Anete Vabule, Co-founder at Selfnamed and Sustainability Officer at MADARA Cosmetic, shares her tips and advice for things to consider when looking to launch a product range for your salon.
Throughout my journey as a beauty entrepreneur, I've had the privilege of guiding numerous budding salon owners in launching their product lines. Each story is unique and filled with passion, ambition and a desire to make a mark in the beauty world, but this ambition often comes with challenges. I've seen firsthand the hurdles that can arise and the transformative power of a well-curated product range. It's not just about adding another revenue stream; it's about building a brand, deepening client relationships and setting your salon apart. Drawing from the myriad experiences of those I've witnessed, here are the essential considerations every salon owner should ponder upon when launching a product range.
1. Embrace Digital Solutions
The age-old methods of the private label industry, tailored primarily for large enterprises, can be intimidating for smaller players. High minimum order quantities, slow lead times and substantial budgets often deter passionate entrepreneurs from realizing their vision and can feel overwhelmed by the traditional product creation process. But this process is slowly - and thankfully - falling out of fashion because we now live in the digital age and can benefit from the countless solutions that it offers. Several platforms now exist that provide a seamless online experience, allowing businesses to handpick formulas, customize packaging and order quantities that align with their unique needs and budget. The trick is that by leveraging these platforms, small businesses can democratize the product creation process for themselves, ensuring their voice is heard in a crowded marketplace.
2. Prioritize Authenticity Over Buzzwords
The beauty world is awash with buzzwords, with terms like "organic," "sustainable," and "natural" adorning product labels. Beneath the shimmering packaging and enticing buzzwords hides an unsettling reality: the prevalence of greenwashing and deceptive marketing often misleads earnest entrepreneurs about the genuine effects of their products. As a budding beauty entrepreneur, it's therefore essential to prioritize authenticity. Make sure you do your due diligence, and find out whether or not the products you are sourcing undergo rigorous testing and have received authentic certifications from recognized bodies. This is vital. It can also help you stand out, as you not only guarantee the quality of your products but also earn the trust of discerning consumers who value transparency.
3. Consider Environmental Responsibility
The modern consumer is evolving, and they are no longer simply seeking products that enhance their beauty, they're also conscious of the environmental footprint of their purchases. As you take the steps to develop your product range, consider the planet - like considering putting on sunscreen to help prevent harmful UV rays. This ties in to the previous section, avoiding meretricious products that look, sound and appear genuine, and, instead, choose sustainably sourced ingredients, eco-friendly packaging and production methods that minimize waste. Being a champion for environmental responsibility, you will not only cater to a growing market segment - as a forward thinking business - but you will also contribute positively to the wider global sustainability efforts. 
With a background in Economics from the Stockholm School of Economics in Riga, Anete has leveraged her expertise in Marketing and Finance to contribute significantly to the growth of MADARA Cosmetics, a pioneer in sustainable beauty. Passionate about creating high-quality, sustainable products, Anete is committed to transforming the cosmetics industry and promoting conscious consumption.Courtesy of Anete Vabule
4. Understand Your Budget and Scale
Every business, big or small, operates within financial constraints. While the allure of launching a vast product range can be tempting, it's vital to understand your budget and scale. Platforms that offer flexibility in order quantities can be a boon for small businesses. It’s also solid business practice, one you’ve likely learned already as a salon owner or stylist. Leverage platforms that allow for flexible order quantities, and start small, focusing on quality over quantity. This will not only ensure financial viability but also reduce potential waste, and helps make certain that you won’t overextend yourself financially, allowing for sustainable growth and expansion.
5. Educate and Empower
Knowledge is power. That old cliché that rings true for any entrepreneur, beauty or otherwise. As you embark on your own entrepreneurial journey, immerse yourself in the beauty industry's intricacies. Seek mentorship from industry veterans, attend workshops and stay ahead of the latest trends and regulations. Continuously seek to educate yourself, and equip yourself with the right tools and processes to make informed decisions. The education never stops, and if you take it seriously, your venture's longevity and success will show for it.
The journey of launching a product range for your salon is filled with challenges and opportunities, and the points shared above are there to help you make sense of it all while aligning with the platforms and practices that resonate with your vision. In doing so, you carve a unique niche for your business in this wild and ever-evolving beauty industry. Remember, it is your show, and you can do it. Don’t be overwhelmed and good luck!
About the Author:
Anete Vabule is a sustainability-driven professional and the driving force behind Selfnamed, an innovative platform revolutionizing the cosmetics industry by offering a self-service platform creating print on demand, sustainable and ethics-first cosmetics products. With a background in Economics from the Stockholm School of Economics in Riga, Anete has leveraged her expertise in Marketing and Finance to contribute significantly to the growth of MADARA Cosmetics, a pioneer in sustainable beauty. Passionate about creating high-quality, sustainable products, Anete is committed to transforming the cosmetics industry and promoting conscious consumption.
