It’s Women’s History Month! I would like to take the time to recognize some of the incredible ladies in the business world.
While we might not have been recognized or acknowledged, we’ve always been present. For instance, Rebecca Lukens , above, became America’s first female industrialist following the sudden deaths of her father, son, and husband. The men had control over the family ironworks business; She transformed the small business into a corporation!
Estée Lauder is a well-known name in many households. At the beginning of her career, Estée Lauder sold her uncle’s skin care products to beauty salons with her husband, Joseph. It wasn’t until 1947 that Mrs. Lauder got her first big break and hit the ground running.
History is filled with strong, independent women who have accomplished and endured incredible feats. Here I talk about some fantastic ladies running businesses today, and feature an exclusive interview with founder Asli Samanci.
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Reveka Skincare ~ Darlene Markeson
Darlene Markeson was developing healthy, clean skincare products when she discovered the incredible benefits of topical magnesium. Shortly after this discovery, Reveka was born. Reveka is a new, women—and veteran-owned skincare business. Its products are all formulated using clean ingredients without preservatives or dye, and they’re made in the U.S. The rich lather of Reveka’s soap makes it perfect for soap, shampoo, and shaving cream.
CEO Active ~ Victoria My Nguyen
Victoria My Nguyen is a well-known social media star, model, and the founder of the L.A.-based brand CEO Active. Victoria founded the company as a movement of empowerment.
The activewear brand beautifully blends functionality and fashion. Hit the yoga studio, go shopping, and have dinner with the ladies. Active women with taste know what active women want and need!
Tree Frog ~ Lisa Kelechava
The piece published on Knoxville News & Weather’s Positively Tennessee, “From Christmas Ornaments To Tree Frogs,” takes an in-depth look at how Lisa Kelechav, founder of Joy To The World Christmas ornaments, ventured into the business of natural pain relief.
Lisa was eager to find clean alternatives to help alleviate the minor aches and pains of living an active lifestyle. When she couldn’t find anything suitable on the market, she decided to take action. The world always needs problem solvers and doers like Lisa.
DKNY Donna Karan
If you’re reading this and don’t know who Donna Karan is, you might want to check her out! In 1985, Donna Karan’s first collection debuted, and it didn’t take long before she became one of the most influential American designers. A woman designing for women made sense, and still does.
Fashion, fragrances, bags, shoes, and accessories, oh my! DKNY’s Be Delicious is one of the sweetest, yummy, and beautiful fragrances I’ve smelled in a long time. Expect to smell flavor! DKNY was founded by Donna Karan in 1984, and it’s still one of the top-tier brands in the fashion and fragrance industries today.
Jupiter Smells Rich
Jupiter Smells Rich was started by a lovely lady named Nicole, who loved burning candles. However, she didn’t want to deal with any possible toxins emitted while burning them (another problem solver).
Nicole decided to make all-natural soy and coconut wax candles with non-toxic dye. The monochromatic colorways are beautiful and simple yet elegant in design. Small, female-founded, and owned businesses deserve recognition, especially when everything smells so good!
The Gracious Gourmet ~ Nancy Wekselbaum
Based in Bridgewater, Connecticut, The Gracious Gourmet offers an incredible line of award-winning specialty condiments and snacks, and we have Nancy Wekselbaum to thank for that. It’s been said that Nancy has always loved entertaining and cooking and is a gracious host, too. Nancy’s story reminds us never to give up, even if something goes wrong.
Nancy’s mother discouraged her from cooking after she nearly burned down the kitchen while baking a cake as a young girl. Rather than letting that bring her down, she continued baking and began exploring various cuisines. Eventually she was successful with different cooking techniques. Nancy offers a variety of jams, jellies, tapenades, spreads, chutneys, and pestos. The Gracious Gourmet’s Strawberry Garden Spread and Spicy Guava Passionfruit Spread are delightful!
Bee & You ~ Dr. Asli Samanci
Female entrepreneur and food scientist Dr. Asli Samanci needed a solution for her son’s weakened immune system. A pediatrician recommended propolis. Diving deep, Dr. Asli started propolis production and developed a patented propolis extraction method that started the Bee & You venture. Out of love, necessity, and a desire to help others, Dr. Asli brings us natural supplements and skincare products from Bee & You.
I am delighted to share the interview I had with Dr. Asli Samanci below:
Interview With Asli Samanci, founder of Bee & You
Some incredible female scientists from history are not recognized or well-known. Being Women’s History Month, it’s beyond a pleasure to have you.
Q: What types of science did you study in preparation for your business?
A: I graduated from the Department of Food Engineering at Istanbul Technical University (ITU) in 1996. I also received a Master of Science degree from the same university in 2006. My master’s thesis focused on the Determination of Origin in Honey, where I conducted research in this area.
Throughout my career, I have gained many years of experience working as a manager in the beekeeping and bee products industry, specializing in quality and food safety management systems, R&D projects, and product authenticity. I have developed expertise in determining quality characteristics, identifying contaminants and residues, analyzing sensory qualities, developing new products, and determining geographical and botanical origin. With over two decades of experience in the field of bee products, I have also obtained an MBA specializing in international marketing strategies in this industry.
