Today we’re learning from Sarah, the founder of Curie.
Launched in 2018, Curie is a female-owned direct-to-consumer brand that sells clean, performance-based body care products.
They are on a mission to make clean, safe, and effective products for people who move. We’re chatting through the bootstrap to funding model, how to get on QVC and why you should prioritise building your network - which of course is cue for me to mention our private network for cpg entrepreneurs, hype club. Do come join us!
From Bootstrap to Funding: The Curie Journey
Sarah’s entrepreneurial adventure began as a side hustle while she was juggling a full-time job. With an initial investment of around $12,000—half of which funded her first production run of 10,000 units—she was ready to roll. The remainder went towards establishing the website, securing trademarks, and getting her business formally incorporated.
In the early days, Curie saw tremendous organic growth driven by word-of-mouth, influencer partnerships, and social media. With no marketing budget, Sarah focused on building a brand that added joy to people’s daily routines. “I started to see the long-term vision here,” she shares. “It’s all about effective products that make you happy!”
The Power of Partnerships: SoulCycle & QVC
When it comes to strategic partnerships, Sarah hit the jackpot with SoulCycle and QVC. “That partnership has been huge for us,” she says. By getting Curie products into SoulCycle studios, she created an opportunity for potential customers to experience the brand firsthand. “We’re not just pushing ads; we want to get our products into people’s bathrooms!”
Sarah’s dream of appearing on QVC came true when she pitched her brand on “The Big Find,” a Shark Tank-style show that gives startups a chance to showcase their products to millions of viewers. “I’ve always wanted to be on QVC,” she admits. “They have a massive audience eager to discover new products.” This kind of exposure has been invaluable in turning casual users into loyal customers.
Building Your Network: The Key to Success
So, how does one land these incredible partnerships? For Sarah, it all comes down to networking. “Having a good network is really important as a founder,” she emphasizes. Over the years, she made it a point to attend events, meet fellow founders, and cultivate relationships that would later turn into opportunities.
“Start building your network now,” she advises. “All those introductions I’ve received have been game-changers for us.” Networking isn’t just about making connections; it’s about fostering genuine relationships that can lead to incredible opportunities down the line.
Join the Hype Club
If you’re a CPG entrepreneur looking for support and inspiration, don’t forget to check out our private network, Hype Club. It’s the perfect place to connect with fellow founders, share experiences, and grow together!
Sarah Moret’s journey with Curie is a testament to the power of perseverance, creativity, and community. With her unwavering focus on building effective products and fostering connections, she’s paving the way for women entrepreneurs everywhere. So, whether you’re in the early stages of your business or looking to scale, remember: it’s all about joy, connection, and seizing those unique opportunities!
