About the Company

About the Company
Olakino Skincare was a personal project born out of Kristie Chee’s health struggles. It offered 100% natural skincare and makeup products aimed at improving well-being and appearance without harmful chemicals. The brand was grounded in a strong belief in natural beauty and focused on creating a luxury experience without compromising on health. Olakino's offerings included products for normal, dry, mature, and oily skin types, as well as makeup formulations. Based in Hawaii, the business was small, with Kristie being the sole founder and employee, and it operated mainly through word-of-mouth and online platforms.

Idea Behind Company

Kristie’s journey into skincare and makeup formulation started after discovering her own liver toxicity during pregnancy in 2019. This life-changing event led her to question the ingredients in her beauty products. Despite many products claiming to be non-toxic, Kristie realized they still contained harmful chemicals, leading her to create Olakino. The company was designed to fill a gap in the market for truly non-toxic products that perform like high-end brands. The name "Olakino," which means "health" in Hawaiian, reflects the brand's mission to prioritize well-being in its formulations.

Creating the Company

Kristie’s background as a makeup artist and photographer equipped her with skills to develop and promote her business. She began her product development by researching and sourcing ingredients, then testing formulations on her family and friends. After facing challenges with cosmetic labs, she decided to build her own lab in Hawaii, allowing her full control over the production process. She personally crafted extracts like guava and hibiscus, ensuring the highest quality for her customers. Additionally, she designed all of the brand's labels and packaging herself, giving Olakino a luxurious yet eco-friendly image.

Launching the Business

The business initially launched offline through word-of-mouth and sample distributions, especially in the local Hawaiian community. Later, Kristie expanded to online sales, using social media campaigns, Google ads, and SEO to attract customers. She offered various payment options, including Afterpay and Sezzle, to make purchases more accessible. Despite challenges with price perception, Kristie’s products attracted customers who appreciated their quality and the brand’s ethical stance. While initial growth was slow, the launch was successful due to targeted marketing and leveraging local networks.

Earnings

Olakino Skincare generated approximately $4,000 per month in revenue at its peak. Kristie reinvested the earnings back into the business to continue product development and expand her offerings. She spent about $18,000 on ingredients, $5,000 on office supplies, and $7,000 on packaging and shipping materials. While the business was not without its financial challenges, Kristie found organic growth through community engagement, word-of-mouth marketing, and participation in local farmers markets. Despite the business closing in 2024, Kristie remains passionate about the future of natural beauty and hopes to continue advocating for healthier alternatives in the industry.