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The Better Scalp Company: A need for gentle haircare |
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Michele Marchand wasn’t about to let a diagnosis of contact dermatitis and skin allergies keep her from her love of haircare. Instead, she took it as a call to create her own line of irritant-free products for others facing similar barriers.
“I’ve always been a haircare fanatic but quickly realized I couldn’t use any of my favourite products anymore due to their allergen content,” she explained. “I decided to start my own ultra-gentle haircare line that puts scalp/skin health first.”
Just one year after launching The Better Scalp Company in March 2023, the company’s Sensitive Scalp Shampoo, suitable for eczema, psoriasis, folliculitis, and contact dermatitis, is showing up on store and salon shelves around Ottawa. According to Michele, having reputable local businesses standing behind the product is a pivotal step for the young company.
“Retail partnerships are essential for any haircare business, so this is a big milestone for us,” she said. “These partnerships mean a lot because it shows that these businesses believe in our product, and that motivates me to continue to grow the business.”
The company’s venture into retail locations began at the Trainyards location of Terra20, which sell a selection of sustainable health and beauty products.
Since, the company has introduced into various local salons, including Salon Niccio, June & Flora, and Bleach and Soda, and also collaborated with the Kanata North Pharmacy, showcasing the growing demand for sensitive scalp care solutions.
While Michele was purpose-driven to create these products and make them available, she says her participation in the most recent cohort of the Starter Company Plus program with Invest Ottawa was instrumental in learning how to get her business idea off the ground and her product into stores.
Starter Company Plus: A game changing program
Made possible by the Ontario government, the Starter Company Plus program helps new and aspiring entrepreneurs to start, expand, or purchase an early-stage, non-tech business.
“That program was a game changer for me,” she explained. “Before joining the program, I had a lot of questions about the future direction of my business; I had a product, a website, but I wasn’t sure what I should do next to grow the business.”
“Starter Company helped me get organized, build a plan, look at my numbers, and helped me find my focus,” she added. “I am also really thankful for the mentor they paired me with; she was a huge help and her confidence in me, and my product really made me believe that I could be successful.”
Looking ahead, Marchand is excited about what’s coming soon as a follow up to the success of the Sensitive Scalp Shampoo, including a conditioner, a scalp massager, as well as a shampoo bar and conditioner bar.
“Our goal for 2024 is to expand our retail presence, so this is just the beginning,” she exclaimed.
