Mirai Clinical
About the Company
Mirai Clinical specializes in personal care products designed to address body odor changes that occur with aging, a concept unfamiliar to many in the United States. The brand’s unique selling point is the use of Japanese Persimmon as a key ingredient, clinically proven to neutralize aging-related odors like nonenal. The product range, anchored by artisan-crafted soap from Osaka, Japan, has expanded to include deodorizing solutions for body, hair, and home. The company prides itself on exceptional customer service and accessibility, particularly for its baby boomer demographic.
Idea Behind Company
The concept for Mirai Clinical was inspired by Koko's personal experiences with her grandmother, whose aging-related body odor drew unwanted attention. Learning about nonenal, a little-known condition, motivated Koko to create products to address this issue. After realizing that Americans were largely unaware of nonenal, she saw an opportunity to introduce a solution. Her decision to focus on this niche market stemmed from her desire to help individuals maintain confidence and dignity as they age.
Creating the Company
Koko began by importing Japanese Persimmon soap and testing its reception in the U.S. market while maintaining her corporate job in Japan. Initial challenges included a lack of marketing expertise and slow sales growth. Product development involved extensive market research, customer feedback, and collaboration with suppliers and manufacturers to create custom formulas. Despite high upfront costs and lengthy development cycles, Koko persevered, gradually expanding the product line to meet diverse customer needs.
Launching the Business
Launching Mirai Clinical was fraught with challenges, including financial constraints and a lack of marketing strategy. A breakthrough came in 2014 when a Yahoo article by a freelance publicist led to a surge in sales. However, sustaining momentum required professional marketing support, which Koko eventually secured in 2020. Overcoming mistakes such as poor inventory management and misallocated resources, the company stabilized its operations and optimized customer experiences.
Earnings
Mirai Clinical generates $100,000 monthly revenue, with each soap bar costing $3 to produce and retailing for $16, yielding a $13 profit per unit. Marketing expenditures, primarily on Facebook ads, are a key driver of sales, though the company is diversifying its marketing channels. Profits are reinvested into new product development and operational improvements. The business model’s adaptability and focus on quality have ensured consistent growth and customer loyalty.
