From the origin story of their businesses to the ways they allowed themselves to grow as entrepreneurs, our Female Founders series gives a view into the lives of successful women from a variety of industries. Join us for today’s feature, Lynn Power, offering a behind the scenes look at some of what she has done to succeed so far, advice for those starting off, and plans for the future.
What’s your business and how did you get started?
My business is MASAMI, clean premium haircare. I left my career as an ad exec (formerly CEO of J. Walter NY) in 2018 and met my co-founder, James that year. He had been working on clean haircare formulas with a Japanese ocean botanical he learned about from his husband who grew up in northeastern Japan. We decided to join forces and spent about 18 months refining the formulas, the brand and creating a go-to-market strategy. We launched a NYFW in Feb 2020, a month before Covid.
What is one thing you’re really proud of that you’ve created or accomplished?
I was diagnosed with a rare aggressive Stage 3 breast cancer in 2021, a year after I launched my business. I had a year of treatment and coming out of that, I decided to launch the Power Beauty Collab. We’re a group of 50+ indie beauty & wellness brands who do pop-ins and co-marketing to help each grow. I really enjoy helping other founders so that’s been quite fulfilling.
What’s your favorite thing about being a business owner?
I love freedom! I spent 25 years in NYC and loved my job but I was tied to an office. Now, I travel a ton. In fact, we bought an apartment in Italy and spend several months a year there now. It’s liberating to be able to make my work fit my life, not the other way around.
What is the boldest thing you’ve ever done in business?
Quit my job! Pivoting in mid-life can be scary but I am so glad I did it and would never look back.
What’s one thing you’re currently excited about for the future of your business?
We are launching on Ulta.com and expanding to several other marketplaces and partners. I’m trying to grow profitably and since we don’t have any investors, it’s hard. But I’m excited to be growing slowly and steadily.
What’s your best business advice you would give to other women?
Find a network of other women you can rely on for support, insights, connections, leads, etc. Men have no problem asking each other for anything yet I find that women are more reticent.
Stay connected with Victoria Wiley on Instagram @lovemasamihair @lynnpowered and visit her WEBSITE.
