A Pathway to Leadership

Before assuming his role as CEO of REBGV, Jeff King had a diverse and successful career that spanned different industries. Hailing from Ontario, he initially made waves in the music industry, serving as the Chief Operating Officer for SOCAN, the Society of Composers, Authors, and Music Publishers of Canada. He also held leadership positions in other music-related companies, including Audiam and MediaNet. His extensive experience in navigating the challenges of the music industry’s digital disruption instilled in him a profound belief in the importance of embracing change and innovation.

Drawing parallels between the music and real estate industries, Jeff recognized that both were undergoing significant transformations. He believes in the wisdom of the Buddhist saying, “Change is never painful; only the resistance to change is painful,” a mantra that has guided his approach to leadership.

The REBGV: Pioneering Excellence

REBGV, founded in 1919, is a not-for-profit professional association based in Vancouver, British Columbia. With a mission to serve over 15,000 REALTORS® and their companies across Greater Vancouver, REBGV offers a wide range of services, including MLS®, research and statistics, education, professional standards, and government advocacy.

The Greater Vancouver real estate market witnesses 30-40,000 transactions annually, involving billions of dollars. Ensuring an organized, professional, and trustworthy market for all stakeholders, both in residential and commercial real estate, has been at the core of REBGV’s mission.

Throughout its illustrious history, REBGV has been at the forefront of groundbreaking initiatives. Notably, they were pioneers in coining the term “Multiple Listing Service®” in the 1950s, and they played a pivotal role in the creation of one of North America’s first computerized MLS® systems in the 1970s. Their collaborative spirit extended to partnering with other real estate boards, creating regional MLS® systems and launching a national MLS® Housing Price Index.

Beyond innovation, REBGV has been a staunch advocate for charitable causes, raising millions for organizations like Multiple Sclerosis, Canuck Place, and BC Children’s Hospital through their REALTORS Care® charitable arm.

A Proud Tenure and Leadership Principles

Jeff assumed his role as CEO of REBGV in November 2021, and his tenure has already been marked by significant achievements. One notable milestone is the publication of a white paper on professionalism in real estate, advocating for changes that will enhance public trust and confidence in the profession. Jeff’s leadership has also fostered new relationships, technological advancements, and process improvements within REBGV in a remarkably short time.

Jeff’s leadership style is characterized by openness, inclusivity, curiosity, determination, and boldness. His key leadership principles include transparency, clarity, commitment, and discipline, which guide his approach to navigating the ever-evolving real estate landscape.

Nurturing Members and Embracing Innovation

One of REBGV’s key focuses is member development and retention. They maintain a formal Professional Development Program that requires members to complete a prescribed number of educational credits every two years, ensuring continuous skill improvement and knowledge enhancement.

In the era of technological disruption, REBGV is embracing innovation to revolutionize the real estate industry. Advances in AI technologies, cryptocurrencies, and proptech firms are reshaping the way real estate transactions are conducted. Jeff King believes that legacy systems must adapt urgently to remain viable, and he foresees the next 3-5 years as a watershed period for the real estate industry.

Shaping Policies and Regulations

REBGV has been a tireless advocate for homeowners, working closely with government entities to shape real estate policies and regulations. Their annual recommendations to the provincial government on housing affordability and availability have made a significant impact. Recently, the legislative committee in British Columbia quoted REBGV’s housing affordability recommendations five times in its report back to the legislature.

Navigating the Impact of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges for the real estate industry. REBGV swiftly adapted to the changing landscape by reengineering member-client interactions to meet safety requirements, converting in-person courses to online offerings, hosting webinars, and securing essential service status for the profession in the province.

Future Goals and Aspirations

Jeff King envisions a future for REBGV where standards are elevated within the profession, trust is built with stakeholders, and technological infrastructure is modernized. Their focus is on reimagining services and roles to meet the evolving needs of the next generation of home buyers, sellers, and owners.

