On this Women's Day, we are excited to share stories of women and their inspiring journeys with you.
Ogaa, derived from the Maldivian word "Ogaatherikan" meaning Care, embodies the essence of nurturing self-care. The brand combines art with eco-friendly practices to create nourishing essentials. Not only are the products sustainable, but they also contribute to local communities through grassroots investments. Additionally, Ogaa offers bespoke products and items tailored for special occasions under requested brand names, providing a unique and personalized self-care experience.
Dive into the story of **Azleena Ameen, the founder of Ogaa.
Can you tell us about your journey of starting 'ogaa'? What sparked the idea for 'ogaa' and got you diving into the world of beauty and cosmetics?
*I’ve always loved nature and I’ve always been interested in doing something sustainable so Ogaa was born with the idea that I would create a bath and body brand that mainly focuses on using Maldivian ingredients and is eco friendly as well. *
What sets 'ogaa' apart from other beauty and cosmetic brands?
I think that since we focus on making small batches at a time with our products, it gives us the opportunity to pay attention to detail. Everything that we make is carefully handcrafted and we try to source local Maldivian ingredients as much as we can for our products.
What challenges did you face when starting your business, and how did you overcome them?
Learning the process of soap making and ensuring high quality was definitely a challenge for me when I started Ogaa. But I was determined to make the best products possible, so I did a lot of research, watched tutorials, and even attended workshops to improve my skills. It took some trial and error, but eventually, I mastered the art of soap making and now I'm proud of the quality of my products.
Could you share a memorable moment or milestone in your entrepreneurial journey with 'ogaa'?
*We were actually contacted by The British Vogue and given the chance to feature in their magazine! I think just being recognized by probably the biggest international magazine in the world, that was a pretty huge milestone for us! *
Can you describe your product range and the specific needs or preferences it caters to?*
We have a pretty wide range, in the sense that we make soaps, shampoo bars, body balms, bath bombs, lip balms, candles, which are all zero waste and with eco friendly packaging. I think that we cater to a lot of customers who are looking for a more organic and sustainable lifestyle and those who are looking to make the switch to more eco-friendly alternatives.
Are there any upcoming product launches or developments that you're particularly excited about?
*We actually launched something very cool last year, which was our very own collection of Ogaa lip balms so that was very nice and exciting! *
Beyond 'ogaa', what's a passion project or hobby that keeps your entrepreneurial spirit fired up?
*I absolutely love to work out and exercise because I truly believe that a healthy body is essential for a healthy mind. And I’ve learned that consistency is the key to achieving your goals so working out is something I’m actually very passionate about. *
If you weren't running 'ogaa', what do you think you'd be doing instead?
*The sky's the limit! I’ve actually always been interested in doing many different things and I love getting the chance to explore my creativity so I think I could have been doing whatever I set my mind out to do! *
What's been the most unexpected twist in your journey so far?
*Less than a year after launching Ogaa in 2019, the whole world basically shut down because of Covid-19 and all our work had to be put on hold. It was an extremely difficult time for all of us since our business was still in its early stages so we were really overwhelmed and weren’t really sure of how to go about dealing with something of that magnitude. Thankfully, we got through it by focusing on sales online, investing in our website and increasing our presence on social media. *
Who's been your biggest cheerleader along the way?
*My husband has been my biggest supporter since day one. *
What legacy do you hope to leave behind as an entrepreneur, both personally and professionally?
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As an entrepreneur, both personally and professionally, my hope is to leave behind a legacy of inspiration and impact. Personally, I want to be remembered as someone who pursued their passion and made a positive difference in the lives of others. Professionally, I aim to build a successful and sustainable business that not only provides high-quality products but also promotes ethical practices and supports the community. It's important to me to leave a legacy that motivates others to follow their dreams and make a meaningful impact in the world.
What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs?
I know it can be easier said than done, but find your own passion. Believe in yourself and your ideas. Remember, success often comes from a combination of passion, hard work, and adaptability. So find what gives you that sense of fulfillment and just keep going.