If you have landed on this page, you either already have a business, or you have an idea for a business.
Starting your own cosmetic or hair care brand can be a rewarding experience, but it is also a huge step with many obstacles to overcome. If you are wanting to start your own brand and business, below are a few questions you should be asking and answering.
Disclaimer: we are not offering professional business advice and we encourage everyone to do their own research and consult a professional adviser if necessary. These are merely some pointers to get you going in response to the many business-related questions we are asked.
The Reasons Why
It is important to have an answer to the question of why you are creating products, a brand and a business. Your reasons why are the whole basis for your brand and business existing. Your 'reason why', may be as simple as needing the extra income, or it may be that you didn't find the solution you were looking for in store products so you'd rather have your own brand. Whatever your reason why, it can be a great selling point. Plus customers are always interested in the unique stories behind the brand.
Unique Selling Points (USP)
What makes your brand and product unique and different? Why would someone choose to buy your brand over someone else's? Do you have a specific star ingredient in every product as a USP, or is it something else? Are you aiming for a niche market, eg. African hair care, curly hair, damaged hair, heat styling, etc?
Every Problem Has A Solution
From your reasons why, USP and niche, chances are you are aiming to solve some problem. Is it tangled, unmanageable hair, hair that easily breaks, a lack of proper haircare for African hair? What solution (ie. your product) are you offering for the problem?
Your Target Market
Your answers to the reasons why, USP, niche, and problem/solution questions will help guide you to who your target market is. Utilise AI assistants to help you with this too.
Do Your Own Research
You will be spending a lot of time researching your target market, their problems, marketing angles, packaging, selling tactics, social media, etc. AI and ChatGPT is a great tool for covering all the basics of brand building - and it's free.
Startup Capital
When it comes to startup capital, there is no one size fits all answer. Every business and business owner will have different requirements. But you do not need to start out with a large amount of money. Start with what you can, even if it is one amazing product; then grow from there.
Your Business Name & Branding
Come up with a name for your business, brand colours and aesthetic.
Suppliers & Partners
You will need packaging, labels, potentially a delivery service such as a courier, maybe a retail space or online shop, and digital tools.
Tip: check out our Resources page for a curated list of packaging and label printing suppliers in South Africa to help get you started.
Create A Business Plan
Set out everything in writing: summarise your business, your objectives, your marketing strategy, your financial strategy, your operating strategy, etc. Include all components of your business and flesh them out. If you are ever going to apply for loans or funding, your business plan will also come in handy (and may even be a requirement).
We hope you feel inspired to start answering all these questions and delving deeper into your business journey!
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