Empowering beauty! The journey of Silki founder Mena Kooger from Covid startup to Canal Walk | The Big Interview
In the midst of a global pandemic, as people were confined to their homes, many turned to self-care practices to cope with the stress and uncertainty of the times.
For one visionary, this experience laid the groundwork for a groundbreaking venture into the skincare industry.
Meet the founder of Silki, Mena Kooger, who transformed a personal exploration of skincare into a mission-driven brand focused on inclusivity, education, and empowerment.
“My journey into the skincare industry began during the Covid-19 pandemic when I found myself exploring skincare routines at home,” said Kooger.
IOL spoke to Kooger as part of the “IOL Big Interviews” series with industry leaders, business leaders and emerging entrepreneurs from various sectors.
What started as a simple curiosity soon transformed into a profound understanding of a glaring gap in the market: a lack of accessible and educational resources for consumers navigating the complex world of skincare products.
“Driven by a passion for education, I founded Silki with the goal of empowering others to understand what goes into their skincare products,” she explained.
Choosing the name Silki reflects the brand’s ethos — “we want everyone to have silky smooth skin.”
But Silki is more than just a name; it embodies a philosophy that transcends typical skincare routines.
“Skincare is so much more than just a routine; it’s about self-care, confidence, and empowerment,” Kooger shared, underscoring the belief that everyone deserves to feel good in their own skin.
The selection of products offered by Silki arose from a thoughtful process influenced by the desire for inclusivity and effectiveness.
By researching the specific needs of different skin and hair types, the brand sought to fill voids in the market that had long gone unaddressed.
“By engaging with our community and gathering feedback, we identified gaps in the market that weren’t being addressed,” the founder elaborated.
As a result, Silki now boasts a diverse range of skincare, haircare, and body care products catering to all consumers.
This commitment to inclusivity shines through Silki's target market, which is broad and diverse.
“We believe that skincare should be inclusive and accessible to all genders, races, skin types, and hair types,” she emphasised, highlighting that whether someone has oily, dry, or combination skin, solutions are tailored specifically for their unique beauty journey.
Silki’s grand opening at Canal Walk Mall marked a significant milestone for the brand.
What was once a vision became a vivid reality, receiving an overwhelming turnout despite inclement weather.
“Seeing the incredible turnout at our grand opening was truly overwhelming in the best way possible,” the businesswoman expressed with gratitude, reflecting on a day filled with joy and reassurance that their hard work was appreciated.
“It was even more incredible than we could have ever imagined,” she added.
Looking ahead, Silki is poised for growth and expansion. Plans are already underway to open more stores, continually striving to connect with customers and share the brand experience.
“We aim to further develop the Silki brand while extending our product offerings to meet the diverse needs of our community,” the founder noted while reaffirming a long-term commitment to education and inclusivity.
Even amidst managing a budding brand and family life, she believes that setting boundaries and prioritising are key.
“It’s all about carving dedicated time for both my work at Silki and my family.”
Her insight into success reflects an unwavering dedication and collaborative spirit, emphasising the importance of sourcing the right team and fostering an environment where creativity flourishes.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, she shares wisdom gleaned from her journey: “Just start! Don’t wait for everything to be perfect. Embrace the journey.”
With the exciting future that lies ahead for Silki, it’s clear that the blend of passion, persistence, and community engagement will continue to shape this skincare brand as it champions the mission of empowering beauty.
IOL Lifestyle