In this episode we hear from Anna Fernandez, founder of IZAPA Beauty. She talks through the hows and whys of her ambition to start up her own brand after leaving her marketing director role with CHANEL.  She shares why being a small fish isn’t always the worst thing to be, how moving to a new country has been a major source of inspiration and says her approach of being ‘always on’ actually gives her far more freedom than a salaried job. 

Anna Fernandez, Founder of IZAPA Beauty
[email protected]
https://www.instagram.com/izapaofficial/ 

At the heart of the brand are unique fine fragrances that give life to IZAPA’s range for the hands, body, and home. These fragrances take the customer on a sensorial journey, inspired by the stories and landscapes that evoke Anna’s encounters in Mexico.

Anna’s advice includes:

• Take time to absorb your surroundings, formulate your story and found your brand in something real and authentic 
• Execution is key, but storytelling is paramount in order to succeed 
• Get to know people in your environment, as you’ll be inspired, as well as finding potential collaborators and a local support network 
• Time can be a true luxury and enable you to achieve the work/life balance you’re after
• Be prepared to do the follow up with third parties and don’t be disheartened by the chase
• Leaving a big brand behind you doesn’t mean you’ll lose your real identity 
• If you’re ready to launch earlier than you think, be ok to let your company out in the world; just go for it 
• Success isn’t just about the bottom financial line. Celebrate each and every win as you go and do look back on what you’ve already achieved as it’ll encourage you to keep going forward 
• Learn what areas you’re strong in and what you might eventually have to delegate  

Thank you for listening.  Please do share your feedback, as well as your own start up stories, to [email protected]   

I would be delighted if you could rate, review and share this podcast with anyone else who may be starting a company in 2020. 

Links

• LastPass the password keeping site that syncs between phone & desktop. They offer a free of charge service which I've been using. This post is unpaid however there is an affiliate link you can use here should you want to support the podcast. 

Hosted by Juliet Fallowfield, founder of PR for startups advisory Fallow, Field & Mason, How To Start Up hopes to bring you confidence, encouragement and reassurance that you’re on the right track. Feedback welcome: [email protected]

Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield in September 2020.
MUSIC CREDIT  Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod.  Link & License

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