In 2021, I had my PhD in Biology, focusing on cream development containing bee venom and other bee products.
Q: Taking such a profound step as a mother and scientist, with creating Bee & You, was bold and brave. How difficult or easy was it to make that leap into entrepreneurship like that?
A: Creating Bee & You was indeed a bold and brave step for me as both a mother and a scientist. Entrepreneurship can be challenging, but the passion and belief I had in the potential of bee products drove me to take that leap. While it wasn’t without its difficulties and uncertainties, I embraced the opportunity to combine my scientific knowledge with my desire to bring the benefits of bee products to the world.
Developing a business model for Bee & You and gaining the attention of beekeepers to produce propolis was indeed a challenging task. As a start-up company based in Istanbul Technical University, we faced the unique challenge of introducing propolis as a valuable product to beekeepers who were not harvesting it at the time. To overcome this challenge, we implemented a strategic approach that involved offering contract-based agreements to the beekeepers with a purchasing warranty of their products at a fixed annual price.
Convincing the beekeepers that this business model would work required significant effort. We organized numerous seminars and gave briefings in various locations to educate them about the potential benefits and opportunities provided by our model. By explaining the advantages of direct production agreements without middlemen or distributors, we were able to showcase the potential profitability and stability of their propolis production.
Our approach gradually gained traction, and we managed to secure agreements with approximately one hundred beekeepers who were willing to provide us with high-quality propolis. This was a significant achievement for us as it allowed us to establish a reliable supply chain and ensure the consistent production of Propolis for our business.
One crucial aspect of our business model was the purchasing warranty we offered to the beekeepers. By guaranteeing a fixed annual price for their propolis, we provided them with financial security and encouraged them to invest in propolis production. This approach solidifies a long-term partnership between Bee & You and the beekeepers.
“The success of our business model can be attributed to the value proposition we presented to the beekeepers. We emphasized the unique qualities and benefits of Propolis, highlighting its potential in the market.
Q: What are you most proud of thus far? I mean, being a strong, independent woman who’s taken difficult steps for yourself and others as well… that’s incredible!
One of the things I am most proud of in relation to Bee & You is the positive impact we have been able to make not only for ourselves but also for others. As a strong, independent woman who has taken on challenging endeavors, it has given me a deep sense of fulfillment to see the brand flourish and succeed.
One aspect of our work that fills me with pride is our commitment to promoting natural and sustainable products. Through Bee & You, we have been able to create a brand that champions the use of natural ingredients and supports eco-friendly practices. By offering products that are free from artificial additives and preservatives, we are not only prioritizing the health and well-being of our customers but also contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future.
Furthermore, our partnership with beekeepers and communities is another source of pride for me. Beekeeping plays a crucial role in supporting the ecosystem and biodiversity, and by collaborating with beekeepers, we could contribute to the preservation of the bees. This partnership ensures that our products are sourced ethically and sustainably, and it allows us to give back to the communities that play a vital role in beekeeping.
I am also glad that I could introduce more of the bee products to the customers. The customers were only aware of certain bee products such as honey, pollen, and royal jelly. It was a great challenge to introduce propolis, of which many did not even hear what it was. Hence, we focused on using digital communication channels, gave presentations at many national and international conferences, and created interview opportunities on many TV channels. We aimed to provide scientific information about the health benefits of propolis and other valuable bee products.
Q: Are there any women in history that inspire or have inspired you? If so, who are these wonderful ladies, and how did they inspire you? These can be well-known, lesser-known, or personal relations.
A: There are countless women in history who have inspired me. Marie Curie, with her groundbreaking work in radioactivity, remains an icon in the scientific world. Rosalind Franklin’s contributions to the discovery of DNA’s structure were vital, yet often overlooked. These remarkable women have inspired me through their determination, intelligence, and groundbreaking achievements. Marie Curie’s dedication to her research and her tireless pursuit of knowledge in the face of adversity inspires me to push boundaries and follow my passion. Rosalind Franklin’s perseverance and commitment to her work reminds me of the importance of staying true to my scientific principles.
Q: What message do you hope to spread to other women, both younger and older?
Q: A message I hope to spread to other women, both younger and older, is the importance of believing in themselves and embracing their passions. I want women to know that they have the power to make a difference in the world, just as the women before us have. I encourage them to pursue their dreams, overcome challenges, and never underestimate their capabilities. Together, we can break barriers and continue to make significant contributions in the scientific community and beyond.
Q: Looking back, are there things you might have done differently?
A: Looking back, there are always things we might have done differently. However, I believe that every experience, whether successful or challenging, has shaped me into the person I am today. Any missteps or regrets have served as valuable lessons, guiding me towards growth and improvement. It’s important to embrace the journey, learn from our experiences, and continue to strive for excellence in all that we do.
