Manage loneliness and maintain perspective: Leadership can be isolating. It’s essential to put challenges in perspective and seek support when needed to navigate this aspect of being an executive.
The clean beauty movement is transforming the beauty industry by emphasizing the importance of safe, non-toxic ingredients. Consumers are increasingly concerned about what they put on their skin, leading to a demand for transparency and high standards in beauty products. As a part of this series, I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Tom Taicher.
Tom Taicher, is a distinguished entrepreneur whose remarkable journey epitomizes resilience, relentless drive, and an unparalleled work ethic. Since becoming the CEO of Nectar Life in 2015, he has transformed the company into a global powerhouse. His success highlights not only his extraordinary professional evolution, but also his deep commitment to values of empathy, compassion, and exceptional customer service, in which he actively integrates into Nectar Life’s culture.
Thank you so much for joining us! Before we dive in, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your ‘backstory’?
Iwas born in Israel in 1982, moved to the U.S. at 21 with limited English skills. I quickly advanced from a sales job to management in the electronics industry and later became a district manager in the beauty sector. At 27, I co-founded the successful skincare line “Forever Flawless.” In 2018, I started Yogili Mowgli, a self-serve yogurt chain that grew to 30 locations before being acquired. As CEO of Nectar Life since 2015, I expanded it into a global enterprise. My journey showcases my resilience, work ethic, and dedication to success.
Can you share with us the most interesting story from your career? Can you tell us what lessons or ‘takeaways’ you learned from that?
When I started Nectar Life, I promised myself that we would create the best retail experience ever. Our stores are fun and playful. My goal was for the happiest place in the world to come to us and ask us to open a store at one of their world-famous parks. That dream is (almost) a reality…check back with us in December 2024.
Which three-character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?
- Resilience: During Covid, all of our stores were forced to shut down. One of the most difficult decisions I’ve ever had to make was to let the majority of our staff go. Luckily, we were able to rehire most of our staff back in a short amount of time, but it was still a very tough decision that I went back and forth on. Any time you have to decide to let someone go, it is a very hard decision.
- Vision: I have always aimed high and set ambitious goals. For example, my dream for Nectar Life was to create such an amazing retail experience that major theme parks would want us to open a store there. Seeing this dream nearly become a reality has been a testament to my vision.
- Empathy: I never imagined that my job would require me to be empathetic and compassionate like I am today. Every day, I walk around and speak to my team about their life, and I’m interested in what they do outside of work and how they’re doing. This connection helps create a fantastic work culture.
Are you working on any exciting new projects now? How do you think that might help people?
Yes, Nectar Life is on the brink of achieving a major milestone by potentially opening a store at one of the world’s most famous parks. This project will not only expand our brand’s reach but also bring our unique, joyful retail experience to a broader audience, enhancing their visits to these iconic locations.
What inspired your brand to focus on clean beauty, and how do you define ‘clean’ in the context of your products?
Our brand’s focus on clean beauty was inspired by a commitment to providing high-quality, safe products for our customers. ‘Clean’ in our context means using natural, non-toxic ingredients that are safe for both our customers and the environment.
How do you ensure the ingredients in your products meet clean beauty standards, and what criteria do you use to select them?
We ensure our ingredients meet clean beauty standards by adhering to strict criteria, which includes avoiding harmful chemicals, sourcing sustainable and ethically produced materials, and prioritizing organic and natural ingredients. Each ingredient is carefully selected for its safety, efficiency, and environmental impact.
What steps do you take to educate consumers about the importance of clean ingredients and how they can make informed choices when purchasing beauty products?
We prioritize transparency and education by providing detailed information about our ingredients and their benefits on our website and packaging. Additionally, we engage with our customers through social media to raise awareness about the importance of clean beauty and how to make informed choices.
What innovative or unconventional ingredients are you most excited about in the clean beauty space, and why?
We are particularly excited about incorporating botanical extracts and sustainable plant-based ingredients that not only provide exceptional skincare benefits but also have minimal environmental impact. These ingredients offer innovative solutions for achieving effective and eco-friendly beauty products.
Can you share a story where switching to clean beauty ingredients led to a significant and unexpected benefit for your customers?
One of our customers reported a significant improvement in their skin condition after switching to our clean beauty products. They had struggled with sensitivity and irritation for years, but after using our products, they experienced a noticeable reduction in these issues and a healthier complexion overall.
Based on your research or experience, can you please share your “5 Things You Need to Create a Successful Clean Beauty Brand”?
- Listen to your gut feelings: I wanted to expand our business to Florida, but my gut told me the location was wrong. Ignoring this instinct led to a significant failure. Trust your instincts in decision-making.
- Set clear expectations with partners: Ensure all terms and future plans are clearly defined when starting a business with a partner. This prevents misunderstandings and conflicts later on.
- Act swiftly on necessary changes: When I realized we needed to rebrand from “Nectar Bath Treats,” I hesitated. Delaying this change caused more difficulties. Act promptly when change is needed.
- Expand strategically: Our initial success with nearby stores in Nevada and California was not replicated when we expanded to distant states. Start small and expand regionally to maintain control and manage costs effectively.
- Manage loneliness and maintain perspective: Leadership can be isolating. It’s essential to put challenges in perspective and seek support when needed to navigate this aspect of being an executive.
How do you foresee the clean beauty movement evolving in the next decade, and what role do you see your brand playing in that future?
The clean beauty movement will continue to grow, with increasing consumer awareness and demand for safe, sustainable products. Our brand aims to be at the forefront of this evolution, leading by example with our commitment to transparency, ethical sourcing, and innovative clean beauty solutions.
What is the best way for our readers to continue to follow your work online?
Readers can follow our journey and stay updated with our latest projects and initiatives by visiting our website and following us on social media platforms. We regularly share updates, educational content, and insights into our clean beauty practices.
This was very inspiring. Thank you so much for the time you spent on this. We wish you only continued success.
About the Interviewer: Wanda Malhotra is a wellness entrepreneur, lifestyle journalist, and the CEO of Crunchy Mama Box, a mission-driven platform promoting conscious living. CMB empowers individuals with educational resources and vetted products to help them make informed choices. Passionate about social causes like environmental preservation and animal welfare, Wanda writes about clean beauty, wellness, nutrition, social impact and sustainability, simplifying wellness with curated resources. Join Wanda and the Crunchy Mama Box community in embracing a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle at CrunchyMamaBox.com.
