Challenger brand Biography Celebrates one year at The Malin

Club members at The Malin, the design-forward workspace where Team Biography meets, reflect the space itself—thoughtful, sophisticated, discerningly aware of details. They care about their surroundings and understand how the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, from the furniture and the lighting to the coffee and the hand wash.

For any members club, first impressions are both powerful and important. And It used to be that upon entering The Malin, the scent in the air told you one thing: Le Labo. So it was big news when that changed a year ago, when The Malin upgraded to Biography.

Replacing Le Labo, an Estée Lauder powerhouse, was both personal and powerful for Biography. The local, women-founded brand was built to belong, to engage, not just sit on a shelf. Big brands move slowly where smaller brands like Biography can be agile and tell a more personal story, and that mattered a lot to The Malin in their decision to install Biography in every kitchen and bathroom across their NY properties.

“People noticed right away, which says a lot not only about Biography, but also our members,” said Amber Johnson, The Malin’s Operations Manager, “They’ve noticed that Biography doesn’t just sit there looking pretty—it earns its spot. ‘Oh, it’s the soap with the grains! That’s really cool,’— we’ve heard that more than once. And even some of our men will comment on the scent, how it’s subtle and energizing but not everywhere nor overpowering.”

One year on, Biography Hand Wash and Cream is present on every counter at The Malin. What started in a few NYC locations has expanded to Nashville and Austin, with more locations in the works. 

“i’m filled with pride that never gets old, every time I walk in to work,” said LInda Thompson, Biography’s founder and CEO, and a Malin member. “Partnerships like this aren’t just about placement; they’re about shared values and a mutual belief in what belongs in a space designed for people who think, create, and build.”

“Big brands sell familiarity. Small brands sell distinction,” Thompson continued.  “I think that’s why we’re still here—because being different, when done right, earns its place. If you’ve used Biography, you get it. And if you haven’t—what are you waiting for?" 

Happy first anniversary to a perfect collaboration.