Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in skin care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Darci Rosenblum, Co-Founder of Stryke Club, located in Los Angeles, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Stryke Club is a skincare line for teen guys. We're on a mission to help guys find effective products that work for their lifestyles—because everyone deserves to feel confident and love the skin they're in.
Tell us about yourself
I've been in the CPG world for the majority of my career. After working for so many great brands and founders, I knew I wanted to launch my own company, take responsibility for creating something, and be in charge of my own destiny. So, one day my now business partner and I were discussing the fact that our daughters have 20-step beauty routines, but our boys didn't take pride in self-care. When the boys started to sprout pimples, we searched for products for them and came up empty. We saw an opportunity to create clean, effective, modern, and cool products just for boys. We partnered with a pediatric dermatologist, and Stryke Club was born. What motivates me each day is hearing the success stories from our customers; not only that the product works, but their boys are feeling more confident. The second motivation is my kids. Having them see me build something and help me with this process motivates me to succeed even more.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Honestly, the biggest accomplishment was getting Stryke Club off the ground. The entire process was sprinkled with mistakes. We literally messed up every step of the way. From stumbling through a search for the right manufacturer to promotional code fiascos and e-commerce glitches, it's been full of ups and downs. Every move and every little detail required planning, research, and thoughtfulness. I am learning as I go, and thankfully, I have amazing partners, and we learn from each other and boost each other up.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
I think one of the hardest things is the ups and downs of a start-up. There will always be something that goes wrong or something that seems insurmountable, but you just have to take things step-by-step and learn from your mistakes.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Honestly, I can answer by saying make sure you have a sound business plan, socialize your idea with others, etc., all things you can get from a textbook. However, these are the 3 tips I'd give a future entrepreneur:
- Breathe – When I have a lot to do, I tend to get really amped up and agitated. I find I rush and get tense. And then I just stop and take a breath, and things become clearer. Breath is an amazing thing. It's free, we all have it, and it can work miracles!
- Forgive & Allow – Things will always go wrong, even the best-laid plans. Focus on allowing mishaps and experimentation and forgiving the hiccups that naturally occur with growth.
- Outsource – Between building a business, raising two children, nurturing relationships, and just enjoying life; I am juggling a lot. I cannot do it all, and I don't try to. Both professionally and personally, I have made very clear decisions about what I am willing to outsource and what I want to handle on my own. Showing up at my daughter's soccer game – can't be outsourced. Figuring out packaging logistics - can!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://strykeclub.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shopstrykeclub/about
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strykeclub/
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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