Lucie Macleod’s Hair Syrup brand skyrocketed from a hobby to a multi-million pound business in just a few years, captivating customers worldwide
At only 25, Lucie is already running a multi-million pound business. She began by making homemade hair oil treatments as a teenager. Now, she’s helping others with their hair issues through her popular brand.
While studying at the University of Warwick, she posted her first TikTok video during the pandemic. The response was immediate, and she quickly went from a small operation in her parents’ conservatory to shipping out products like crazy.
“It was like magic,” she says, recalling how fast things took off. What started as a side hustle turned into a booming business, with Hair Syrup expected to hit £8.5 million in revenue by 2026. You can find her products in stores like Boots and Superdrug now.
Lucie was just having fun at first, thinking it was a low-risk hobby. But as demand grew, she realized she was onto something big. “I never thought I’d be running a brand like this,” she admits.
As her business expanded, she faced challenges typical of rapid growth. By late 2022, Hair Syrup had secured its first manufacturing unit, which took a lot of effort. Lucie made around 100 calls to find the right partner.
She emphasizes how crucial stock control is for her brand. If a TikTok video featuring Hair Syrup goes viral, they could sell six months’ worth of stock in just a week. That’s why having a stock reserve is a game-changer for them.
Lucie is committed to keeping her business in Pembrokeshire, wanting to create a local identity for Hair Syrup. She believes there’s so much talent in the area that deserves recognition.
She started with 23 staff but found that keeping things lean has helped her manage the business better. Having a mentor has also been a huge help for her.
Lucie’s journey has been about more than just making money. She genuinely wanted to help people with their hair struggles. “I never set out thinking I would be the next L’Oreal,” she says.
With plans to expand into markets like the US and Australia, she’s excited about the future. But she always remembers her roots and the community that supported her.
She’s even thought about writing a book one day, but for now, she’s focused on growing her brand. Lucie believes you don’t need to take huge risks to succeed in business.
“Resilience and tenacity are key,” she advises anyone looking to start their own venture. It’s all about being committed and passionate, even when things get tough.
Lucie’s story is a reminder that with hard work and a bit of creativity, you can turn a personal challenge into a thriving business. It’s inspiring to see someone so young making waves in the industry!