Inspired by her own experience as a mum-to-be, Daisy Chow made the leap to start her own toxic-free baby care brand in Hong Kong
We love entrepreneurs and small business owners at Honeycombers, which is why we’ve created Launchpad, a comprehensive digital networking platform (with IRL benefits, too) that encourages connection, business support and community. It is a privilege and pleasure to learn from so many talented and inspiring folks, so we’ve decided to share the love by interviewing some of the lovely Launchpad members. Looking for inspiration? Check out how Daisy Chow gets it done like a boss.
How I get it done: Daisy Chow
How did you decide to launch your business?
I was a chemical and cosmetic engineer working on formulation development for large European brands. At that time, large brands focused more on creating the cheapest formulation rather than product safety. When I got pregnant, I started searching for pregnancy-friendly skincare products but I was so disappointed. From this experience, I realised the importance of having clean, toxic-free, and pregnancy-friendly formulations. So I resigned from my job and started my own business.
Through my brand Formulas Beauty, I use my professional knowledge and experience in cosmetic formulation to provide safe, clean, and effective skincare products for people in Hong Kong, especially people with skin problems and sensitive skin, as well as pregnant and breast-feeding women and little babies.
What’s the secret to your success? What is your proudest achievement?
I have big ambitions and I’m not done yet, but I truly enjoy my work every day and that helps me stay motivated and energised. Every positive review from a customer that our formulations really helped to solve their skin problems feels like a victory! Our first baby formulation won a UK beauty award from The Beauty Shortlist in 2021, so I know that I am doing the right things and moving in the right direction.
What does the Launchpad community mean to you?
I think the quote, “If you want to go fast, walk alone; if you want to go further, walk with others,” best explains the value of the community. Building a supportive network of entrepreneurs—like myself!—helps us learn from each other and encourage one another so that we can go the distance.
What’s the one thing you cannot live without?
My family, they are my biggest motivation.
How I get it done: Lightning round
On a typical morning: I enjoy some quality time with my little girl and my family, usually with playtime or reading books. I put my family as my first priority so I don’t often work in morning.
On dealing with self-doubt and criticism: I discuss with my best partner – my husband. He always gives me great support and solutions. Sometimes I just need some positive support and encouragement; somebody to tell me I am doing well enough and that I am on the right track. That helps me gain perspective, and then I can move on.
On the hardest part about the job: Seeking help! You can never get all the things done by yourself. So you need the right person to bring you their expertise and wisdom. As for myself, with a background in engineering, marketing is what I find most difficult, but I know that it is really important. Even if you have great product, if you cannot spread the message and get the word out, then no one would come to you.
On keeping stress levels low: I hang out with my friends and family every week!
On staying motivated and energised: My work is my favourite thing to do! There are so many more things to learn about in the cosmetic industry, and I keep exploring new technology and new formulations every week, so I never get bored or tired.
On winding down in the evening: I review today’s work and ask myself, “Have I done something wrong or something that’s not good enough?” And then I explore how I can do better next time. And then, I take a good bath and tell myself I can do better in the future.
On the advice you’d give your younger self: Start the business as young as you can – if you have any ideas, just try it! The earlier as you start trying, the more chances you have and even you fail, you are still young enough to try again and again.
Find out more about Daisy’s brand, Formulas Beauty.
Launchpad is a comprehensive digital networking platform (with IRL benefits, too) that encourages connection, business support and community. It is designed to make the entrepreneurial journey not only easier, and more successful, but also a whole lot more fun. Launching (teehee) in January 2022, the platform offers almost daily activities for members to connect, along with weekly masterclasses, member networking roulette, small-business mentoring and media profiles on Honeycombers.