Jeff King’s visionary leadership at REBGV is shaping the future of the real estate industry. His commitment to innovation, professionalism, and adaptability positions REBGV as a trailblazer in the field, ready to meet the challenges and opportunities of the ever-evolving real estate landscape. As Jeff aptly puts it, “Surround yourself with strong partners, set a vision, and move at the speed of business.”

For aspiring professionals in real estate and budding entrepreneurs, Jeff’s advice is simple yet powerful: “Work hard, be kind to people, listen, and be open to learning.” In a world of change and opportunity, these principles can pave the way to success.

Jeff King’s role as CEO of REBGV is one of great responsibility, and he is honored to be part of an organization that contributes significantly to the British Columbian and Canadian economy. With an impressive foundation and limitless potential, REBGV is poised to continue its transformative journey under his visionary leadership.

People also started looking for at-home remedies for their skin and body care problems, leading to advancements in previously niche products like at-home manicure kits.

According to Anne-Marie Faiola (CEO and Founder of Bramble Berry Handcraft Provisions), a few things made her company particularly resilient during the changing landscape of the pandemic. To begin with, she and her team were prepared for those who wanted to migrate to online purchasing since Bramble Berry was already an e-commerce company. More importantly, because they sell supplies for DIY bath and beauty products, they were able to help folks who wanted to make more and more of their products at home. This satisfied both the need for high-end bath and beauty products and the wave of new hobbies that came out of the lockdown period. Since then, Bramble Berry has been growing by leaps and bounds under the leadership of Anne-Marie.

The Entrepreneurial Journey

Anne-Marie had a degree in psychology with a concentration in criminal justice. But after some time in the criminal justice system, she discovered that it wasn’t a career that she enjoyed. The phenomenal leader started selling soap at craft fairs and farmer’s markets as a short-term source of money while she decided on her professional route. Anne-Marie didn’t know this could be more than just a stopgap until she made $1,500 cash at a craft show in Mount Vernon, Washington. She then realized she could teach others how to make soap so they could have a great part-time or full-time income.

“I’ve actually always been a crafty person, and I’ve been making and selling soap since the age of 14. I love that making bath and body products gives people a chance to know what’s going on in their products. I love how creative the process is and that people all over America make a great living selling handcraft soaps and toiletries. It’s such an honor to be able to sell them their ingredients now,” recalls Anne-Marie.

A Soap Making Supplies Company

For those who want to make their own homemade soap and other bath and body items, Bramble Berry Handcraft Provisions offers the supplies, i.e., raw materials and tools. What makes the company so unique is that it provides a huge variety of products, from oils to lye to colors and moulds. For most projects, customers can get everything they need in one stop. The company also prides itself on the quality of its products, the rigorous testing that it performs for its soap-making ingredients, and all the recipes it publishes.

Another differentiating factor of Bramble Berry is the level of education that it provides. Anne-Marie and her team are dedicated to providing accurate and informative articles and projects for customers. That way, they have some guidance while getting into the soap-making craft, and someone to help out when a project doesn’t work out the way they want it to. The most influential leader and her team have an entire recipe and project section at BrambleBerry.com with over 300 recipes and a YouTube Channel with over 100 free instructional videos. In addition to that, she has written three books on how to make soap (available at all the major booksellers) and loves to teach soap and all things DIY.

Overcoming Challenges

Anne-Marie recalls that the early years of running Bramble Berry were a constant source of learnings and frustrations. Like any small business in its initial stage, the company had no money, and the versatile leader had no prior business management expertise, so she had to learn a lot as she went. From renting places that were too small and wasting time moving many times to experiencing major disruptions due to flooding to a store manager embezzling to a divorce, she has been through many challenges and roadblocks at Bramble Berry. However, Anne-Marie is grateful to a supporting team that has helped her get through it all with a smile on her face and her company intact.

Differentiate The Brand & Products To Stay Ahead Of Others

“Many of our products are commodities; coconut oil, lye, and more. These products are difficult to differentiate. So, while we are dedicated to the quality of everything we sell, the best way to remain competitive in this industry is to differentiate the brand and by exclusive products. We do this by fostering relationships with our customers and creating products you can only buy at BrambleBerry.com. It’s easy to create exclusive products since Bramble Berry is a group of crafters that love to make the same things our customers make,” says Anne-Marie.

