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Silvia Szymeczek
Tell us a little about yourself: What field do you work in and how did you get there?
Even as a child, I liked everything related to beauty and self-care. Together with my mother, we often made face masks and homemade cosmetics from ingredients that were available at home, even before it was trendy. So it all started in our kitchen. I have a sister who has atopic eczema and allergies. Cosmetics from drugstores and pharmacies irritated her skin. I made products that suited my sister’s skin and that's where it all started. I was fascinated by how my products improved the skin of my sister, my loved ones, friends and even my own. It was amazing to see how quickly the quality of my loved ones' skin improved, how their skin literally glowed. I started reading scientific studies, researching raw materials of natural origin, how they react together and nourish the skin. I have been dedicated to the formulation of cosmetics for more than ten years. I'm fascinated by the power of nature, herbs and scientific progress and how you can take care of your skin in a minimalistic yet effective way with just a few products, effective ingredients and the right skin care routine without irritating even the most sensitive skin. It is also essential for me that in this way I don't harm the environment.
Helping people has always been my profession. I studied social work and have practical experience in the field. Now I help others through my cosmetics.
Although I received a lot of enthusiastic reactions from friends and acquaintances for the first products, after the launch of the e-shop there were not as many orders as I imagined and needed to cover costs. With shaky self-confidence, I asked myself if entrepreneurship was the right decision for me, and I started looking for ways to get my business off the ground. I began to intensively educate myself in all kinds of areas, from marketing to brand building.
Why is the "green", i.e. ecologically sustainable dimension of business important to you and why do you think that other entrepreneurs should also deal with it?
Green business is very important for me. I prefer ecologically sustainable business. I am interested in the origin of products and raw materials not only in cosmetics, but in general in my everyday life. I prefer quality over quantity. I am interested in where the raw materials come from. I am looking for a supplier in the country where the raw material has its "home". Often, the bio-quality ingredients that I use in our cosmetics smell beautifully and gently, and there is no need to use synthetic perfume at all. There are no petroleum derivatives, silicones, parabens or synthetic substances in SiSi cosmetics. Sustainability is not just our business – we believe that other entrepreneurs should also be concerned with it. Our decisions today affect our future. A green business not only attracts environmentally conscious customers, but also reduces costs and ensures long-term prosperity.
Every step in the production of SiSi cosmetics is a personal matter for me. I carefully select each ingredient - I make sure that it is not only natural and of organic quality, but also that it comes from verified sources that respect the environment. I believe that the quality of every product starts with the raw materials, which is why I pay maximum attention to them.
SiSi cosmetics is not only gentle on the skin, but also on our planet. For us, an environmentally sustainable approach is more than just a choice – it's a commitment. Nature is the source of all the valuable raw materials we use, which is why it is natural for us to protect it. Each of our products is made with consideration for enviroment, from carefully selected organic ingredients to minimizing waste and using recyclable packaging.
What advantages does entrepreneurship bring to your life compared to a job?
Entrepreneurship brings me countless advantages compared to employment, especially in connection with the growth and development of the SiSi cosmetics brand. Every day I have the opportunity to use my abilities and skills to make SiSi cosmetics constantly grow and improve. It brings me the greatest joy when I see how my products really help people - I teach my customers how to correctly take care of your skin, how to find your own skin care ritual and how to perceive what your skin really needs.
Every positive review is for me a huge encouragement and confirmation that what I do has meaning. At the same time, entrepreneurship gives me freedom - the possibility to organize my working day according to my own needs and make independent decisions.
One of the greatest advantages of entrepreneurship is also deep self-knowledge. Thanks to working at SiSi cosmetics, I learn something new about myself every day, my strengths and areas that I need to improve. This process is invaluable and gives me not only professional but also personal growth.
How do you promote your products? Is online marketing important to you and do you think it is important to people in business in general? (Are you involved in building your customer community in any way?)
From my point of view, none or few entrepreneurs can function without online marketing these days. It is a way to present the products we offer, to convey the uniqueness of our products and how they can improve the quality of our clients' lives.
Online marketing is a fundamental (pillar) of any successful business. Don't be afraid to ask for professional help and invest in support and self-education.
For me, the key is to communicate the uniqueness of SiSi cosmetics, what sets us apart from others and what makes us unique. For example, the fact that SISI cosmetics avoids added water, often used as a cheap filler, ensures that every ingredient genuinely benefits the skin, and on the contrary can irritate sensitive skin. At SiSi cosmetics, we use floral waters of organic quality, which contain nutrients beneficial for the skin.
Although the online market offers enormous possibilities, I believe that personal contact is irreplaceable. That is why they like to present SiSi Cosmetics not only online, but also in person, for example at markets and events. A personal meeting allows people to really get to know the quality and philosophy of SiSi cosmetics, which cannot be fully replaced in the online environment.
The combination of effective online marketing and personal presentation creates a strong connection with customers, which is absolutely crucial for me and the SiSi cosmetics brand.
What advice would you give to ladies starting a business?
A successful business is a marathon, not a sprint, and a never-ending process. Trust yourself and your abilities and don't forget to enjoy the path you have chosen.
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