Interview with Zandra Cunningham
Zandra Beauty
Zandra Cunningham - Founder at 9 years old
New York, USA
Zandra, a young and expressive entrepreneur, knew what she wanted and how to get it, all from the age of 9. This ambition led her to designing a skincare product line for girls, with the focus being on feeling beautiful on the inside and out. Her family, especially her mum, have been key players in helping her on this journey. Nowadays, aged 18, Zandra retails her plant-based skincare products nation-wide and has a following of girls just like her, inspired by her journey and successes.
In awe of this young, driven entrepreneur, Kebloom got Zandra on the phone to ask a few questions about her brand and it’s future:
1) How would you best describe Zandra Beauty?
I would describe Zandra Beauty as being about more than just skincare. Our primary focus is on girl power and helping girls feel beautiful both on the outside and on the inside! Our products replenish skins with moisture using plant-based ingredients, so our users both look and feel better.
“Lead with confidence, know what you’re selling and own it.”
2) What passions inspired your business idea?
I was always a girly girl who loved makeup and dressing up. So, essentially I was creating products that matched that love of mine. I wanted to look and feel as good as possible in my own skin – so I made it possible and not just for me, but for girls everywhere!
3) What problem were you solving in the creation of Zandra Beauty?
Well, it all started when my dad refused to buy my favourite lip balm! From this point on I decided I would try making my own, as expressing myself was of utmost importance. Similarly, I had dry and sensitive skin as a 9 year old and the products that worked really didn’t match that cute, aesthetic style I liked. I wanted to have beautiful skin whilst still using products that satisfied this aesthetic, in different colours and also plant-based for extra benefit.
“Do the research and plan-ahead.”
4) Who supported you in creating/building your business?
My entire family has been supportive in some way, especially now. Initially, it was just my mum who helped me to start researching and also developing my new products. In recent times though, my dad has been my CFO and my brothers and grandparents also help out when they can. Even the city of Buffalo are my employees from time to time, it’s amazing to see how much has changed since I first started up.
5) What advice would you give to aspiring young entrepreneurs?
The advice I would give to other likeminded entrepreneurs is as such:
1. Lead with confidence, know what you’re selling and own it.
2. Be determined, a ‘no’ is never the end. Keep going until that ‘yes.’
3. Take pride in what you’re doing, so others do too.
4. Learn to network, well, because it’s not always what you know.
5. Do the research and plan-ahead
6. Know your value and have something people really want and need
6) To what extent would a platform like Kebloom have helped you achieve your dreams?
A platform like Kebloom would have allowed me to dig deeper into who I am as entrepreneur and have helped me establish what it is I want to achieve, early on. It would have also given me sense of having a community of people in the same boat, giving me the confidence I needed.
7) What has been the best part about starting up a business?
The best part of running my business has been the people I’ve met, the incredible things I’ve done, the travel I’ve been able to do… The best best part though has been those who have come up to me and told me they’ve been inspired by my story and journey. This helps me satisfy my purpose, ensuring that I am working towards change.
8) What skills did you bring to Zandra Beauty and feel you have developed?
I believe I brought my uplifting optimism, passion and creativity to Zandra Beauty. I instilled this through fun packaging, a different flavour and my need and want to tell a story to my customers. I have learnt however, that customer service is essential. Sometimes your idea isn’t the best one and customers won’t like what you put out, but that’s just life! So, I had to learn to recognise and come to terms with this.
9) …And, anything else you’d like to share?
A new product line with my sister is definitely on the horizon. A couple brand new stores are also launching soon. It’s all super exciting – so, watch this space!
About the Author:
Ellie McRae is the blogger, interviewer and content creator for Kebloom! When she’s not writing kick-ass articles, you’ll find her studying marketing and drinking copious amounts of coffee. Find out more about Ellie here.