Many of her clients are small businesses in their own right, and she and her team make it a point to stay in touch with them and to provide information that’s useful specifically to their small business customers. Additionally, every month, one of their small business customers is highlighted in an article series we call “Maker of the Month.” This content allows them to give their small business customers some space on their website, and hopefully a little extra visibility.

Anne-Marie and her team also foster community around the brand through her YouTube channel SoapQueen.TV, They utilize the hashtag “#brambleon” on Instagram to encourage their customers to post their creations, and what’s so amazing about that is that they observe that their customers find each other, are inspired by each other, and even get in touch with each other for help or guidance.

“Community, trust, and relationships are the best way to build loyalty and word of mouth. Not only that, building relationships and community are something that we as a company love. We are the source of truth and knowledge for the DIY Soapmaking industry, and we’re proud of it,” proudly asserts Anne-Marie.

Teams’ Achievements Are The Greatest Achievement

Being the Founder of a leading company, Anne-Marie states that there have been some personal highs, including being named one of the top business owners in the US by the SBA, a “best boss” in America by Fortune Small Business, and a finalist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year honours. However, what really stands out are the team’s accomplishments.

The phenomenal leader believes that she and her team have built a manufacturing lab for manufacturing cosmetic and soap bases for themselves and others; they have pioneered innovative soapmaking techniques and ingredients; and they connected with their customers in a meaningful way over social media by showcasing their community of makers and providing trusted instruction and support for an entire generation of DIY makers.

Future RoadMap

Anne-Marie is focusing on bringing more ingredients to market in the near future so that its customers can make a wider range of handmade goods. This includes both raw ingredients and bases, so that she and her team are making sure both their beginner customers and experienced makers are covered. In the long run, she plans to develop the business by adding intriguing ingredients, extending the products they support (such as DIY haircare and DIY skincare), and expanding its manufacturing facility to better serve those looking for private-label manufacturing.

Source Of Motivation

When asked to share what is her source of motivation, Anne-Marie replied, “My source of motivation is always my attitude. I believe that happiness is a choice (so much so that I even wrote a book called “Best Day Ever”). I don’t dwell on the negative (ever). I rarely remember bad things that happen to me (my team is constantly reminding me about some drama or another that I’ve completely put out of my head). I have deliberately selective amnesia when it comes to painful past events.”

She further adds, “I view my existence as a surfing adventure: always trying to skip over the waves and turbulence in life and come out dry on the other side. Everyone struggles. Everyone fails. Everyone has disappointment. Picking yourself up, dusting yourself off, and moving forward with excitement, enthusiasm, and delight is an essential key to being successful in business and in life.”

Beauty/Wellness Advice by CEO Anne-Marie

As a successful CEO and entrepreneur, Anne-Marie gives some piece of advice, “Making your own DIY products is fun and easy and economical. From making your own hair conditioners and masks to serums for the face to bar soap, it’s all something you can do in your own home with a little kitchen chemistry. You can find full kits to start learning how at www.brambleberry.com.”

To that end, they are informed about certain skin cures and pharmaceuticals that are efficient at treating various sorts of skin illnesses and which they recommend to their patients. Dr. Gabriel Serrano Sanmiguel is a renowned expert dermatologist and the Founder of the Sesderma and Mediderma Laboratories. Dr. Gabriel has been a dermatologist since 1976 and owns a Dermatology Clinic in Valencia that bear his name. He is also a member of many notable medical societies as well as published numerous research related to his field.

Experiences That Shaped Dr. Gabriel’s Journey

“My calling for medicine came early at the age of 12; back in my native Colombia, I used to sneak inside the family library and spend hours exploring my father and grandfather’s medicine books,” recalls Dr. Gabriel. Years later, the expert leader moved to the United States and from there to Spain, where he studied medicine with a dermatological focus at the University of Valencia (Spain). After receiving his degree, he started working as a resident doctor at the University General Hospital in Valencia. Dr. Gabriel eventually worked his way up to Chief Consultant of the Dermatology department, where he stayed for more than ten years.

