Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in beauty and cosmetics but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Linna Zack, Founder of Zali, located in Tel Aviv, Israel.

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

Zali Health & Beauty Cosmetics was established in 2019 to introduce the botanical ingredient’s powerful cosmetics benefits of the Kalanchoe diagremontiana plant. Our exclusive line contains the plant which has the highest healing abilities. As far as different skin problems and different ages are concerned. After we saw that there was a great need for natural products, we developed additional products that are vegan.

Tell us about yourself

I started my cosmetics company in 2019, and I was on a mission
to empower the community with wholesome beauty, starting with 100% natural, nourishing, and sustainable skin and body care products. Inspired by my own personal battle with experiencing multiple chronic skin conditions developed during serving in the military, I decided there had to be a better way to combat skin issues without consuming dermatologist-prescribed oral medications with potential side effects. After numerous futile attempts at finding a cure through over-the-counter skincare products, I set out to formulate an all-natural skincare solution for healthier, radiant skin.

After 4 years of research and development, a natural skincare line was developed based upon Kalanchoe daigremontiana, a succulent that has been shown to heal, protect, and address skin concerns – thanks to its high bio-hydrating properties. Kalanchoe diagremontiana extracts strengthen the skin’s natural defense and protect against external aggressions by activating the skin’s natural ability to regenerate and detoxify itself. Truly cruelty-free, none of the products or ingredients are tested on animals. Because as an animal lover and animal rights activist, it was important to me to produce products without the use of animal testing.

My motivation comes from seeing how customers react to our products - that, indeed, we succeed in producing some added value for that person, both in terms of support from the community or treatment of skin problems by using our products.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest achievement was creating awareness of skin problems and developing a line that does provide a solution for long-term skin issues as well. To develop a supportive community that does not judge others.

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

One of the most difficult things I have encountered is presenting the capabilities of the plant on which my products are based. This plant is only known in certain areas of the world - and I am trying to educate the community and see that it is possible to treat our skin problems with the help of nature and continue to research and develop necessary products.

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

  1. Do thorough research on the field you want to work in and set goals from the beginning.
  2. Always be closely monitored after building the business in terms of finances, examining suppliers, understanding consumer needs, and knowing how to accept constructive criticism.
  3. Running a start-up business is very difficult. The hours are not hours, the solitary investment of the beginning. The most important thing that you will need is a supportive and uplifting environment in terms of motivation and not to forget to celebrate any progress, whether big or small.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://zalicosmetics.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZALI-Health-Beauty-104508538144481/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zali.cosmetics/

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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