Cosmetics and artificial intelligence – not exactly an obvious marriage. And yet, this technology is at the heart of the success of this Quebec-based company. A shared passion for creating customized products led cosmeticians Rachelle Séguin and Andréa Gomez to found Omy Laboratoires. What makes them unique? They use artificial intelligence to create an entirely personalized product. Interview.
How was Omy Laboratoires born?
Rachelle Séguin: Sometimes you think the stars are aligned! I received an email from a contact I’d had while entering contests who said, “Hey, you’d really get along with that girl!” And that’s how I met Andréa. Andréa is someone who’s very much about people and business, and I’m very much about people and innovation. We really complement each other in terms of our skills and values. After a very difficult experience with a former partner, we started again from scratch and decided to take part in the Osez Entreprendre competition, drawing up our business plan in two weeks to find funding and get back on our feet. That’s how we got here, and I’m really pleased that we’ve been able to get this far. We really pushed the concept to the limit!
And what exactly is Omy Laboratoires?
Rachelle Séguin: We developed SkinIA, a product that uses artificial intelligence to create customized products that are truly adapted to the customer’s skin. You send in your photo, then SkinIA analyzes your skin based on the photo and creates your formula! It takes into account your age, preferences, tastes and all your skin’s needs. This tool is a way of double-checking what the customer already thinks she knows. It also makes up for what they don’t know. Our products are also 100% vegan and 97% natural. They’re made with aquifer water, which is Canadian thermal spring water.
How important was branding and marketing in launching your company?
Rachelle Séguin: Branding is very important, because it creates a greater sense of belonging with the public. Customers recognize the product and notice the word Omy more. So I think branding has a big impact on a company’s growth. On the other hand, in the early days, it’s normal to invest more in your product than in your branding.
One thing you’ve learned from starting your own business?
Rachelle Séguin: I have two, actually! The first is to know how to surround yourself with the right people. I’m a person who likes everything done well, and I used to tend to control everything. Even today, I still find it hard to let go of certain things. So I’d say one of the biggest things I’ve learned is to trust others and let them go. It’s important to convey your vision, but without controlling everything.
Another big learning has been about financial risk. I really didn’t want to go into debt. At one point, Andréa and I went to see her mentor because we didn’t know what to do. So he asked us, “Girls, what have you got to lose?” And that’s what I needed to hear. I needed to understand that the worst that could happen wasn’t so bad, and to stop putting up barriers. Today, I’m less afraid of the unknown, which allows me to move forward.