A few years later, the seasoned leader opened Dr. Gabriel Serrano Dermatological Clinic in Valencia (Spain), where his patients started to take advantage of these new formulas. In his opinion, a dermatologist is the best person to formulate dermatological products. Hence, Dr. Gabriel was able to learn about the needs of the patients directly due to his direct contact with them. Through constant practice and attentive listening, he was able to create unique products for every skin issue. “This didn’t exist in the market before, so I decided to create Sesderma Laboratories in 1989, an atypical family company, since everything we do here, is done with enthusiasm, love, and joy,” says Dr. Gabriel. He further adds, “Today, Sesderma is present in more than 85 countries, with 670 employees spread around the world. We anticipate excellent results in recent new markets, such as Central America, China, and Emirates, among others.”

Furthermore, recalling his past memories, Dr. Gabriel shares that during his residency at the University General Hospital in Valencia, his passion for listening to individuals and solving their skin problems led him to develop master formulas. At the time, there weren’t many high-quality, affordable dermocosmetic products, so he made the decision to establish Sesderma Laboratories.

A Pioneer In The Use Of Nanotechnology

Since 2008, Sesderma has been a pioneer in the use of nanotechnology. It is one of the few laboratories in the world that has entire product lines formulated with this technology, which allows the active ingredients to penetrate deeper in the skin and are therefore much more efficient. Dr. Gabriel has consistently advocated for the use of nanotechnology in the production of their products and treatments.

The science of the small allows you to transport active ingredients deep into the skin, allowing the actives to penetrate and be better tolerated by every skin type. This means Sesderma’s liposomal products achieve an extra repairing and protecting action in all the different skin layers, whereas other cosmetic lines just have a superficial moisturising and soothing effect.

The first product line, called ACGLICOLIC, was based on glycolic acid. Back then, Dr. Gabriel and his team was pioneers. Another line he is proud of is C-VIT, based on vitamin C. It’s a huge commercial success. “I’m very satisfied with the results we’re getting with the microneedling device NANOPORE Stylus 02 and NANOPORE Pen, by our Mediderma professional division. It is used by doctors to treat acne marks, wrinkles, and alopecia,” says Dr. Gabriel.

Not to mention, the new facilities in Puzol (Valencia) has greatly increased Sesderma’s production. In addition to expanding its market share in nations like the USA and China, it has also opened markets in the UK, Vietnam, and South Korea. The expert dermatologist and his team firmly think that innovation is the key to overcoming both present and foreseeable problems in product development.

“Our wish is to continue researching in professional treatments and develop dermocosmetic products adapted to every problem. This is what makes us who we are,” says Dr. Gabriel.

Major Achievements

According to Dr. Gabriel, the main achievement is that they have transitioned from being a large family company to a family multinational with a presence in more than 85 markets and still growing strong. The seasoned leader and his team are steadfastly committed to innovation and never lose sight of the fact that their customers and patients are at the center of everything they do.

My idea of beauty stems from a holistic conception: a being is beautiful when there’s harmony between physical appearance, resulting from exterior care; wellbeing, supported by a good diet and health care; and happiness, which is attained through the care of mental health.

Under the guidance and leadership of Dr. Gabriel, over the last 35 years, Sesderma has achieved many milestones, such as pioneering the application of nanotechnology to dermocosmetics; the internationalization of the company; the launch of its delegation in China; opening up one of the most modern production sites in the world, right here, in Valencia; creating its Foundation Sesderma-Bali; committing to gyneco-aesthetics, tearing down the taboo surrounding the functional problems which affect so many women. Apart from these, there are many awards and accolades:

