Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and beauty but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Mia Fiona Kut, founder and CEO of Luna Nectar, located in Vancouver, BC, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Luna Nectar helps on-the-go humans restore their skin and hair back to balance without using harmful ingredients. We create unexpected haircare and skincare essentials that are all-natural, vegan, and cruelty-free. We are sold on lunanectar.com, as well as in about 250 stores worldwide in the USA, Canada, Asia, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and the Middle East. Our customers are curious and passionate about sustainability, diversity, and inclusivity - they have an appetite for learning and adventure. They prefer simple but quality, effective hair and skincare products that allow them to maximize time while minimizing waste.
Tell us about yourself
Funnily enough, I started Luna Nectar as a side hobby. At the time, I was working in the film industry as an actor and director and wanted to create something that helped women amplify their voices. I also had a calling to return to my roots and spread my knowledge about Eastern traditional medicine and adaptogens. One day, my sister walked in the door with crazily long eyelashes that had grown overnight. She was using a chemical lash serum to grow her lashes - it worked but gave her side effects such as chemical burns. I was then inspired to create a natural solution and show that women don’t have to sacrifice health for beauty.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment would be receiving the BC Business 30 Under 30 in 2019, as well as getting our brand into Whole Foods, Hudson’s Bay, Thrive Market, and Urban Outfitters this year. Also, taking the punches of the pandemic years and adapting as quickly as we could!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest part of being a business owner is trusting yourself. Sometimes, you may encounter imposter syndrome or everyone else’s version of what you should do. There’s a fine balance between being adaptable and taking others’ advice and sticking to your vision, and trusting what is right for you and your business.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- When starting a business, definitely do your market research. When it comes to execution, don’t overthink it too much. Put something out there and test the market, then pivot as you start to gather feedback. Also, mentors are so important - find knowledgeable people that believe in you, and are able to grow with you.
- Make sure your operations are in order and able to handle larger volumes before growing and scaling.
- You have to be well, or your business won’t follow suit. Make balance and mental wellness a priority - there is no need to be ‘too’ busy!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.lunanectar.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lunanectarofficial
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lunanectar/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.
