Zoe Wasfy, Co-Founder of Wild Science Lab; Award-winning, botanically based, sustainably-aware, highly regarded British brand and naturally derived hair and skin solutions.
Can you tell us a little about your background and the company?
I’ve worked for global beauty brands for many years both in the creative and practical sides of product development, having a network of suppliers, brands, and industry leaders, seeing revolutionary ingredients that were truly transformative for customers being brought to market. Seeing first-hand the power of self-confidence that healthy skin and hair can bring, it was this knowledge, combined with my personal battle related profound hair loss with an irritated scalp.
We were driven by a desire to elevate a conversation often surrounded by difficulty and distress- which led to us innovating our own solutions. With time, many iterations, and experiments…and so using this knowledge me and Ali teamed together with experts in organically derived ingredients and sustainability, to create haircare solutions that would be efficient and friendly to the environment.
How did the idea come to you for the company?
Through research following my own struggle with post-partum hair loss, I utilised my extensive background in R&D to create Wild Science Lab to help achieve fuller dense hair, regardless of genetic predisposition.
How did you achieve awareness?
To achieve brand awareness, companies can utilize a combination of digital marketing, content marketing, influencer marketing, public relations, advertising, and events and samples campaigns with beauty boxes.
How have you been able to gain funding and grow?
We have been fortunate to have the support of angel investors who believe in our mission and see the potential for growth in our industry. Additionally, my husband the CEO & Founder of WSL Ali Wasfy has been instrumental in developing a strategic plan for our business and securing potential partnerships with well-known venture capitalists. We are not only seeking investment, but also a team to support our mission and drive our growth forward.
What are the key successes?
Wild Science Lab has achieved several key successes in its mission to provide natural and sustainable beauty products. One of our main successes has been the development of our unique formulas, which are free of harmful chemicals and use only natural and 100% vegan ingredients. We have also successfully built a loyal customer base through our online presence and commitment to customer satisfaction. Our partnership with prestigious retailers such as Printemps, Sephora and Douglas and has also contributed to our success and helped us gain brand recognition. Additionally, we have secured funding from angel investors and working towards secure an investment from VC, allowing us to expand our operations and continue to innovate in the beauty industry.
What are the key successes?
Success in producing sustainable and natural products can be measured by a variety of factors. High consumer demand is one indicator of success, as it shows that there is a market for sustainable and natural products. Product innovation is also important, as developing new and innovative products that meet consumer needs while being sustainable, natural and effective can be a key success factor. Minimizing the environmental impact of production processes and reducing waste is another aspect of success, as it shows a commitment to sustainability and a responsible approach to the environment.
What were/are the challenges and how have you overcome these?
Wild Science Lab has faced a number of challenges along the way. One of the key challenges has been the fierce competition in the beauty and personal care industry, particularly with so many established brands already well-established in the market. Additionally, there have been challenges with securing adequate marketing support and optimizing the company’s search engine visibility.
To overcome these challenges, Wild Science Lab has focused on developing unique, high-quality products that offer real value to customers. The company has also worked hard to build strong relationships with its existing customer base, leveraging their support to drive organic growth and positive word-of-mouth marketing. Additionally, the company is actively exploring partnerships with other businesses and influencers to expand its reach and build its brand visibility. Finally, the company is investing in targeted digital marketing campaigns and sampling to try the products, leveraging the latest technology to reach new audiences and drive increased engagement and sales.
What are your plans now/for the future?
Wild Science Lab has ambitious plans for the future. We are focused on expanding our reach and increasing our market share in the natural personal care industry. Our goal is to continue innovating and developing new, sustainable products that meet the evolving needs of our customers. Additionally, we are exploring new partnerships and collaborations to help us reach new audiences and further establish our brand in the market. We are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead and are committed to delivering high-quality, natural clean products that our customers love.
What would you like to share with others to encourage them to start their own entrepreneurship journey?
Starting your own entrepreneurship journey can be both challenging and rewarding. The most important thing is to have a clear vision and passion for your business idea, and to be willing to put in the hard work and dedication required to make it a success. Don’t be afraid to seek advice and guidance from mentors and industry experts, and always stay open to learning and adapting along the way. Remember that failure is not the end, but an opportunity to learn and grow. If you have a dream, believe in yourself and take that first step towards making it a reality.
Can you share your top tips for entrepreneurial success?
Hard working, taking risks, never give up and building a positive team.
Who are the 5 people who inspire you the most and why?
– Trinny Woodall ( she founded beauty brand Trinny London, which aims to help people rethink their routine with makeup.
– J. K. Rowling (she didn’t give up her novel was rejected by 12 different publishing houses before Bloomsbury accepted it.)
– Oprah Winfrey (She was the first Black American woman to own her own production company.)
– Huda Kattan ( she was miserable in her finance job but she founded Huda Beauty with her two sisters in 2013 when she couldn’t find false eyelashes to buy and quickly turned into a huge hit with fans).
– Estée Lauder (she wanted to find a way for women to buy their own perfume, so in 1953 she created Youth-Dew, a bath oil that doubled as a skin perfume. This innovation took the cosmetics industry by storm, changing the way fragrance was sold and transforming the fledgling start-up company into a multimillion-dollar business.)
What are your favourite inspirational /motivational quotes?
My favourite inspirational quote would probably be that ‘It is not the end. It’s only the beginning.’ No matter how hard times might seem, if you keep pushing at it, it will get better.
What are your Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn social handles and also website links so our readers can connect with you?
https://www.instagram.com/wildsciencelab/?hl=en
https://uk.linkedin.com/company/wild-science-lab
https://www.facebook.com/wildsciencelab/
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