Embrace passion, pursue growth, and make a positive impact.
Sophia Tang
Leaving the corporate world was a pivotal moment for Sophia Tang. Founding Nako cosmetics allowed her to unleash her creativity and pursue her passion for beauty. It’s been a rewarding journey, giving her the freedom to shape the brand and connect with customers on a deeper level. Escaping corporate constraints has opened doors to endless possibilities in the beauty industry.
A Brave New World
Like many businesses, Covid-19 had a significant impact on Nako cosmetics. The pandemic brought challenges such as disrupted supply chains, temporary closures of physical stores, and shifts in consumer behavior. Sophia’s brand mainly focuses on the international B2B market, the pandemic prevented potential customers from visiting her which impacted the profits.
AI is already making a tangible impact on Nako cosmetics. For instance, AI algorithms analyze customer preferences and purchasing patterns, enabling Sophia and her team to offer targeted promotions and product recommendations. Also AI has helped with copywriting. It is easier to get the hottest topic ideas which reduces working load. These real-time insights help Nako stay ahead of trends and better serve their customers. By harnessing the power of AI, Nako is able to deliver more tailored, efficient, and engaging experiences that drive customer satisfaction and business growth.
Building the Foundation
During Sophia’s journey of escaping 9 to 5 and starting her own business, she found several resources immensely helpful. These two resources were the most helpful:
1. “The Four Hour Workweek” by Timothy Ferriss. This book provided valuable insights on how to break free from traditional work structures and create a lifestyle focused on freedom and fulfillment.
2. Listening to podcasts like “How I Built This” and “The Smart Passive Income Online Business and Blogging Podcast” exposed Sophia to inspiring stories and practical advice from successful entrepreneurs.
Freedom
Being the founder of Nako cosmetics grants her the authority to make crucial decisions that shape the direction of the business. “I can swiftly respond to market changes, pivot strategies when necessary, and pursue opportunities aligned with our long-term goals. Before, I only had the right to provide suggestions, but you know what, the boss will never listen to yours. So I really value the freedom to make decisions on my own.”
Like many entrepreneurs, Sophia has needed to learn to embrace failure and learn from it. You can’t feel failure, instead you have to see it as an opportunity for growth. “Learn from your mistakes, adapt, and keep moving forward. The most successful entrepreneurs have experienced setbacks but persevered. Just like I have written above , I now enjoy the freedom to make the decision, but as a fresh boss you will make mistakes. This is very common, but what you have to do is overcome failure and become more powerful.”
Mistakes Along the Way
Finances were not Sophia’s strong suit. She underestimated the financial resources needed for product development, marketing campaigns, and operational expenses. Because she used to work for a very famous cosmetic brand, her digital marketing strategy worked so well she was quickly able to overcome her financial challenges. “I was so excited and made mistakes expanding the supply chain without reconsideration. Fortunately, some old colleagues gave me a hand and supported my brand. I am so grateful for their help. This mistake taught me the importance of meticulous financial planning, budgeting, and regularly reviewing and adjusting financial projections.”
Sophia is working to build Nako as a global cosmetic brand by innovating new beauty products that empower and inspire individuals to embrace their unique beauty. “At present, my biggest challenge revolves around scaling and managing the rapid growth of Nako cosmetics while maintaining the same level of quality, customer satisfaction, and brand identity that we’ve established as a small startup.”
Primary URL: https://nakocos.com/our-story/