Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Charlie Razook, Founder of Jackfir, located in New York, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Jackfir is a clean and responsible men's personal care company. Currently, we focus on skincare solutions for men without harsh chemicals that are dangerous to our health. Our customers are mostly men 25-45 years old looking to switch from chemical-heavy products to cleaner, effective skincare products.
Tell us about yourself
I started Jackfir in the middle of my cancer battle. In June 2018, I was diagnosed with leukemia. I almost immediately became aware of my daily interactions with things that can make me sick. I changed my diet, and then when I thought about what I was putting on my skin, I realized that it was just as important as what I was putting in my body. I decided to make a skincare option for men that hopefully would not add to their toxic burden. Interactions with chemicals are unavoidable in modern life, unfortunately, but we want to try to minimize that through our touchpoint.
The topic of men's health, in general, is what motivates me every day. Men die on average 5 years earlier than women, and sperm counts are rapidly declining. I hope to educate men on the importance of their well-being through our products and brand.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I think I am most proud of raising $1m in the middle of COVID. I ran a survey while in business school and concepting Jackfir to see if enough men even wanted a cleaner skincare option. The results showed that when given two options of the same price, men would choose the cleaner option.
While this was validating, when I ran out of my own money that I put into the business and needed to do friends and family round, that was the real test of my thesis. Did people believe enough in the demand for my product to put their own money behind it? They did!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest thing is definitely finding time to do the important things that you need to/want to do! So much of the day is spent responding to emails, spending time bookkeeping/accounting, and managing coworkers and interns. Things can pile up, so it is important to block out time in your calendar to work on those projects/campaigns/marketing initiatives on your to-do list.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
First, I would borrow from Nike and say, "Just do it!" If you have an idea, the hardest part is getting over the scariness/risk aversion. Once you decide to click go, there is no turning back.
Second, expect things to be more expensive than you are budgeting for. Have a clear idea of when you need to raise money, and start 3-6 months before that!
Third, remember to have fun! Most start-ups are not necessarily curing cancer (though some are). My cancer journey reminded me how fleeting our time here is. There is a Buddhist saying that essentially, "nothing matters." Once you accept this, it is freeing. You can forge ahead with your company while not getting too panicky and overthinking.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://jackfir.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ohjackfir
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ohjackfir/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ohjackfir
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jackfir/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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