Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kate Assaraf, founder of Dip LLC., located in Sparta Township, NJ, USA.

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

Dip is salon-quality bar hair care for all hair types that were specifically formulated for people who want to be eco-friendly but not look eco-friendly. We are on a mission to truly take you from your coveted salon hair care brands, so we made our bars so good that being "plastic-free" isn't even part of the marketing.

Tell us about yourself

I am a woman with a laptop who thinks that no one is going to stop using plastic unless we give them something better. I was tired of buying conditioner bars that didn't perform to my expectations--and discovered I wasn't alone in this frustration, so I made my own. I'm also someone who spends a lot of time in the lakes and ocean, so I made sure that the conditioner bar also doubled as a detangler for after swimming & surfing. My motivation comes from my inbox filled daily with people who are so excited that they finally found a shampoo & conditioner bar that works for their hair. Every day it gives me a sense of purpose that makes me spring out of bed in the morning.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Since the launch at the end of October, we have sold over $100K worth with zero paid advertising and just word of mouth alone. If you make a great product that solves problems for people, they will talk about it. If you copy someone else's product or formula, you're going to have to spend a lot of money to advertise.

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

Remember that the earth will still turn & your inbox won't explode if you take your much-needed day off.

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

  1. Go it alone. Do not share your dream with a partner.
  2. Do your best to self-fund & remember it's ok to grow slowly and responsibly.
  3. Don't cheap out on photography & be sure to pay creatives what they are worth!

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Obsess over your product & don't let competition scare you. There are currently over 180 bar hair care brands that seem like mine, but my customers and I know that Dip is better :)

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://dipalready.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dipalready/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-assaraf-b25a741a7/

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.