Today we’d like to introduce you to Cameron Alexis Moore.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
In October 2016, I conceived the idea of a bio-cellulose mask to reduce irritation, razor bumps, and ingrown hairs after shaving. One night, I experienced immediate dermatitis after shaving with an old razor. In a pinch, I reached for a facial sheet mask and applied it to my red, irritated skin in an attempt to lessen the irritation. The face mask wasn’t intended to relieve dermatitis or razor bumps, so it didn’t address the issue entirely. However, it did reduce some of the initial inflammation and redness.
The next day, I attended a co-worker’s going away party and met one of her friends. The conversation turned to dating and prepping for dates. As young professionals, we instantly bonded over the long workdays demanded of us while trying to maintain a social life and family obligations. We sadly agreed that wax salon appointments were usually made in vain, as we could never keep the date. Yet, we both hated the after-effects of shaving. I described my shaving incident from the night before. At that point, the entire group of women at the party joined our conversation. Everyone chimed in with their own horrible shaving stories. As I listened to this group of women, all of different ethnicities and ages, experiencing the same problems after shaving, a lightbulb went off in my head! A mask could be the ideal application to relieve post-shaving and waxing concerns if formulated with the right ingredients.
That weekend, I began work on the formulation of the serum for the mask. After more than a few tries, I found a combination with remarkable results. In my spare time, I tested and perfected the ingredients and then spent months testing different application methods before switching to a bio-cellulose material due to its hydrophilic/ biodegradable properties and “second-skin” adherence. During the development of the product, I quickly learned that I did not want to lay around for 10 minutes doing nothing while wearing the mask, so it was crucial to the efficiency of the product that it stays put while the person is mobile.
Finally, around February 2017, I found the ideal formula. I am very prone to irritation and ingrown hair after shaving, after using my concoction, I didn’t experience any irritation; even after the hair started to grow back. I was ecstatic as this was a first! I had a good friend try it, and she didn’t get any irritation after shaving, as well. I set up a product test group, and the results were phenomenal. At that point, I knew which ingredients worked best for the serum. However, the tests were only for the serum, not including the bio-cellulose. I was using rice paper soaked in the serum for the tests since I could not replicate the bio-cellulose material in my makeshift lab. I never imagined how difficult it would be to replicate my formula in a real lab with the bio-cellulose content.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
In attempting to develop the initial product for FLAUNT BODY, I encountered manufacturers that were interested in the concept but demanded incredibly high minimum order quantities (MOQ). Even though sheet masks for the face were already quite popular, there was not much traction in the market for body masks yet. I spent a lot of time researching domestic and international manufacturers. In June 2018, I finally found a manufacturer. We had spoken previously in December 2017, but at that time, they wanted a high MOQ. The next hurdle was developing the formula from a homemade concept into a proprietary formula. I worked with the manufacturer’s team of chemists to perfect the ingredients to be suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. We focused on using clean, plant-based, and European Union compliant ingredients, that reduced the number of synthetic and human-made ingredients. Even with my formula as the starting point, we formulated and tested nine different variations before the product met all criteria and worked as well as it did with my initial results. In my initial tests, I did not take into account the amount of preservatives required for the serum and the bio-cellulose content for shelf life and safety. FLAUNT BODY officially launched May 2019 at Independent Beauty Expo in Dallas and the Ingrown Hair Mask launched in September 2019 at Project Beauty Expo in LA. In October, I participated in the London beauty expo to meet with international distributors and expand into the UK market.
There were so many other challenges that I decided to make a top-five list in case it might help someone else avoid them, or be more aware, on their journey.
- During the product development of the Ingrown Hair Mask, I came up with several additional product ideas for specific skincare concerns. I had to scale back and launch with the initial product after the process was so lengthy, and costly, to develop the Ingrown Hair Mask.
- Before speaking with manufacturers about my idea for the Ingrown Hair Mask, I would require an NDA. A business-to-business manufacturer took my concept and capitalized on it, and there was not much I could do, even with the NDA. They are large, international, and would crush me in legal fees alone. Further along in my search, manufacturers began to see consumer interest in body masking. So, I negotiated with the same manufacturer for a smaller MOQ.
- I received a cease and desist letter from a well-known beauty brand that stated an earlier version of my packaging looked too similar to their packaging, albeit a completely different product. At first, I was flattered that they even knew we existed, but then I felt insulted that they thought minimalistic font was their unique design; its everywhere. However, I complied without a fight and changed my packaging to what it is currently. Initially a struggle, I now consider this a win-win as I think the packaging/branding looks much better than before. Also, I was recently on a panel with the owner of this company, so that could have been awkward if we still had beef brewing over packaging design!
- I lost an early investor due to the length of time it took to create the product. I was determined and believed in the product/brand, so I bootstrapped it myself.
- For three years, I worked my day job in architecture and design, and in the evenings and weekends, I worked on FLAUNT BODY. I minimalized socializing and traveling to be able to be an entrepreneur now. At times, I worked side hustles on the weekends, took on freelance projects in my spare time, and launched a drop shipping business for additional income to launch the brand.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Flaunt Body – what should we know?
FLAUNT BODY offers gender-neutral and vegan body care products that are versatile and effortless. Our K-Beauty inspired products feature clean, plant-based, and cruelty-free ingredients. We are known for our original product, the bio-cellulose Ingrown Hair Mask – designed to be a one-step solution post-shave or wax. The bio-cellulose mask works to reduce razor bumps, ingrown hairs, and redness after hair removal. The mask works on the neck, chest, underarms, bikini area, or any area where irritation may occur. We donate 10% of our profits from the Ingrown Hair Mask to organizations and groups that disrupt and prevent human trafficking.
What sets us apart is our focus on niche skincare concerns for modern consumers that most skincare companies do not address. The three pillars for our product and future products include:
Responding to Taboos – we tackle skincare solutions for skin concerns that feel like they are unique to the consumer. The lack of discussion about these skin concerns is what makes them feel awkward to experience as old beauty ideals don’t approve of them. We are trying to change that with more open discussion and promoting universal beauty standards.
Inclusive Solutions – our products are accepting of all people and skin types, including sensitive skin. We focus on new developments and applications to treat specific skincare concerns, rather than recycling old products ideas.
On-the-Move Bodycare – consumers are increasingly mobile and seek time-saving solutions to consolidate their beauty routines. Our products’ designs are versatile and easy-to-use for an active and fast-paced lifestyle.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Steadfast determination (as answered by my Mom!).
Pricing:
- Ingrown Hair Mask Box Set $35
- Ingrown Hair Mask The Single $8
Contact Info:
- Website: www.flauntbody.com
- Email: hello@flauntbody.com
- Instagram: @flaunt_body
- Facebook: flauntbody
Image Credit:
The Montrose Studios
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