How to launch a hair and skin care business from scratch
Today, a real laboratory operates in Lyudmyla Prykhodko's house in Hlobyno, Poltava region. Oils are heated in a water bath, waxes are melted, bars of solid shampoo are dried, and various mixtures and hydrolats are waiting in the refrigerator for further use. All family members are involved in the process. In turn, Liudmyla is happy to be doing what she loves to do and to be able to support her family.
A hint from nature
A year and a half ago, none of this existed. There was only anxiety and fear. In February 2022, Liudmyla resigned as a clerk at a notary's office, in hopes of finding a better-paying job. But two weeks later, a full-scale war broke out. Constant stress caused hair loss. No medications helped. One day, she recalled how her mother rinsed her hair with nettle broth when she was a child. Liudmyla started doing the same, and within a few weeks, her hair became strong and shiny. She began to learn how to make natural hair care products on her own. She became interested in solid shampoos, a mixture of natural detergent components, oils, and plant extracts. The process of creating was so exciting! However, there was a problem - the ingredients for such a shampoo were expensive. Her husband suggested she produce shampoos not only for herself but also for sale. “It was already looking like a small business, but I had no idea how to organize it,” Liudmyla says.
Motivation and push
One of her friends, who turned out to be a WINGS graduate, told her about the project. “I didn't expect it to be of any use. But I signed in out of curiosity,” Liudmyla says. She found the project sessions so interesting that she was soon counting the days until the next meeting. Thanks to the Studio of Opportunities, Liudmyla has regained faith in herself and her abilities. “I especially liked the atmosphere created by our coordinators. Each participant was treated with attention and care,” Liudmyla says. “Maybe that's why the girls and I became such good friends and motivators for each other.”
Then she learned how a business works and how to make it profitable through the project’s basic business skills training. Liudmyla realized that for her business to become profitable, she needed to increase the range and sales of her products. So, she developed a business plan, successfully presented it, and received seed funding from WINGS to purchase a gas stove to heat the oils even during power outages, a special cabinet for drying the products, and a showcase for presenting her products in stores or beauty salons.
She now had the necessary equipment, and her parents and husband helped with purchasing raw materials. The process was underway! Liudmyla produced the first series of solid shampoos and several types of natural soap. Her first customers were peers from WINGS. Thanks to the project's network of alumni across Ukraine and word-of-mouth, Liudmyla expanded her customers’ base. “Of course, I care a lot about the quality of my products. For example, ordinary hair products contain mainly detergent components and only 1-2 per cent nutrients, while my solid shampoos contain 10 per cent natural oils and another 10 per cent herbal hydrolats,” Luidmyla says.
Peer’s network
Now Liudmyla continues to keep in touch with the coordinators and WINGS graduates. “I think WINGS is a unique project that takes care of us, the graduates, even after graduation.” Liudmyla attended a networking event in Poltava, where she presented her products. With the support of the project, she also took part in the “Vsi. Svoi” market in Kyiv, where she not only sold her products but also actively networked with other women entrepreneurs. “I brought back so many new ideas on how to develop my business!” she says.
Today, Liudmyla's home factory produces 10 types of solid shampoos, oils and hair masks, as well as several types of soap, body cream, and lip balms. Her plans include the development of new formulas and new lines of natural products, as well as the development of a website. “Recently I was told, ‘You started a business out of nothing!’ And I say, ‘It's not out of nothing! My business was born out of my work and thanks to the support of the WINGS.’”
The WINGS project (Women Included: Nurturing Growth and Security, 2020-2025) was implemented by Pact and funded by the Government of Canada. The contents do not necessarily reflect the views of the Government of Canada.