About Joy D. Edwards

Hi, I’m Joy D. Edwards—founder of Sweet Surrender, cosmetic formulator, and self-care advocate based in Henderson, Nevada.

For more than a decade, my work has been shaped by a simple belief: care should be part of how we live—not something we wait until we’re exhausted to deserve.

That belief is at the heart of Sweet Surrender.

I founded the company in 2014 to create opportunities for women to step away from the demands of everyday life, relax, unwind, and care beautifully for their skin.

Because taking care of yourself shouldn’t require an elaborate routine or a special occasion. Sometimes it’s simply turning the shower you were already going to take, the moisturizer you were already going to apply, or the bath you desperately needed into a moment that feels entirely your own.

FROM CURIOSITY TO FORMULATION

My path into formulation began with my own skin.

I’ve lived with dry, sensitive skin for much of my life, and after experiencing a chemical burn from a perm, I became increasingly interested in understanding the ingredients and formulations behind the products I was using.

I began researching oils, butters, herbs, traditional soap-making methods, and cosmetic ingredients—not because I intended to become a formulator, but because I wanted to understand how products actually worked.

Curiosity became study. Study became experimentation. And experimentation eventually became expertise.

After taking my first cold-process soap-making class in San Diego, I was hooked.

Over the years, I continued studying, testing, formulating, and refining my craft. I became fascinated not only by what ingredients could do, but by the complete experience of a product—how it cleanses, moisturizes, absorbs, smells, feels on the skin, and fits into someone's life.

That perspective still guides every Sweet Surrender product today.

WHERE LUXURY MEETS FUNCTIONALITY

I don't believe women should have to choose between products that feel luxurious and products that perform beautifully.

Sweet Surrender is where luxury meets functionality—because together, they make daily self-care something you can actually look forward to.

My own experience with dry, sensitive skin naturally influences the way I formulate. I pay particular attention to skin comfort, moisture, thoughtful cleansing, beautiful textures, and the overall sensory experience.

But the product is only part of the story.

The real purpose is the moment it creates.

A few quiet minutes after a long day.
A shower that becomes more than another task.
A familiar fragrance that helps you settle in.
Skin that feels soft and beautifully cared for.

Those ordinary moments matter.

BEYOND THE FORMULA

As my work has grown, so has the way I use what I've learned.

In addition to leading Sweet Surrender, my background in formulation, product development, manufacturing, and brand-building allows me to support other beauty and wellness founders as they develop thoughtful products and bring their ideas to life.

I also speak and write about self-care, entrepreneurship, and what it means to build meaningful things without sacrificing yourself in the process.

These are different expressions of my work, but they share something important:

I care deeply about creating things with intention—and helping people do the same.

Sweet Surrender remains the place where that philosophy becomes tangible: something you can hold, smell, feel, and make part of your day.

A LITTLE MORE SURRENDER

If there is one thing I hope you take with you from my work, it is this:

You do not have to earn the right to care for yourself.

You don't have to wait for Sunday, vacation, burnout, or permission.

You can create small moments of softness right in the middle of the life you're already living.

And sometimes, surrender simply means allowing yourself to enjoy them.

Thank you for being here.

— Joy D. Edwards

Founder, Sweet Surrender