26. Disrupting Beauty Standards: Building a Haircare Brand from Scratch | Hloni Romdhani

Hey there Risers and Thrivers,In this episode, we're joined by Malehlohonolo (Hloni) Romdani, a trailblazing lawyer turned entrepreneur and founder of Zamata Cosmetics. Hloni shares her inspiring journey of creating clean, organic haircare products designed specifically for Afro and curly hair—a mission born from personal struggles and the lack of safe, effective options in the market.We explore:  The challenges of starting a side hustle while working full-time How to navigate the complexities of product development and manufacturing The importance of finding the right partners in business. Hloni also dives into the realities of marketing as a startup, the struggles of balancing perfectionism with progress, and why self-acceptance and embracing natural hair are central to her mission.Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, navigating the early days of building your business, or just passionate about clean beauty and self-empowerment, this episode is packed with valuable insights, practical advice, and a dose of inspiration to fuel your dreams.–Follow us on your favorite podcast streaming channels and social media platforms: https://linktr.ee/ontheupandup_podcastAcknowledgmentsIntro/Outro & Interlude Music: Music by ⁠⁠oussama arichi⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠Pixabay⁠--Timestamps00:00 Introduction 03:46 The Mission Behind Zamata Cosmetics, Personal Experiences, and the Drive to Innovate11:50 Finding the Right Manufacturing Partner19:59 Navigating the Early Stages of Business29:08 Balancing Perfectionism and Market Needs40:18 Challenges of Marketing and Selling46:41 Future Aspirations for Zamata51:52 Encouragement for Aspiring Entrepreneurs