products and share before and after photos of their results.

“I’ve been using Silvi’s pillowcases for a year now and I haven’t regretted it. The best investment you can make for your skin and hair. I never thought it would be life changing,” said one delighted customer.

“I bought these as a last ditch effort to solve my acne problem. I really didn’t expect such a difference! Normally my hormonal acne flares up badly in the luteal phase, but this month my skin is so much less inflamed and I haven’t broken out like I normally do. I’m genuinely impressed and grateful I took the leap of faith,” added another.

According to users, the product is leaps and bounds over others in the market.

“I’ve been using silk pillowcases for years, I’ve tried them all! From the most expensive to the cheaper – none of them even come close to Silvi’s!! My skin has completely changed and is now clearer than ever!! I’m beyond impressed!” said one customer.

And it’s no surprise that the store has sold out five times and now has over 100,000 loyal customers considering Max’s track record.

Before co-founding Silvi, which is now valued at $20 million, the 33-year-old founded one of Melbourne’s top-rated digital marketing agencies in his bedroom at home in 2012.

Max says it was his dedication to learning and constant self-improvement that has propelled him to such heights. When once asked by a client if he did Google Ads – with no experience whatsoever – Max said “Yes, of course I do” before completing an eight-hour course that evening and another the next day.

“I started reading a book every two weeks, I did an online course every two weeks. I’ve been following 10 different blogs and 10 different podcasts,” says Max.

“Even though I didn’t work that hard, I studied really hard. I tried everything to get one [new] Client. I just wanted to get the customers results in an efficient way.”

Now this agency – Megaphone Marketing – serves more than 350 companies worldwide and holds the title of Marketing Agency of the Year 2022.

But Max and Ben don’t stop there as they continue to work together on new projects while Silvi grows from strength to strength.

Enjoying such phenomenal success, Silvi has expanded its offering to include products such as bamboo sheet sets and sleep masks to continue to meet customer demand.

Shop the Silvi range here.