• Award “10 Colombians”. March 2018. The Colombian Embassy in Spain acknowledges those Colombians resident in Spain who have contributed with their work and professional career to fostering the image of this country.
• AEDV Award. May 2018. The Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (AEDV) recognised the work of Dr. Gabriel Serrano for his 10-year contribution to the Academy and his more than 25 years to the service of dermatology.
• Appointment as a member of the Illustrious Ramón y Cajal Academy of Health Sciences, Madrid. June 2018.
• Man of the Year for the specialised publication LES NOUVELLES ESTHETIQUES, Russia. April 2019.
• “A Tu Salud” award to innovation and the professional career of Dr. Gabriel Serrano. Diario La Razón. Madrid, June 2019.
• “A TU SALUD Covid-19 Research Award”. Daily La Razón. Spain, 2021

Future Goals

The expert dermatologist Dr. Gabriel is completely focused on the international expansion of Sesderma and Mediderma, which are now present in over 85 countries. Additionally, he travels the world giving masterclasses and taking part in major symposiums and congresses related to the field of dermatology. When in Valencia, he held consultations in his dermatology clinic, a testimony of his true passion for work and patient care.

Moreover, The Dr. Serrano brand continues to traverse borders and will soon establish a new centre in Dubai following the inauguration of the new dermatology clinic and Sesderma store in Madrid. In addition, he has begun offering an aesthetic gynecology service, making him one of the first practitioners in Spain to do so. This medical centre includes the most innovative treatments to regenerate the feminine genital area as well as intimate surgery.

Beauty & Wellness Advice By Dr. Gabriel

Being a veteran dermatologist Dr. Gabriel share some beauty and wellness advice. He says, “The sun is the skin’s number one enemy, so sunscreen is a must product for any daily regimen, also during wintertime. Luckily enough, people are becoming more aware and are leaving harmful habits behind, such as sunbathing when the sun is at its strongest or using sunbeds… I will be satisfied when people take the appropriate measures to protect their skin from the sun.”

He further adds, “As regards active ingredients, the use of cysteamine, azelaic acid and tranexamic acid in depigmenting treatments has been a turning point, and now it’s possible to offer much more efficient solutions to remove different types of skin pigmentation. We’ve also come a long way in terms of the quality of the different types of retinol and the encapsulation of retinol and retinoids in nano-sized liposomes.”

From a young age, Karla has always been fascinated by the transformative power of makeup and skincare. She was captivated by how the right products and techniques could bring out a person’s natural beauty and boost their confidence. Because she was so fascinated by beauty, the influential leader decided to major in beauty, which gave her the technical know-how and industry expertise she needed to succeed.

Karla began working as a freelance makeup artist after finishing her education. Here, she discovered the value of paying attention to her clients’ needs and desires and tailoring services to fit their unique features and personalities. She quickly earned a reputation for being able to design custom looks that complemented her clients’ natural beauty and made them feel confident and empowered.

The versatile entrepreneur realized as her career progressed that she wanted to have a greater impact on the beauty industry. Then, Karla began attending industry events, networking with other experts, and staying current on trends and innovations. These encounters enlarged her perspective and inspired her to launch her own company. Today, she is the proud owner of Karla Cosmetics, a makeup brand that offers innovative products. She also has been in this industry for 12 years now.

“I am passionate about creating a safe and inclusive space where everyone feels welcome and celebrated, regardless of gender, race, or ethnicity. My goal is to empower my clients to embrace their unique beauty and feel confident and unstoppable both inside and out. Overall, my journey in the beauty industry has been incredibly rewarding, and I am excited to see what the future holds. I believe that the beauty industry has the power to transform lives, and I am honored to be a part of it,” says Karla.

An Innovative Makeup Brand 

Founded in 2013, Karla Cosmetics is a makeup brand dedicated to creating innovative and high-quality makeup products that cater to diverse skin tones and types. Its products are designed to enhance natural beauty and empower its customers to feel confident and beautiful both inside and out.

Karla Cosmetics’ emphasis on inclusivity is one of its unique features. Karla, the owner of Karla Cosmetics, understands that the beauty industry has historically been exclusive, with few options for those with different skin tones, textures, and types. But, she firmly believes that beauty is for everyone and strives to create products that are accessible to all. And that’s why Karla Cosmetics’ product line contains a wide variety of makeup products such as eyeshadows, skincare, and more.

