Starting a beauty brand can be exciting, and.. overwhelming.
In 2017, I launched my own beauty brand. The products were high quality. The feedback was great. But despite all of that, I eventually had to shut it down. Not because the idea wasn’t good but because I lacked a few key things that would’ve made all the difference.
A few years later, I worked for a leading beauty brand and I saw what truly goes into building a successful, long-lasting business.
The difference?
They had access to money. They didn’t have to cut corners. They could test, fail, pivot, and try again because they were properly funded.
And that’s when it hit me: Most beauty founders don’t fail because they lack vision, they fail because they lack funding.
If you’re currently figuring out how to start or scale your beauty brand, I’m going to save you a few headaches.
Here’s what I learned the hard way and how funding (yes, including grants!) can change your story.
1. Product Quality Isn’t Enough
You could have the best formula, but if you can’t afford the right packaging or marketing, your brand might not make it far.
I had great products, but no budget for custom packaging or a visual identity that would make people stop scrolling. Most consumers judge a product by how it looks before they ever try it so branding isn’t just “nice to have.” It’s essential.
And if I had known there were grants for beauty businesses, I could’ve upgraded all of that without dipping into personal savings.
READ ALSO : Makeup Trends for 2025: What Every Pro MUA Must Know
2. Visibility Requires Strategy
One mistake I made was trying to grow organically, with no budget! I relied on friends, word of mouth, and a few giveaways.
What I learned later? Strategic marketing is what moves the needle. That includes influencer partnerships, targeted ads, even PR. These things cost money — and they work.
The beauty brand I worked with after my own failed had a marketing budget and understood how to invest wisely. They even had access to grants for beauty professionals, which allowed them to scale faster.
3. Funding Isn’t Optional, it’s a Smart Move
Launching a beauty brand is an exhilarating journey, but securing the necessary funding can often be a daunting hurdle. This is the part no one told me and you don’t need to go into debt to launch your beauty brand. Understanding the intricacies of grants, loans, and financial planning is crucial to transform your vision into a thriving reality.
There are grants for women’s businesses that can give you the capital you need to start strong, without relying on loans or maxing out your cards.
With access to the right grant:
- You can afford a bespoke packaging from the start
- You can hire the right people (designers, marketers, etc.)
- You can build a brand that actually competes in the market
And no, you don’t need to have a massive following or a team to qualify.
You just need the right guidance — which is exactly why we’re hosting this exclusive Instagram Live session with The Pink Print Firm, renowned for their expertise in guiding entrepreneurs toward financial empowerment.
This IG Live is for you if you’ve ever thought:
- “I want to start my beauty brand, but I don’t have the funds.”
- “I launched, but I can’t afford to grow the way I want.”
- “Are there really grants for people like me?”
Spoiler: There are. And you don’t want to miss this.
Why You Can’t Afford to Miss This Session:
- Expert Guidance: Gain firsthand knowledge from The Pink Print Firm’s seasoned professionals, who specialize in demystifying the grant application process and financial planning for entrepreneurs.
- Tailored Strategies: Learn how to position your beauty brand to attract grants and funding opportunities that align with your business goals.
- Interactive Q&A: Engage directly with experts to get your pressing questions answered, ensuring you leave with clarity and confidence.
Join Us Live: Learn How to Fund Your Beauty Brand (Without a Loan)
📍 Where: Instagram @beautypreneurhub
🗓️ When: Monday, 17th April, 7PM CET/ 6PM WAT
🎙️ Guest: The Pink Print Firm
Final words?
Girl, if I could go back and do one thing differently, I’d look for grants for beauty businesses before I spent my last savings on labels and bottles.
You don’t have to make the same mistake I did.
Come learn how to get it right — from the very beginning.