Our company, NIU BODY (“niu” meaning “coconut” in Hawaiian), produces coconut-oil-based makeup-remover wipes featuring unique essential-oil blends for each of the four common skin types – normal, dry, combination and oily. Our made-in-Toronto products are natural, free of synthetic ingredients and vegan-friendly.

Why we started the company: Being avid makeup users and skincare enthusiasts, we were frustrated by the harshness of synthetic-laden makeup-remover products that dominate the market. In our quest to find the best natural solution, we turned to coconut oil, a beauty favourite. However, having to scoop out solid coconut oil from large jars cluttering up our bathroom vanities just wasn’t working for us.

Recognizing the need for a natural makeup remover in a convenient format, we decided to create NIU BODY makeup-remover wipes, which also moisturize, protect skin from microbial infections and combat premature aging.

The most important thing we’ve learned about starting a business is that it’s important to ask for help. You have to acknowledge that since you’re just starting out you don’t know it all yet – and that’s ok! We’ve been very fortunate that everyone we have approached has helped us navigate our way along this entrepreneurial journey. This help has allowed us to improve everything from the product formula to packaging, from our website to our marketing plan.

One of our most rewarding experiences happened in our first week of operation when we received our first international order, and it was from a complete stranger. We were working together on researching new products, when we received a notification of an online order from someone in California. It was surreal to discover that a stranger had not only heard about this niche product, but actually wanted to make a purchase. Shortly afterwards, when we started receiving orders from countries such as Switzerland and Taiwan, we realized that people all over the world are seeking natural skincare products. We have since expanded our product line to include makeup-remover oil and lip scrub, and will be introducing more new products soon!

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