158 | UK Enterprise Awards 2022 provide the best service, with them following a standard process centred around top-notch customer experience, which extends from selecting packaging for products to email responses and social media interactions. Ekwy tells us, “When I am recruiting staff, I look for people who are curious, and eager to learn and grow. I don’t necessarily go for experience as a deal-breaker. Also, if we connect on a human level, it is a good sign.” Now, it is time for Equi Botanics to diversify its sourcing, marketing and global distribution efforts. Having grown over 400% last year, it is this year building foundations to sustain and surpass that growth trajectory. The pandemic, and now a recession may have some negative impact on the industry as a whole, but Equi Botanics believes this is precisely the time to solidify its bases for the future. It is also diversifying its product ranges to address the needs borne out of the pandemic, with Ekwy Chukwuji-Nnene established Equi Botanics in 2017 with the intention of disrupting the beauty industry through science-backed, pure, vegan, yet highly effective hair products – without the white-washing, ingredient fillers, and harmful chemicals usually used by the industry – and at lower costs. Equi Botanics is on a mission to revolutionise haircare, believing nature has everything needed for the healing and transformation of hair and skin. Since day one, Equi Botanics has only worked with active plants and minerals from nature, with this remaining the case despite global supply chain challenges. Equi Botanics founder, Ekwy Chukwuji-Nnene was her company’s first customer, having undergone a traumatic period of hair loss which led her to obsess over ingredients and discover a ground-breaking solution that worked for her – ultimately leading to the forming of the brand that exists today. The rise of haircare mimicking skincare has been contributing to solving many hair problems for women, where ingredients that used to be solely for skin are also being used on hair. Thus, Ekwy created her babassu penetrating hair masque, which uses the rare andiroba oil famed for antiageing skincare. Indeed, Equi Botanics uses rare exotic ingredients to craft high-performance formulations which meet every hair need, from scalp issues, breakage, lack of lustre, and a lack of growth and shine. Every one of Equi Botanics’ products is formulated with ingredients of low molecular weight to better penetrate the hair shaft and increase hair resilience to environmental damage. Ekwy says, “I remember when I made my first hair masque from avocado, honey and castor oil, how excited I was as the hair on my crown started to grow back. That’s the excitement we bring into work every day – the idea that our customers’ hair experiences are being transformed with our products and services.” Equi Botanics’ culture is truly one of service, growth and excitement. Having experienced most hair issues, Ekwy is able to connect deeply with her customers. And her team is there to Best Luxury Hair Care Brand 2022 May22423 an increase in consumers who have become more conscious when it comes to their own wellness and therefore choosing healthier options. But first, Ekwy and her team are taking a moment to bask in the glory of their awards success. She comments, “It is an honour to win this award organised by SME News, thank you so much. My unsolicited advice to other entrepreneurs out there is don’t be hard on yourself when the going gets tough. It is part of the journey and it never stops. Instead, try to enjoy it and not compare yourself with others. Remember everyone was once a beginner.” Company: Equi Botanics Contact: Ekwy Chukwuji-Nnene Email: ekwy@equibotanics.com Website: www.equibotanics.com
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTUyMDQwMA==