Claire Mugendi’s life took an unexpected turn when she found herself seated in a doctor’s office, holding her youngest son, whose head was riddled with ringworms.
The doctor, instead of prescribing yet another medication, suggested seeking home remedies.
Little did Claire know that this conversation would become the seed for her entrepreneurial journey, eventually leading to the creation of Claire Naturals Health and Beauty, a brand that’s making waves in the skincare industry.
Founded in 2019, Claire Naturals specializes in producing natural and organic products that improve and manage skin infections such as eczema, psoriasis, dark spots, and acne.
Claire’s motivation came from the struggles her family faced with eczema, which not only drained their finances but also took a toll on their well-being.
Her journey began with research on natural soaps, and she stumbled upon a producer whose soap soothed her son’s skin.
To start, she rebranded and sold this soap. However, she soon became dissatisfied with the quality and content of the product, prompting her to start her own business.
With some savings and a short-term loan, Claire embarked on her entrepreneurial journey, driven by her determination to create a truly effective product.
According to Claire, the key to success in the skincare industry is not just making soap but finding the right formula.
It took her a year to develop her own unique formula. Her first product was a turmeric soap, followed by an oat-based one.
Over time, she expanded her product range to include nine varieties, each designed to address specific skin issues and improve the management of eczema.
As her business grew, Claire didn’t stop at just soaps.
She introduced Shea butter and shampoos to her product offerings in response to customer needs.
This allowed her to provide a complete skincare solution, ensuring that her customers wouldn’t need to worry about the compatibility of other products with her soaps.
What sets Claire Naturals apart is not just the quality of their products but also their commitment to being natural, organic, and environmentally friendly.
In today’s world, where consumers are increasingly discerning and conscious of the products they use, Claire’s focus on these factors has contributed significantly to her business’s success.
Most of Claire’s clients are individuals with skincare challenges or sensitive skin, but she also receives orders from hotels.
While she has harnessed the power of social media to grow her business, a significant portion of her sales comes from referrals and one-on-one marketing.
One crucial turning point in her journey was realizing that her husband, Mr. Mugendi, was more than just a life partner.
His background in chemistry and advertising became invaluable in the production process, particularly when it came to formulating skincare products.
The couple’s collaboration highlights the power of leveraging each other’s strengths in a business venture.
What makes Claire’s story even more remarkable is the positive impact her business has had on people’s lives.
She’s received countless photos, calls, and messages from customers whose lives have improved significantly because of her products.
Claire emphasizes that the skin is the body’s largest and most visible organ, and having healthy, good-looking skin can lead to happier lives.
Despite the potential for rapid growth and profit, Claire remains committed to her vision
. She has turned down investors who do not align with the core values of her business.
Her priority is to make her products affordable for those who genuinely need them and to ensure they are made in Kenya.
Looking ahead, Claire aims to expand her clientele in the hospitality industry and envisions opening Claire Naturals Health and Beauty stores, where people can easily access the products they need for healthy, glowing skin.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, Claire Mugendi offers some valuable advice: Start, focus on delivering exceptional quality, and allow your product to grow organically.
