14 Questions with ERLY founders Jamie Chandlee and Hallie McDonald

When Jamie Chandlee and Hallie McDonald launched ERLY, they brought their shared passions for simple, clean beauty, and empowering habits to life. Inspired by their daughters, Emerson and Lyle, the duo created a skincare line designed to be effective and approachable for all ages. With Jamie’s entrepreneurial drive and Hallie’s expertise as a dermatologist, ERLY reflects their vision: a minimalist, results-driven approach to skincare that fits seamlessly into busy lives. They sat down with us recently and shared what inspires them in business, design, and beyond. 

Tell us about ERLY and how it came to be: 

Jamie: ERLY was born out of a desire to make skincare simple, effective, and accessible for all ages. My co-founder Hallie and I were inspired by our daughters, Emerson and Lyle, to create a clean skincare line that encourages healthy habits from an early age. With a "less is more" philosophy, we focused on offering products that deliver real results without the clutter, using safe, clean ingredients that people of all skin types and ages can trust. ERLY is about empowering individuals to feel confident in their skin—whether they’re starting their skincare journey or already have a well-established routine.

What was your biggest challenge in bringing ERLY to market and how did you overcome it?

Jamie: One of the biggest challenges in bringing ERLY to market was finding the right balance between offering a skincare line that appealed to both teens and adults while keeping the approach simple and effective. We tackled this by sticking to our clean ingredients and minimalistic philosophy, while also engaging closely with our community to ensure we were creating something that truly addressed their needs.

How do you define your roles as co-founders? Is there a clear delineation of tasks or do you collaborate on everything?

Hallie- this was very organic, as we were friends first and know each other’s strengths and stretches.  Although we divide certain tasks, we collaborate with each other on everything and are always bouncing ideas off one another.  I handle formulations, product development, finances, and some of the operational duties.  Jamie is in charge of all things marketing, social media, influencer outreach, networking, etc.

If you had to choose a favorite ERLY product, what would it be? 

Hallie- this is hard!  My current favorite is the ERLY Night Moisturizer.  It is super hydrating and feels rich on the skin without feeling sticky or heavy.  It is packed with peptides, which are like building blocks of the skin and boost collagen and elastin.  For those of us interested in anti-aging, It is a great, gentle alternative to retinol.

Jamie: This is a tough choice, but I’d have to go with Daily Dew. I’ve fully embraced the no-makeup makeup look for my everyday routine, and Daily Dew gives me the perfect glow that lasts all day

What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

Hallie- “You can do it.”  My parents instilled a sense of capability in me, so I love to rise to a challenge, learn new things, and work towards goals.

Jamie: The best advice I’ve ever received came after my cancer diagnosis: to appreciate every moment and focus on what truly matters. It taught me to live with intention, prioritize the people who lift me up, and embrace life with a new perspective.

What is your superpower… in business or otherwise?

Jamie: My superpower is building and nurturing relationships. I thrive on connecting with people and bringing others together—whether it's through friendships or professional connections, I love making people feel seen and valued.  

Hallie: I’d say my superpower is multitasking. I thrive on balancing a variety of roles— having a busy dermatology practice, cofounding ERLY, being an involved parent, cheering on my friends, staying active and competitive with tennis, cooking for my family, and indulging my passions for travel and working out.

What types of art or artists are you gravitating towards right now? 

Hallie: Amoako Boafo is amazing. I love what America Martin is doing.  Patrick Puckett’s portraits and color use are really interesting to me.  Donald Martiny’s sculptural paintings are dynamic and engaging.  Mallory Page’s monochromatic works are beautiful.

Which galleries or museums do you love to visit in Austin and beyond?

Hallie: in Austin, I love Wally Workman and am thrilled that Dimmitt is here now.  One of my favorite things to do on vacation is to explore local art galleries and discover hidden gems.

Where are you the most creative in your life? (Could be in designing your home, what you wear, in writing new projects, etc…)

Hallie: I love to set a beautiful table and make floral arrangements.  Not sure that this counts, but coming up with clever Halloween costumes is really fun for me.

Which destination is at the top of your bucket list right now? Jamie: I am dying to take my kids to Africa one day in the near future.

Hallie: Japan is on my radar for sure.

What kind of souvenirs do you bring back from your travels?

Hallie: just photos.  I always carry my bag on, so I travel light.

Jamie: something unique to the place I visited. It could be a locally made piece of art, or something small that reminds me of a special moment during our travels. The keyword here is small… because my family will always carry-on!

What is one item that you have to have in your bag at all times?

Hallie: besides my phone?  I hate to admit I’m addicted to gum.  

Jamie: My Rhode Lip Tint

Your daughters were a big part of your inspiration for starting ERLY. What is one piece of advice you’ve shared with them that you hope stays with them?

Jamie: One piece of advice I’ve shared with my daughter is to embrace failure as part of the journey. It’s not about avoiding mistakes, but about learning from them and using those lessons to grow stronger and more resilient.

Hallie: Not everything will come effortlessly, but the effort is always worthwhile. I hope my girls will remember to dream big, set goals, and work hard.  Achieving great things takes hard work, persistence, and determination.