Hardware Podcasts

030: Launching a product with $500 and no industry knowledge, Josh Smith of Libertine Fragrance

Product Startup · 6 Dec 2016 · 56m

What this episode covers

Josh Smith, founder of Libertine Fragrance, explains how he launched his unisex perfume brand with only $500 and no prior industry knowledge while finishing his industrial design degree. He details his bootstrapping process, including mixing 30-70 ingredients per formula in his home, navigating IFRA regulations for European markets, and validating demand through anonymous student feedback and boutique retail partnerships. Smith discusses the challenges of scaling production for new cosmetic lines, managing quality control without third-party testing, and securing a positive review from prominent perfume critic Luca Turin to boost international sales.

Most relevant to

early-stage companies

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
Libertine Fragrance, Mako Design + Invent, Eco Cacoon
Also
IFRA, Luca Turin

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