Today’s Notable Young Entrepreneur is Backstage Commerce Founder Jonathan Morello, whose hair beauty product import/manufacture company provides an out-of-the-box perspective within the industry. What was the inspiration for his career route? Find out in today’s profile…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your business in a nutshell.
BSC, inc. is an importer and manufacturer of professional hair beauty products.
Why did you start your business, what was the inspiration?
I ventured out to start a new business within the same industry I was employed in, leaving my secured salary to do so. An opportunity arose to channel my entrepreneurial spirit, challenge the very inefficiencies I voiced many times while working as an “employee,” but had not much authority to change strategy so significantly; on the pretense that our industry embraces innovation of disruptive models giving room for smaller size companies in the same space to grow and compete with the very largest leading the space. Furthermore, the professional hair beauty industry is very relationship, sometimes politically, driven as opposed to objective in its position. I was fortunate to have friends on the buying side and selling side to get this company off its feet. It was clear for me that I had to pursue my vision.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
1. The opportunity to create a product from concept to production. Every step of the way, the closer you are to reaching the retail shelves, the more excitement fills the whole office. This is what makes it all worthwhile.
2. At this point in time, roughly 3.5 years from inception, time management between family and friends and work. The sacrifices owner/operators make on a daily basis are nothing to living those very circumstances on a continuous basis; the longevity is the true test of time.
Where do you see your business going in 5 years?
Our strategy to grow our business was and continues to be to challenge and disrupt our industry, approaching issues with an out-of-the-box perspective. We are experiencing an over increasing demand for professional-grade hair beauty products by the everyday consumer. It is in our interest to open up our account receivables to other various layers of revenue such as retail, mass retail, TV sales, and online to consumers. It is clear for our industry that “home grooming” is on a hike.
What does success look like to you?
Success involves the harmony of many facets beyond financial independence. It involves emotional, family, and health/wellness success. Big deal if you have a lot of money and every other part of your life is depressed. Success is well balanced!
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
Getting into the largest big box outfits within the hair beauty industry – ULTA, accounting for roughly 2% of the whole hair beauty industry with over $2B in annual sales. Then, roughly a few months later, getting in the doors with another giant outfit called Regis Corp also with reported sales in the $2B range. To conduct business with the leaders of the industry and meet their standards as a supplier brought us confidence that we can stand to deal with all the rest.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
The onus is on you whether you are owning/operating a company or working for a company starting your career. Everyone will have their unique circumstance they will need to overcome. Realize where you are now and where you need to do, set goals and make progress. Nothing is done overnight; however, you will arrive to your destination at some point.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
Actually in late 2014 we are scheduled to launch Dove Society, www.dovesociety.net which is a charity community to help through small tokens of support; the belief that one form of compassion/generosity will lift that individual and enable them to progress with their day lifting others. This charity involves no collection of monies, but rather the members to contribute personally in good deeds.
What is Notable to you?
Having the courage to honour the decisions you made, working towards your goals no matter what stand in your way.
BlackBerry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
BlackBerry.
How do you keep active, energetic, and vibrant?
I enjoy martial arts; aiki jujitsu and working out at the gym. I also love keeping tabs on great jokes I overheard at the comedy show to share with others, socialize and make others laugh!
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