Shahad, a 19-year-old based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, has always been interested in skincare. “As a little girl I would always create my own things and call them my little potions,” she says. She started following DIY skincare recipes from YouTube, blogs, and books and became more interested in the topic.
However, things took a turn for the worse in 2017 when Shahad’s sensitive skin began to develop rashes, causing her extreme discomfort. “I went to so many different doctors, dermatologists, and I started getting prescribed a bunch of creams, a bunch of all products, body lotions, shower gels, salves, bombs, anything you could think of, and they were all targeted for sensitive skin,” she recalls.
Despite using only skincare and body care products that were supposed to be suitable for sensitive skin, Shahad’s condition did not improve. “That’s when I started learning about what an INCI list is, and I started to read the ingredients, and I would search every single ingredient,” she says. She was shocked to find certain ingredients in products marketed for sensitive skin. “Some of the stuff I was shocked that it was even in something for sensitive skin, I was like, well, no wonder it’s not working,” she says.
Determined to find a solution, Shahad decided to make her own skincare products using raw ingredients that actually made her feel better. However, she struggled to find recipes that worked for her. “I followed a recipe online, and I liked it but I didn’t really resonate with it, and I wanted to make it my own, but it was very difficult because, as you know, with cups and measuring spoons and everything, I was like, okay, how am I going to figure out the ratios? It was very confusing and it took a really long time,” she explains.
Eventually, Shahad was able to create her own skincare product that made her feel much better. “It actually made me feel so much better but I knew that I could make it better,” she says.
However, creating her own skincare products was not without its challenges. “Anything that has water needs preservatives, and I was very confused. Okay, if it’s natural, does it need a preservative? Well, yes it does. But online there’s so much misinformation and there’s so much information you can feel confused, you can feel overwhelmed and you just don’t know who to trust, where to look, it was just very overwhelming,” she says.
Introduction: From Hobbyist to Budding Beauty Entrepreneur
Shahad was always passionate about natural cosmetics. She spent countless hours researching and experimenting with different ingredients and formulations, developing her own products at home.
But it wasn’t until she enrolled in the School of Natural Skincare’s Diploma in Natural Skincare Formulation and became a member of the Natural Cosmetic Formulation Club that she was able to think about turning her hobby and passion for natural beauty into a business.
As Shahad told us, “I had always loved making natural cosmetics as a hobby, but I never really thought about turning it into a business until I took the course at the School of Natural Skincare. It gave me the knowledge and confidence I needed to start selling my products.”
Before The School of Natural Skincare: Shahad’s Journey to Natural Cosmetics
Before enrolling with the School of Natural Skincare, Shahad had been making natural cosmetics for several years. As she explained, “I started making my own cosmetics because I was frustrated with the chemicals and synthetic ingredients in commercial products. I wanted something that was natural and good for my skin.”
While Shahad had a passion for natural cosmetics, she struggled to turn it into a viable business on her own. She had limited knowledge of business and marketing, and found it difficult to reach customers and price her products effectively.
Discovering The School of Natural Skincare: Enrolling in the Natural Cosmetics Course
Shahad first learned about the School of Natural Skincare’s courses in natural cosmetics through a friend. Intrigued, she decided to enroll in the course to improve her skills and gain a better understanding of the industry.
As Shahad told us, “I was looking for a way to take my hobby to the next level, and the course at the School of Natural Skincare seemed like the perfect opportunity. I wanted to learn more about the science behind natural cosmetics, as well as how to turn my passion into a successful business.”
Studying with the School of Natural Skincare: Refining Product Offerings and Building a Brand
During her time with the School of Natural Skincare, Shahad learned a great deal about natural cosmetics and how to build a successful business in the industry. She gained valuable knowledge about ingredient sourcing, formulation, and product safety, as well as marketing and branding strategies.
As Shahad explained, “The course was incredibly comprehensive and covered all aspects of the natural cosmetics industry. I learned so much about product formulation, ingredient sourcing, and safety regulations, which has been invaluable in running my business.”
In addition to refining her product offerings and building a strong brand identity, Shahad also learned how to price her products effectively and reach new customers. She credits the course with giving her the skills and knowledge she needed to take her business to the next level.
The Future: Shahad’s Goals and Lessons Learned
Looking to the future, Shahad has ambitious plans for her business. She hopes to expand her product line even further and reach new customer segments. She also wants to continue educating herself on the latest trends and techniques in the industry, and plans to take additional courses in the future.
As Shahad told us, “I’m really excited about the future of my business. I have so many ideas for new products and ways to reach customers, and I feel confident that I have the skills and knowledge to make it happen.”
She also told us “I want to offer more products that are not just natural but also have a social impact,” she says. “I want to work with more women who are looking for jobs and who want to learn the skills that I have.”
Shahad also hopes to collaborate with other businesses and organizations that share her commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. “I want to work with other businesses that are aligned with my values,” she says. “I want to make a bigger impact and create a better future for all of us.”
Through her journey, Shahad has learned several valuable lessons that she would like to share with others. She emphasizes the importance of education and continuous learning, and the value of seeking out experienced mentors who can provide guidance and support. She also stresses the importance of perseverance and dedication, and encourages others to pursue their passions with determination and enthusiasm.
Overall, Shahad is grateful for the knowledge and skills she gained through studying with the School of Natural Skincare. “Without the school, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” she says. “I wouldn’t have the knowledge or the confidence to start my own business. I’m so glad that I found the school and took the courses.”
You can watch her 7 minute feature video by clicking the video below.
The Power of Education to Transform Lives and Careers
Shahad’s story demonstrates the power of education to transform lives and careers. Through her studies with the School of Natural Skincare, she gained the knowledge, skills, and confidence she needed to turn her passion for natural cosmetics into a successful business. Today, she is a budding beauty entrepreneur, creating high-quality, sustainable products that make a difference in people’s lives.
Shahad’s journey also highlights the importance of following your passion and staying true to your values. By staying true to her commitment to sustainability and social responsibility, she is building a loyal following of customers who share her values and appreciate the quality and integrity of her products.
If you’re passionate about natural cosmetics and want to learn how to create your own high-quality, sustainable products, the School of Natural Skincare can help. With a range of courses and resources designed for everyone from beginners to experienced professionals, the school offers the knowledge, skills, and support you need to turn your passion into a successful business.
If it is skincare you’re most interested in, then enrolling on our Diploma in Natural Skincare Formulation will set you up to create your own complete range of natural & organic skincare products, either for yourself or to sell. Find out more here.
Alternatively, for haircare enthusiasts, our Diploma in Natural Haircare Formulation will enable you to create a complete range of natural & organic shampoos, conditioners, hair treatment and styling products, either for yourself or to sell. Take a look at this course here.
For those who want to create their own makeup and color cosmetics, you’ll find our Diploma in Formulating Natural Makeup and Advanced Color Cosmetics a real treat! This is where you’ll learn to replace your entire makeup and color cosmetics range, with your own handmade masterpieces! You could even launch your own brand with a range of makeup and color cosmetic products!? Just click here to learn more.
And then finally, for the soap enthusiasts we have our Diploma in Soap Making! Here you’ll learn to make cold process, hot process and liquid soaps and incorporate advanced soap swirling techniques into your soaps to create wonderfully elaborate colors and designs that are quite literally, works of art! To learn more about this course, just click here.
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