Each product is carefully formulated to deliver long-lasting, high-quality results and is ideal for regular use and special occasions. Karla and her team are proud to offer products that are free from harmful ingredients and cruelty-free, meaning no test on animals. In addition to its product line, Karla Cosmetics provides educational tutorials to assist its community in achieving their desired look.

Its team of talented makeup artists is dedicated about enabling individuals to feel confident and beautiful, and we work closely with every follower to understand their unique features and preferences. The leading makeup brand is committed to creating a more diverse and inclusive beauty industry, one innovative product at a time.

It is passionate about empowering its consumers to embrace their unique beauty and looks forward to continuing to serve the beauty community with high-quality products and services. Furthermore, Karla Cosmetics stays true to its values of inclusivity, innovation, and customer-centricity to contribute effectively in a hyper-competitive market. Listening to its customers and focusing on their needs creates unique and high-quality products which make Karla Cosmetics stand out in a crowded market.

Responding To Paradigm Shift In The Industry

According to Karla, the COVID-19 pandemic has triggered major changes in the beauty industry over the past two years. The way that people find and buy beauty products has significantly changed as a result of people spending more time at home. Online shopping has evolved into the new standard, with more people using e-commerce sites to buy their favorite beauty products. Additionally, there has been an upsurge in demand for at-home beauty treatments and self-care, which has led to a surge in sales of skincare and cosmetic products.

However, under her leadership, Karla Cosmetics has responded to these changes by focusing on its e-commerce platform and providing an extensive range of high-quality products. Additionally, it has added online tutorials and makeup swatches, which have allowed the makeup brand to connect with its customers in a meaningful way and provide personalized advice and support.

Karla understands the importance of the physical experience of trying and playing with makeup, which has been challenging during the pandemic. And that’s why her ultimate goal is to have their products available in stores like Space NK and Sephora, where customers can fully experience our products and interact with them in person.

“We believe that experiencing our products in real life is the best way to showcase their quality and uniqueness. When customers try our products for the first time, they often have a “wow” moment and are surprised by the transformative power of our makeup. We know that our customers want to collect all our products and experience the full range of what Karla Cosmetics offers. Our products are truly addictive, and we are thrilled to have such a loyal customer base,” states Karla.

Overcoming Challenges

Starting a career in the beauty industry was not easy for Karla, and she met countless challenges and roadblocks. Lack of financial resources was maybe the biggest obstacle she faced, which made starting a business from scratch quite difficult. So she had to come up with innovative ways to raise money for her business as an entrepreneur, which required giving up a lot of things that most people don’t realize. However, she overcame all the challenges thrown in her path and established herself as a successful professional in the beauty industry.

I believe that every challenge is an opportunity for growth and learning. By staying motivated and focused on my vision, I was able to overcome obstacles and build a successful business in the beauty industry.

Another challenge she faced was competition from leading makeup brands. It was daunting to consider how her small brand could compete with well-established and recognizable companies. But the versatile leader soon understood that she had to come up with something original that nobody else in the field was doing. Hence, Karla made the decision to prioritize innovation and the development of products that were not only efficient but also quick and simple to use.

“I am proud to say that our efforts paid off, and today, we are setting waves and trends in the beauty industry. It is humbling to see leading brands replicate our ideas and products, and it is a testament to our commitment to innovation and excellence,” says Karla.

Source Of Motivation

When asked to share her source of motivation, Karla replied, “My source of motivation is to create something that has not been done before, to make applying makeup quick and easy for everyone. I am passionate about making beauty accessible to everyone, regardless of their skill level or experience. Seeing my clients feel confident and empowered after using our products is what drives me to keep pushing forward and innovating.”

Vital Attributes That Every Entrepreneur Should Possess

As an entrepreneur, Karla believes that there are several vital attributes that are essential for success. Some of them are:

• Clear vision and goal is crucial
• Being adaptable and open to change
• Strong work ethic and being willing to put in the hard work
• Strong network and surrounding yourself with supportive people

Future Roadmap

“I see Karla Cosmetics continuing to innovate and push the boundaries of the beauty industry. Our ultimate goal is to be recognized by every beauty lover for our unique and innovative products, and to be a household name in the world of makeup,” states Karla. The woman entrepreneur is devoted to expanding Karla Cosmetics’ product line and continuing to cater to diverse skin tones and types. She wants her products to be in everyone’s makeup bag and vanity and to be a part of her customers’ beauty routines. Moreover, she and her makeup brand are committed to being the leading makeup brand in the industry.

