Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in skincare but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ro Brahmand, Founder of The Wilds Skincare, located in Vancouver, BC, Canada.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

The Wilds is a clean, genderless, step-simplified skincare line. Formulated to include all of your essential, daily skincare ingredients in just four products/steps (two in the morning and two in the evening), The Wilds is as effective and high-performing as it is simple (and don't take it from us, take it from our real customers and their real reviews).

Tell us about yourself

I have always been wellness-obsessed (nutrition, fitness, skincare, etc.), and I grew up in a household that prioritized "clean" living. From a very young age, my mum taught me the importance of organic produce, adequate water intake, non-toxic skincare/haircare, etc. To have landed in the wellness/self-care space truly comes as no surprise.

The Wilds, as a concept, was born two years ago out of the desire to consume skincare in a way that I had not yet seen. The industry, as I knew it, was incredibly difficult to navigate. There was so much information out there, so many different skincare products, and so many different skincare philosophies.

As I conceptualized The Wilds, I wanted to create something that was not only scientifically driven and highly effective. Not only "cool" in its branding and packaging. I wanted it to be all those things at the same time while still remaining uncomplicated, unfussy, and just easy to use. As I did more and more research, I also realized that one of the most important components of skin health — what happens on the inside of our bodies — was excluded from most conversations.

That's why, The Wilds will not only tell you exactly when to use your products (ex. The Simple Serum — AM, Step 1), but it will also include conversations around nutrition, gut health, stress management... all key factors in maintaining healthy skin.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

In less than a year, The Wilds has reached some pretty exciting milestones: finishing in the top 13% of Shopify launches, piloting our wholesale program — with our first partner having re-ordered 4 times since June — and being named as a finalist in the Pure Beauty Global Awards in the Best New Clean Skincare category.

But the most meaningful accomplishment of all is the messages I receive on a daily basis from customers about how their skin has transformed since using The Wilds and the newfound confidence they feel. I received this message just over the weekend, and it brought me to tears:

"I just used the last of my Simple Serum, and I’m actually so upset it’s gone. I am OBSESSED with it - it’s the best serum I’ve ever used, and I’ve used it all.

I have sensitive skin, so I can’t also mess around with a lot of products, and it seriously is magic in a bottle. Thank you for following your passion and making something that is amazing and making people feel good in their skin."

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

For many people, being a first-time business owner or launching a brand means that you are working 99% of the time by yourself. You don't have anyone there to give you a pat on the back when you're doing the right thing. You don't have someone there to use as a sounding board when problem-solving and unsure of which path is best.

One of the tools I've really sharpened since launching is my decisiveness, agility, and ability to make choices that are free from ego or emotional attachment. In the same breath, I've also learned to seek out people within my community (personally or even just on Instagram) that I respect and value to lean on for support. It's cheesy to say, but there is an incredible community of entrepreneurs online, most of which have been some of the loudest cheerleaders in my corner.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. START — the hardest part is starting. You will find 150 reasons to doubt yourself. Just start. Start a Pinterest board and pin different images and fonts that inspire you. Start an Instagram page and post content that is catered to your desired community. There are so many things you can do while you fine-tune your idea that are productive/move the needle forward.
  2. NO EGO — your business will inherently feel very personal. But as you grow, you will need to pivot and change direction. Oftentimes, those moments of change will be signaled by feedback. Don't take that personally. Feedback, and specifically customer feedback, good or bad, is one of the greatest, most helpful gifts you will ever receive.
  3. OUTCOMPETE YOUR NEIGHBOUR — I know a lot of people will disagree with this advice. I am all for work-life balance, but I am willing to assume whatever industry you are hoping to enter is crowded and competitive. Work harder than your competitor. Take calls on weekends. Your computer doesn't have to shut down the moment the clock strikes 5 PM. Every extra minute I dedicate to my business is an extra minute of progress that my competitor might not be willing to commit to. I will never be as energized and able as I am today. So I'm going to make the most of it.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.shopthewilds.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewilds.skincare/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-wilds-skincare/

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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