HOW WE STARTED
The inspiration behind the product
STARTING OUT:
I’m Maryam. I’m a mom, a wife, and if we haven’t met before – I’m also the person behind Lanolab.
“We formulated our first product in 2014 for the purpose of finding a balm that could assist my husband with soothing chapped lips, grazes, chafing and sunburn from harsh weather while participating in sports events.
We wanted one versatile and local product with with multiple uses that could be used by the whole family.
In 2021 our balm was joined by a brand new product, an intense body cream.
We had such a clear idea of what we wanted Lanolab to be – formulating unique, innovative, locally manufactured products that really do work. We spent months developing the products into their final formulation that we knew once people tried it themselves, they would be sold – we have always been clear about producing something with all substance and no pretence.
OUR JOURNEY:
We initially formulated the balm by hand in our garage where we poured it into tubs and manually applied stickers.
When we rebranded in 2018, we moved the manufacturing to an ISO laboratory.
I am fortunate to have a close circle of female friends that also run their own businesses – their advice is always such a bonus.
I am the salesperson; packing orders person; social media person and decision-making person. You can never replace being hands on and I am fortunate that I absolutely love all the aspects that come with being your own boss.
People underestimate the value in loyal customers and the inter- action and feedback with them has been instrumental in the growth of Lanolab.