Karla Cosmetics firmly believes that its emphasis on innovation, inclusivity, and quality distinguishes it from the competition and is committed to keeping pushing the envelope of what is possible in the makeup industry. Hence, its future goal is centered around continued growth and expansion, while staying true to its commitment to quality, innovation, and inclusivity. “We are excited about the future and the potential for our brand to continue to make waves in the beauty industry,” explains Karla.

One-Line Quote That Best Describes Karla’s Approach To Business And Vision

When asked to best describes her approach to business and vision, Karla said,”In terms of our vision, we believe that beauty is for everyone, and we are committed to creating a more inclusive and diverse beauty industry. Our goal is to continue to innovate and provide unique products and services that cater to diverse skin tones and types, while fostering a strong sense of community and support among our customers and supporters. In one line, our approach to business and vision can be summed up as: “Empowering diversity and inclusivity in the beauty industry, one innovative product at a time.”

Beauty/Wellness Advice by International Makeup Artist

Being a versatile entrepreneur and owner of the leading makeup brand, Karla shared beauty/wellness advice. She said, “Prioritise self-care and self-love. Taking care of yourself, both inside and out, is essential for feeling confident and beautiful. This can include getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, eating a healthy diet, and incorporating exercise into your routine. It can also involve indulging in activities that make you happy, whether that’s taking a relaxing bath, reading a book, or spending time with loved ones.”

She further adds, “When it comes to beauty, remember that everyone’s skin is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to skincare. Take the time to find products that work for your skin type and incorporate them into a consistent routine. And don’t forget to have fun with makeup and experiment with different looks and styles! Above all, remember that true beauty comes from within, and it is important to cultivate self-love and acceptance. Embrace your unique beauty and celebrate what makes you, you.”

Advise To The Budding Entrepreneurs

For budding entrepreneurs, Karla’s advice is to believe in yourself and your vision and to never give up. Success is not always easy, and there will be challenges and setbacks along the way, but it is important to stay focused and committed to your goals.

Laura Nowatzki-Bilek, Founder and CEO of Halcyon Beauty, has witnessed that customers are considerably more aware of the value of being clean and green today. Hence, her company Halcyon Beauty strives to help its customers see that and send products into the world that not only don’t harm the environment but can help it. 

Meet The Versatile Female Leader 

The University of California, Santa Barbara, is where Laura majored in mechanical engineering. Less than 9% of the graduating class were women, and she was one of them. After 9/11, she got laid off. Laura had a friend who worked in cosmetics, and she loved it. Her friend advised the resilient female leader to visit and talk with the team because they were looking for a “technical” person to start their Quality Control department.

It was a job Laura could do, yet it wasn’t the reason she went to school. After five rounds of interviews, she was hired by Smashbox Cosmetics to develop their first quality control standards. After a year of working in quality control, the versatile female leader approached her supervisor and persuaded him that she would be more valuable in designing and evaluating their packaging.

“It was then they gave all the employees a color test and determined that also I would evaluate the products for color matching, and my title became “Product and Packaging Engineer”. I worked for Smashbox for three years and for the next five years I continued to work for brands including Guthy-Renker, JASON/Hain-Celestial, and Rock & Republic,” says Laura. 

Then a colleague of Laura’s called to tell her that the packaging company HCP was looking to hire a salesperson for the west coast. He persuaded the seasoned female leader to contact them even though she had never worked in sales. At the first interview, Laura was brutally honest and said that although she lacked any sales experience, she believed in their products and thought she could do the job if they could teach her. They must have decided after the second interview because they hired her to be their West Coast VP of Sales. It was her first time being independent, so there was a steep learning curve. Laura was already working from home before working from home was the thing to do.

