Switching home base from America to Malaysia and upending career paths to become entrepreneurs is not for the faint of heart.
Recently, BusinessToday spoke to Carmen Khoo, Co-Founder and Brand Director of Libra Wellness and her life and business partner, Jeremy Andrus, Founder and CEO of Libra Wellness, the founders of Libra Wellness, a locally developed ethical beauty and wellness brand.
Carmen and Jeremy met in college in Chicago, and now, married to each other, they have embarked on a transformative journey from corporate careers to establishing Libra Wellness.
Both had successful careers in America—Jeremy in B2B advertising and Carmen in public relations for a corporate law firm. Their decision to leave the corporate world and start a business in Malaysia was driven by a shared vision and a passion for creating ethical, sustainable beauty products.
“Starting a business venture together was an unexpected endeavor but has certainly challenged us to grow and expand beyond our limits as individuals and a business team,” Carmen said.
Libra Wellness was founded during the tail end of COVID-19, presenting unique challenges that required resilience and agility.
The couple faced supply chain disruptions, regulatory delays, and other obstacles, yet they persevered, capitalising on e-commerce platforms and pivoting to local manufacturing.
Principles of Success: Remember, Celebrate, and Care
The company is built on three guiding principles: remembering their purpose, celebrating their wins, and caring for themselves and their team.
Remembering the Why
Whenever faced with challenges, Carmen and Jeremy reminded themselves of why they ventured into entrepreneurship. Their goal was to offer easier access to ethically-produced, sustainable, sensitive skin-friendly body care products.
“It’s tempting to cut your losses and throw in the towel when complications crop up, but that is precisely when you should remember your goals and keep going,” Carmen said.
Celebrating the Wins
Acknowledging and celebrating small wins has been crucial for the dynamic duo. From overcoming supply chain disruptions to achieving product milestones, every victory, big or small, has been celebrated.
This practice helps them stay motivated and appreciate their journey.
Caring for Themselves and Their Team
Entrepreneurs wear multiple hats and play vital roles within their company, making self-care essential.
Carmen and Jeremy prioritise their mental well-being to fuel their passion and drive.
They understand that by taking care of themselves, they can give more to their consumers and stakeholders, leading with greater compassion and understanding.
Embracing Sustainability and Holistic Well-Being
Sustainability is a cornerstone of the company. Carmen and Jeremy have integrated various sustainable practices into their business model. They use recyclable materials like aluminum and kraft paper for product packaging, manufacture locally to reduce environmental impact, and source materials from local suppliers.
“It is not perfect and not always feasible, but we strive to do better during various stages of our business,” they admit.
Additionally, Libra Wellness goes beyond being just a beauty brand; it champions holistic well-being.
Carmen and Jeremy prioritise their mental health, leaning on each other, their team, and their network of mentors and fellow entrepreneurs.
Proper time management, setting boundaries, and appropriate delegation are key strategies they employ to maintain mental well-being while navigating the challenges of running a business.
Carmen added, “to increase brand accessibility within the Malaysian market, the company partners with independent retailers and chains, making it convenient for customers to shop offline.”
Their products are formulated with nourishing plant-based ingredients, free from harmful chemicals, to accommodate diverse skin and hair types, including those with dry or sensitive skin.
In the competitive beauty and wellness industry, staying true to core values while innovating is crucial for longevity.
Libra Wellness collaborates with experts and other homegrown brands to amplify a holistic, balanced approach to health and well-being.
“We believe that truly caring for yourself, or self-care, is more than skin-deep. And we’re on a mission to set a new standard for self-care,” Jeremy said.
