Rochelle sits down with Karlee Zhang, founder of Hello Klean, who opens up about her journey from self-funding an idea that nobody had believed in, to having half a million loyal worldwide customers and expanding into luxury retail spaces.
Karlee unpacks the discovery that turned a plumbing issue into a beauty revelation, and the reality of bootstrapping until you find the right investors. From a sealed social strategy to navigating rapid growth, Karlee shares an insight into her honest founder lessons and top tips.
In this episode we cover:
- The moment a plumbing problem became a beauty product
- The importance of educating consumers, and how Hello Klean earned trust with a free trial
- How to navigate retail launches and streamlining the consumer experience
- Building a social strategy that cuts through the noise
- Navigating rapid growth and defining your success
If you’re an aspiring innovator with no clue where to start, this one’s for you!
We Are Ladies Who Launch!
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introducing Hello Klean
04:24 Identifying The Water Origin Problem
07:40 Turning Plumbing Into A Wellness Brand
10:07 Educating Before Selling
13:35 Building Co-Founder Roles Efficiently
15:05 Funding R&D And Our Subscription Model
16:57 Customers Don’t Understand Category
20:04 Social Was Our First Hire
23:13 Building A Brand Narrative
24:45 Balancing Brand and Conversion
26:52 Creating Creator Partnerships That Feel Real
28:00 My Dragons’ Den Experience
34:39 Post Dragons’ Den Growth Surge - 600%!
36:19 Finding The Right Investor Fit
39:54 Expanding Shower Care Category
41:33 Redefining Success Metrics
44:30 Karlee’s Leaving Advice
🔔 New episodes every Wednesday — subscribe so you never miss a launch.
FOLLOW HELLO KLEAN
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/helloklean/
Karlee: https://www.instagram.com/karleee/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@helloklean
FOLLOW US
Instagram: www.instagram.com/weareladieswholaunch/
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@weareladieswholaunch
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@Weareladieswholaunch
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