448 Alex Kummerow: Co-Founder of Herbivore Botanicals

Initial Challenges

Alex Kummerow, co-founder of Herbivore Botanicals, transitioned from a career in video production to skincare entrepreneurship due to personal skin issues. He struggled with eczema and found relief in a local soap, which inspired him and his co-founder, Julia, to create their own natural skincare products after the soap shop closed 1. Alex emphasizes the importance of perseverance in entrepreneurship, stating, "I am unwilling to give up that I will start over from scratch as many times as it takes to get where I want to be" 2. This determination led to the creation of Herbivore Botanicals, a brand focused on clean beauty and active botanicals.

   

Etsy Beginnings

The early days of Herbivore Botanicals were marked by a successful launch on Etsy, driven by Alex and Julia's innovative approach to product design and community engagement. Their first holiday season saw a surge in demand for their soap kits, prompting Alex to leave his video production career to focus on the business full-time 3. They actively listened to customer feedback, which led to the development of new products like toners and moisturizers. "We started listening to our customers very early on," Alex explains, highlighting the importance of community-driven growth 4. This adaptability and responsiveness were key to their initial success.