“After HCP, I went to work for Jackel/LF Beauty, now Meiyume. At Meiyume, I was General Manager for the West Coast – a similar set-up to HCP, and I was working from home with the West Coast US as my territory. I worked at Meiyume for eight years and, again, grew that business and team,” recalls Laura. And in 2020, she decided to start Halcyon Beauty, her own company. 

Apart from this, she also serves on the board of WISE (Women In Science and Engineering) at CSUN (Cal State University of Northridge). The mission of WISE is to encourage women to build careers in the fields of science and engineering; to advance in their careers; to preserve the story of women who have pioneered in the science and engineering disciplines; and to inform leaders and educators about the contribution that women make in these important fields. Plus, Laura sees herself as a lead for sustainability and relationship business. “Honesty in how we speak with one another and in what we produce is key,” says Laura. 

An Innovative Packaging Company  

Halcyon Beauty is a packaging company committed to helping businesses overcome the challenges they face when attempting to launch products. These challenges include finding packaging, locating reliable manufacturers, comprehending what clean and green means, and understanding the regulations in various countries worldwide. The leading packaging company is dedicated to making the process of bringing cosmetic goods to market easy and fun.

Halcyon Beauty has the knowledge, experience and expertise to make your life easier, the world a little better, and bring you the beauty solutions you didn’t know were possible.

“Halcyon Beauty can help you out at any stage in your product launch. Our expertise in trends, formula, packaging and marketing can be utilized individually or all together. Uniquely, we look at sustainability holistically. Are you using less energy? What about the fuel transit costs? Is the product compostable? We can give you a truly whole look at the sustainability of your products,” shares Laura. 

Furthermore, earth-consciousness is one of the cornerstones of Halcyon Beauty. The leading packaging company is a recognized sponsor of Plastic Bank because of this. Its annual contributions assist in fighting poverty and getting rid of plastic waste from the ocean. It also contributes annually to the Canopy Project for Earth Day, which aims to reforest regions that are in critical need of rehabilitation, particularly those that are most vulnerable to climate change. Laura and her company Halcyon Beauty also work with Biodegradable Future Additives with their factory partners to offer compostable plastics that actually better the land for the future.

“The days of cosmetics only providing temporary beauty for one’s face while harming the earth with our trash is over. Halcyon Beauty strives to help its customers, and their consumers break that cycle. Halcyon Beauty also leads innovation in sustainability. We are not looking at replacing current materials that are everyone’s go-to – but how to make them truly earth-friendly. We are not reinventing the wheel, we are making the wheel earth-friendly, so it is no longer seen as the enemy,” shares Laura. 

Achievements

Finding the most cutting-edge global innovation and implementing it into the cosmetics sector is one of Laura’s greatest accomplishments. This is what the industrious leader and her company Halcyon Beauty are doing with Biodegradable Futures. They are pioneering sustainable innovation and making it affordable for all of their clients’ beauty requirements in a way that has never been done before.

Overcoming Challenges

According to Laura, “I struggled to be taken seriously. I had one colleague “offer” to sell for me for a portion of my salary as a “favor” because he was convinced I couldn’t do it. I declined, and he saw me years later and ate those words. I repeatedly was told after meetings that “we didn’t realize you were so smart.” I’m sure it was meant as a compliment…I kept telling myself it would be much worse to hear them say the opposite.” 

People tried to categorize her because she was a young, strong female. Shattering the proverbial glass ceiling and shoving that box where it should be is an excellent source of motivation when things get rough.

Strategies to Contribute 

Being a seasoned professional, Laura brings innovations that are real-world problem solutions – not gimmicks to the market. Also, honesty. The most important thing is, to be honest right away when things go wrong, as they always will. The last thing a customer wants to learn is that you have run out of options, and they will miss a launch date with no other options at the eleventh hour. Hence, she looks at Halcyon Beauty as the customer’s problem solution.

A Piece of Advice

Being a strong woman entrepreneur, Laura advises that, “There is beauty and wellness in being uniquely you.”