Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in skincare but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Reham Essa, founder and CEO of Radixir, located in Ellicott City, MD, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Radixir is an all-natural, cruelty-free, eco-friendly, dermatologist-tested, anti-aging skincare line that has been specifically designed for acne-prone skin.
Our customers are people who struggle with adult acne while trying to slow down the appearance of signs of aging. They live a busy lifestyle and are looking for high-quality skincare products that offer natural, efficacious ingredients.
Tell us about yourself
I’m a pharmacist by training, and I’ve always been interested in cosmetic chemistry. However, it wasn’t until a few years ago that I started to think about formulating my own products. My daughter developed eczema, and nothing seemed to work. I was at my wits’ end, trying to find something that would calm her skin. Out of frustration, I decided to formulate a body butter in hopes of finding some relief. To my surprise, the results were astounding. Not only did it help soothe my daughter’s skin, but it also made all our lives easier by reducing the stress and worry associated with managing the condition.
Encouraged by this success, I got determined to expand on my knowledge in organic formulation, taking numerous courses and receiving diplomas and certifications as part of this journey. And while studying, I continued creating formulas that I tested on myself. I’ve been my own guinea pig, each one working better than expected! Eventually, I found a balance in formulations that solved my own adult acne problem without drying out or causing more breakouts. I felt reborn, no longer self-conscious about what others thought when looking at my face. Instead, I felt confident and happy to look in the mirror again.
This newfound feeling spurred me into action. I thought that if these products could change things for us, they could certainly do so for other people, too! Without further ado, I started a company dedicated to providing skincare solutions derived from natural ingredients and aiming to share the same positivity and confidence boost that come along with getting healthier, more radiant skin!
I feel that through my products, I can positively impact other people’s lives. It’s been my main motivation, and it gives me the energy to keep going!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I consider our customers’ testimonials my biggest accomplishment as a business owner. I’ve been getting a lot of positive feedback from them after they’ve been using Radixir products, and I look forward to bringing a positive change with our skincare formulas to many more people out there.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The most challenging thing about being a business owner is that you have to wear multiple hats. You have to understand marketing, be good at business development, make decisions, have an eye for design, be a good negotiator, and so much more. Some of these areas come easy, some bring excitement into the everyday routine, and some are just the opposite of that. But regardless, you should keep going!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Start your marketing and community-building efforts as soon as you get the idea.
- Believe in yourself and in your ideas.
- Don’t wait until everything is perfect. Just start and go with that. Along the way, you will learn, add to what you know and change your opinions. So, don’t waste your time and start once you get the chance.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://radixir.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RADIXIR
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/radixir_skincare/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reham-essa-93488a182/
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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