www.wearebonda.com<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Hi Annika. You used to work in marketing at Amazon. Now you run your own sustainable and environmentally-friendly cosmetics company. It couldn\u2019t be more different.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n In a sense, that\u2019s true. I enjoyed my work and had a great team, but I never felt fulfilled. My job lacked meaning and purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And that\u2019s why you started your own brand of care products?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n Exactly. Along with a friend who used to work at a large cosmetics company, we came up with the idea for Bonda.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, what\u2019s the story behind Bonda? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n Our products are certified natural care products for everyday use. We put great importance on having an environmentally-friendly and sustainable manufacturing process. Since some cosmetic companies are already doing this, we wanted to take it one step further.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAll Bonda products are certified natural cosmetics<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nAnd what was that step? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n I started Bonda with the mission to make a positive impact. In addition to sustainability, I also wanted to have a direct and visible social impact. I\u2019ve always had an interest in Latin America, and at the time I was reading a lot about violence against women, especially in Guatemala\u2013this is where I wanted to start with Bonda\u2019s support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How did you go about it?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n I quit my job in fall 2019 and spent a few months in Guatemala. I visited many organizations there and spoke to those affected by violence. One example is Mar\u00eda, who sells homemade jams and pickled fruits at local markets. She\u2019s also part of an organization that supports women in setting up their own small businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And where does Bonda come in?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n We financially support the organization, \u201cFundaci\u00f3n Sobrevivientes.\u201d The NGO offers psychological and legal help for women who have been victims of violence. They also provide training programs, such as candle and soap workshops. We raise money to help the organization do these things by selling our products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How exactly does this help the women there?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n Most of the women we support are victims of domestic violence. They cannot escape because they are financially dependant on their husbands. The workshops help to give them more self-confidence and the opportunity to build something of their own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The key phrase being \u201cto build something of their own\u201d. Where did you get the courage to start something completely new and unknown to you? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n In my job at Amazon, I had to take on a lot of responsibility right from the start, which included some things I knew nothing about. This jump into the deep end showed me what I\u2019m capable of and ultimately helped me to start my passion project.<\/p>\n\n\n\nNatural cosmetics for every day: Without frills, sustainable and environmentally conscious<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nIf you compare your previous jobs with your current project, what\u2019s the difference? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n The passion that goes into Bonda. Not just my own, but also that of the community. You can tell that Bonda is not driven by profit, but by its mission. That\u2019s what I love about it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How does that show in your business?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n My customers often tell me that they don\u2019t just buy Bonda products for the products themselves, but because of the idea behind them. This is also reflected in people\u2019s general willingness to help. A start-up recently made a promotional video for me. For free. Simply because they loved Bonda and wanted to support the mission. This team spirit is what makes it for me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What\u2019s next for Bonda?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n I would like to significantly increase Bonda\u2019s impact. As a small business owner, it\u2019s not that easy. For example, I\u2019d like to make my packaging even more sustainable. Sugar cane plastic would be perfect for this, but the purchase quantities often only start from 10,000 pieces. I would also like to increase our financial support for NGOs. To do this, the Bonda community must continue to grow. But as the saying goes, it\u2019s the journey that matters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We\u2019re happy to be able to support Annika in this. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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