Preeya Ogier, founder of curly hair brand Curl Jar, is set to speak at the Retail Tech Summit in London on November 4. Ogier, who launched the business three years ago with her husband, was inspired by a travel-packing moment. She wanted to create a single product that could replace cream, gel, mousse, and oil. This idea stemmed from her own experiences, realizing the inconvenience of carrying multiple hair products while traveling.
From Travel Frustration to Business Creation
The idea for Curl Jar was born when Ogier was packing a suitcase and realized the number of hair products she needed to carry. She aimed to create a product that would nourish hair and style it simultaneously, simplifying routines and improving hair health. Before Curl Jar, Ogier worked at a start-up in its growth phase, where she gained marketing and branding insights that inspired her to start her own business. Her background in economics and brand marketing, though not in chemistry, provided a unique perspective on building a brand from scratch.
Developing the product was the biggest challenge. Ogier and her husband created a formula from scratch, avoiding white-label products. They had to find a balance that worked for various curly hair textures without being too greasy for wavy hair. With no chemistry background and limited manufacturing knowledge initially, they faced a steep learning curve. The process involved extensive research, finding the right chemist, and understanding manufacturing processes, which took significant time and effort.
Growth and Expansion
Today, Curl Jar is an online brand with week-long activations in John Lewis. They collaborate with local salon stockists in cities like Cambridge, Cardiff, and Manchester to offer complimentary hair transformations. These sessions often reveal hidden curls to customers, boosting their confidence. During these activations, stylists invite passersby to sit in the chair and, in around 30 minutes, transform their hair, showcasing their natural curls and providing professional styling tips.
Ogier wants to bring back the carefree spirit of 1980s hair and simplify routines. She believes people should enjoy life without worrying about their hair, letting Curl Jar handle it. Her vision is to create a brand that not only simplifies hair care but also empowers individuals to feel confident and carefree about their hair.
Related Post: How to Launch an Online Jewelry Business
The business is currently run by Ogier and her husband, who share responsibilities and maintain a lean, agile model. They plan to grow the team gradually, seeking individuals with a start-up mindset. Ogier values working with her partner, citing a good balance between business and life. Their complementary skill sets allow them to champion different areas of the business while collaborating on sales, operations, and marketing.
Curl Jar has expanded internationally, launching in the UAE earlier this year. The transient market there differs from the UK, requiring adaptations in customer approach and marketing. They also sell through online retailers in Australia and Canada and are stocked in a premium Japanese salon. Ogier’s strategy involves understanding local markets deeply, from price sensitivities to cultural nuances, and tailoring their approach accordingly.
Lessons Learned and International Expansion
Ogier reflects on the importance of patience in building a business. She emphasizes that passion can drive quick decision-making, but challenges often require a calm and thoughtful response. This lesson has been key in working through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. She also highlights the need to balance ambition with practicality, especially when dealing with unforeseen problems that arise.
Global Presence and Future Goals
Curl Jar’s international expansion includes a hands-on approach in the UAE, where the market’s transient nature required adaptations in customer engagement and marketing. They also utilize cost-effective online retail in Australia and Canada, and have a presence in a premium Japanese salon.