In this episode of How They Scaled It, I sit down with Chaz Dean, the visionary founder behind WEN Hair & Body Care. From starting out as a photographer to launching a billion-dollar beauty brand, Chaz shares how he pioneered the cleansing conditioner category, defied industry norms, and stayed true to his values—long before clean beauty was trending.

He opens up about scrappy beginnings, getting burned early in business, developing a cult product in secret, and how a moment with Oprah changed everything. Whether you're a founder, beauty lover, or just into big brand stories with heart, this episode is a masterclass in trusting your gut and scaling with authenticity.

00:13 Introduction to How They Scaled It

00:36 From Photographer to Hairstylist

03:37 Early Hustle and Building Confidence

06:47 Why He Ditched Shampoo for Good

10:48 Creating His First Product (and Getting Underpaid)

15:04 Buying His First Salon and Changing the Game

17:55 The No-Lather Revolution Begins

21:58 Educating Clients and Perfecting the Formula

27:17 Naming WEN and Launching the Brand

33:52 Getting on QVC and Reaching the Masses

36:29 Celebrity Fans, Oprah’s Endorsement, and the Tipping Point

41:34 Trust, Confidence, and the Big Break

44:27 Staying Authentic in a Flash-in-the-Pan Industry

50:45 What Makes WEN Endure

52:18 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Connect with Courtney:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtney-wasserburger-14543519/

Website: https://rightleftagency.com/

Connect with Chaz Dean: 
Website: https://chazdean.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chazdean/