Determination is an essential ingredient to succeeding in business and overcoming the inevitable challenges any entrepreneurial journey can pose. It’s also something that defines Tina Hedges, who at every turn has pushed forward to realize her vision of a company that can make a difference to countless beauty consumers and the environment as well.
Tina Hedges, Founder and CEO of LOLI Beauty (a beauty brand using only organic, raw, fair-trade, non-GMO ingredients), joins Socialfly founders Stephanie Cartin and Courtney Spritzer in the MouthMedia Network studios for a conversation about building her company and her journey to success, along with a surprise and a brainstorm.
In this episode:
How Tina’s career trajectory changed from being on track to run factories in China to starting her own beauty company
Standing up for your morals even if it may cost you your job
The changes in the fashion industry from the 80s to today
Learning to appreciate the little details of running a beauty company by working in retail
Why Tina still makes sure to spend time in stores when on business trips to stay in touch with the consumer’s experience with the product
How a chance phone call changed Tina’s trajectory from going to business school to working on a creative marketing team and learning on the job
Why giving employees autonomy and encouraging decision making is important for building a strong team
How Tina’s childhood shaped her view of health and beauty products
The environmental damage the beauty industry does, and how that sparked Tina’s decision to start LOLI
The filling station concept, and the spark to deconstruct the beauty industry to fresh and raw ingredients which can be customized and sustainable
Getting accustomed to working for yourself, and how to judge work for yourself objectively
How Tina started LOLI as a surprise subscription box service, and the benefits of using your early clients as a focus group to hone your brand
The creative ways that LOLI operates as a zero waste organic beauty brand, but upscaling from food produce sources and finding ways to operate without adding or wasting water
The strength of collaborating with brands, like Adidas and Alexander Wang, to gain traction and boost visibility
How Tina funded the start of LOLI, and some tips for those presenting business plans to potential investors
Ageism, and how Tina overcame the obstacles she encountered when trying to find investors
A dramatic story where a sick Tina flies to Geneva to meet with investors who had the funds to start LOLI
Learning to hire employees and the stresses and learning experiences Tina experienced while building a strong team around her
The importance of communicating with your consumers and solving issues quickly
A one minute brainstorm on how LOLI can build more traction as the look to take their next step forward as a company
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