OUR FOUNDERS OF THE WEEK- Every Tuesday, Founder of the Week looks at how a successful member of Egypt’s startup community got their big break, asks about their experiences running a business, and gets their advice for budding entrepreneurs. Speaking to us this week are Madonna Nassif (LinkedIn) and Ola Al Sakka (LinkedIn), co-founders of Bubblzz.

Our names are Madonna Nassif and Ola Al Sakka and we are the co-founders of Bubblzz. We’re best friends and entrepreneurs who share a passion for science, beauty, and mother nature. We each graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the American University in Cairo — Ola in 2000 and Madonna in 2015.

Ola: After graduating, I decided to pursue an academic career. I worked as a teaching assistant at AUC from 2000-2013, obtaining my masters in 2009 and my PhD in 2014, both in organic chemistry. After 15 years, I decided that it was time for a career shift to focus on the company. Leaving academia was a bit discerning but I shifted my passion from teaching and mentoring to product research, development, and formulation, and the creation of my own brand.

Madonna: I graduated from university one year after starting Bubblzz. Right after graduation, I worked at Coca-Cola as a laboratory analyst in the quality control department for a year before deciding to quit and become fully dedicated to managing and expanding the company.

Our vision for Bubblzz emerged at the AUC science department’s chemistry club in 2014. Ola was the chemistry club’s faculty advisor and Madonna its president. Our mission was to revive the club and spark students’ interest in chemistry. We started to plan and conduct DIY workshops for soap, candles, and lip balms using 100% natural ingredients to show students that chemistry is a fundamental part of their daily lives. A chemical principle is involved in every personal care product you use on your hair or skin.

The workshops were a huge success and the first product we ever launched, Cupcake Soap, was developed during one of them. In the summer of 2014, we decided to establish Bubblzz. Our aim was to formulate and manufacture beauty and personal care products using wholesome and natural ingredients like organic and essential oils and active extracts. Our products are visually appealing, have no harsh chemicals, and do not involve any form of animal testing.

Our line has expanded to include hair care, body and facial care products. The company currently has six branches in both Cairo and Alexandria, and our products are available in retail outlets including Virgin Megastores, the Nile Ritz-Carlton hotel, and pharmacies all over Egypt. We also now export our products to countries including Iraq, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.

The best part of our job is testing new formulations and developing new products. The worst part is the work-life balance struggle that barely leaves us time to spend with our friends.

The word “easy” isn’t in your vocabulary when you’re running a business. There are many sleepless nights and long grueling days when nothing goes our way. However, these hardships are what bring growth. You either grow from your success or learn from your mistakes. When we first started Bubblzz, we felt the need to tackle everything at once — but as the business grew, we learned that it is healthier to start delegating.

The most important KPIs that we look at are customer satisfaction, sales growth, client acquisition and retention, social media presence, and the bottomline.

When we need advice to fix a difficult problem, we turn to our strong support base. In addition to our legal and finance team, we have been blessed with families that have experience in entrepreneurship, business management, and operations. We both have fathers and husbands who are successful business owners. They’re our role models and the key behind our success as individuals and entrepreneurs. Our families are our biggest supporters and sharing our success with them is what drives us forward.

We never resorted to external financing to grow our business. A business will never grow if there is no money earmarked for expansion. If we are ever unable to procure that financing through earnings alone, we would definitely consider outside financing. We have turned down several funding and partnership offers from huge investors in order to focus on maintaining Bubblzz’ mission and identity.

Our main goal is to expand our presence across the country and abroad by opening new branches and increasing our distribution channels. We’re focusing on exports as a part of our overall business strategy and on diversifying our product portfolio.

Enhancing customer satisfaction, improving our products, and expanding our team are of equal importance to maintain the business’ success and keep it moving forward.

Ola: I began regularly going to the gym a year ago to help reduce stress and increase my energy. When I’m at home, my favorite part of the day is spending time with family over breakfast or just chilling out and watching a funny movie. My all-time favorite classic movies are Gone With the Wind and Funny Girl. I wouldn’t mind watching them every week.

Madonna: I try to spend time as much as possible with my two-year-old son and help him develop. I also enjoy spending time in the kitchen. I recently really enjoyed reading Kazou Ishiguro’s novel The Remains of the Day.

We absolutely love the company Glow. They share our beliefs and vision and are developing and serving food that reinforces healthy living.

We can’t imagine doing anything except Bubblzz. Our business will always be our baby and we hope to remain committed and devoted to it and see it grow and expand.