Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Gina Coburn, Founder of RALLY, located in Washington, D.C., USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
RALLY is a wellness brand for teens and young adults, founded on the belief that simple acts of self-care are foundational to personal potential. We launched in Fall 2022 with face care essentials (Face Cleanser, Exfoliating Toner, Clearing Moisturizer) for the demanding student-athlete lifestyle. All products are plant-powered, certified cruelty free, and in 50% PCR (post-consumer recycled) packaging.
Tell us about yourself
My career has spanned strategy, finance, media, and philanthropy. I'm also a mom of three. All of these experiences contribute to my vision for RALLY. My kids started playing "helmet sports" at young ages, so getting clean was always a thing. As teens, they started to care about what they put on their faces, especially after sweaty practices and chin strap seasons. But rotating through excessive products at my sink and random drugstore options left them with nothing that stuck as "theirs." My effort starts with creating great skincare products. But involving high school and college kids to create an iconic wellness brand that goes beyond ingredients, products, and skincare to provide a platform for sharing and elevating their daily efforts is what RALLY is truly about.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My proudest moments so far have been hearing directly from kids who never before had face care routines and who are now consistently using and loving RALLY products. I've had boys and girls ages 13 to 24 tell me that they now look forward to washing and taking care of their faces. They cannot believe how easy it is and how good it makes them feel.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things for me is managing pace and disconnecting from thinking about the business 24/7. We are a brand new and very lean operation, and I have the tendency to want to test and try all sorts of ideas to get our products into more people's hands. I have to constantly remind myself that building a brand the right way takes time and strategic focus.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Choose an idea that you are truly passionate about, and it will not feel like work.
- Stay super focused on who you want your target demographic to be.
- Build a diverse and wide network of people around you who have experience and skill sets that you do not.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://rallyskin.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rallyskin/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rally-skin/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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