Naked Sundays is an Australian SPF brand aimed at inspiring the next generation to love and wear SPF every single day with fun, easy to use sunscreens.
This is a really inspiring story and we’re going to break down her secrets to success, what makes a brand pop and what you need to know about regulations when building a sunscreen brand.
I absolutely loved hearing about why Samantha decided to keep this venture a secret from the public for 9 months. She realized that sunscreen is complex, it’s made by chemists, and she's not going to be the one in the kitchen mixing this herself. Instead she's getting someone to make the best of the best, but will anyone really take it seriously with her name on the brand? So she didn't tell anyone about being a founder. This is the first time I've heard of something like this on the show, and I find it such an interesting approach. Samantha didn’t want people to think that I was just doing this for the sake of it.
So, what’s the deal with Naked Sundays? Well, Samantha is on a mission to inspire the next generation to love and wear SPF every single day. And let me tell you, her journey is a total game-changer!
The Big Leap: Starting Naked Sundays
Samantha’s story is one of those “I-can’t-believe-this-is-happening” moments. She took her idea and ran with it, starting with a simple Google search: “How to start a sunscreen brand.” Yup, that’s right! Just a couple of clicks, and she was off to the races.
She spent two years diving deep into the SPF world, cold-calling manufacturers and figuring out the ins and outs of the industry. And you know what? She quickly realized that the sunscreen market was ready for a shake-up. Many brands were out there, but none were quite like what she envisioned. It wasn’t easy, though—sunscreen is complex stuff, and getting it right took time.
Launching with a Bang
Fast forward to her launch, and you won’t believe it—Samantha raked in $100K in just four weeks! How did she do it? Well, she kept it fun and engaging. From the branding to the product itself, everything was designed to speak to her target audience, making sunscreen something people actually wanted to talk about.
Instead of splurging on big influencers, she focused on building relationships with micro-influencers who truly resonated with her brand. They were authentic, relatable, and didn’t cost an arm and a leg! Samantha even started posting content a year in advance to build buzz. When summer rolled around, her product was flying off the shelves.
Keeping It Under Wraps
You might wonder why she kept her identity a secret for nine months. For Samantha, it was all about establishing credibility. She knew sunscreen is a serious business—it’s considered a medication in Australia and a drug in the U.S. So, by not revealing herself right away, she aimed to show people that Naked Sundays was all about quality, not just her name. And when she finally did come forward, no one even blinked! It was all about the brand and its mission.
Navigating Regulations
Starting a sunscreen brand comes with its own set of challenges, especially regarding regulations. Samantha learned the hard way that there are strict rules about advertising sunscreen, including having to include warnings like “reapply regularly.” Plus, testimonials are a no-go! It’s vital to ensure that everyone understands the importance of sunscreen and how it can literally save lives.
Samantha’s Advice to Aspiring Entrepreneurs
If you’re sitting on a brilliant idea but feeling hesitant, take a cue from Samantha. She wishes someone had told her just how hard it would be. Starting a business isn’t all glitz and glam; it requires wearing a ton of different hats and working around the clock. But don’t let that deter you! If you have a vision, chase it. Focus on filling a gap in the market and helping others along the way.
Quick Tips from Samantha
- Marketing with Purpose: Partner with causes you believe in. For Samantha, it’s supporting melanoma research.
- Gather Reviews: Use platforms like Shopify and BOGO for promotions.
- Influencer Strategy: Be strategic about influencer marketing. It’s fantastic, but ensure you know what you’re doing to avoid overspending.
- Stay True to Your Brand: Don’t jump on every trend—know what makes your brand unique.
So, there you have it! Samantha Brett’s journey with Naked Sundays is proof that with passion, creativity, and a willingness to dive in headfirst, anything is possible. Whether you’re dreaming of starting your own brand or just need a little inspiration, remember to keep that fire burning.
