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Girlactik Founder Galit Strugano: How To Become A Beauty Entrepreneur

  • Post last modified:11/2024

Welcome to the Influence Media Podcast, where we bring you inspiring stories from some of the brightest minds in the beauty and business world. Today, we are honored to have Galit, the founder of Girlactik Cosmetics, as our special guest. From her humble beginnings as a waitress to building an international beauty brand beloved in the Middle East, Galit shares her journey, challenges, and invaluable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.

The Unexpected Path to Beauty Entrepreneurship

Galit never planned to become a beauty entrepreneur. In fact, her original dream was to report on makeup and beauty trends as a journalist. She explains:

“I wanted to be a beauty reporter, sharing what makeup celebrities wore on the red carpet. I thought, ‘How cool would it be to report on their makeup choices?’”

This dream led her to take makeup classes, which revealed her talent for cosmetics. A pivotal moment came when she worked as a makeup artist for a fashion show, where glitter and sparkles were all the rage. Shortly after, the Grammys showcased celebrities like Halle Berry wearing lavender sparkles.

Inspired by the lack of quality glitter bases, Galit’s mother encouraged her to create a solution. She recalls, “My mom said, ‘Why don’t you do it?’ and I thought, ‘Why not?’” Armed with a journal full of ideas and determination, Galit contacted labs, sourced materials, and laid the foundation for Girlactik.

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

For Galit, success is built on two key principles:

  1. Distinguish Yourself: She emphasizes the importance of creating something unique: “When you launch a product, it must stand out. What are you doing differently than others?”
  2. Stay Focused: Galit warns against comparing yourself to others: “When you look at competitors, it can distract and discourage you. Stay true to your vision and trust your instincts.”

Her journey highlights the value of perseverance and self-belief, especially when starting with no entrepreneurial background.

Challenges Women Face in Business

When asked about the unique challenges women face in business, Galit spoke candidly about the importance of resilience:

“There are people who will try to put you down or make you feel you can’t do it. But if you have a vision, you must be driven to make it happen. Tune out the noise and focus on your goals.”

Balancing her roles as a mother of three, a wife, and a CEO, Galit credits her ability to stay organized and calm under pressure to her waitressing days. “As a waitress, you juggle so much at once. That skill of prioritizing and multitasking has helped me tremendously in running my business and home life.”

She also shared a key mindset: “Failure isn’t the end. It’s a learning opportunity. Mistakes teach you what not to do next time. That’s invaluable.”

Reinventing Girlactik: Evolving the Brand

Initially, Girlactik catered to a younger demographic, focusing on bold colors and glittery cosmetics. However, Galit experienced a personal and professional transformation:

“After I got married and had kids, I realized the brand no longer represented me. I wanted products that appealed to women of all ages.”

This led to a complete rebranding. Girlactik shifted to offer luxury packaging and versatile, timeless colors suitable for every skin tone. “I wanted women of any age to feel confident pulling out one of our products, whether at work or at lunch in a high-end restaurant.”

The revamped Girlactik now focuses on natural tones, wearable shades, and glowing skin. “I aim to create staple products that enhance your natural beauty while being easy to use,” she explains.

Expanding to International Markets

Girlactik’s popularity has spread far beyond the United States, with significant growth in the Middle East. Galit attributes this success to the region’s love of high-quality makeup:

“Women in the Middle East appreciate great makeup. They value quality and timeless beauty over fleeting trends. It’s an honor that Girlactik is so well-received there.”

Her plans for expansion include launching in Saudi Arabia, a milestone she’s thrilled about. “I’m excited to bring Girlactik to Saudi Arabia. The women there are so passionate about beauty, and I can’t wait to connect with them.”

The Role of Influencer Marketing

Influencer marketing played a transformative role in Girlactik’s growth. Galit reflects:

“In 2014, I sent my new matte lip paints to influencers along with my sparkles. The response was incredible. People raved about my products, and soon, big influencers were reaching out to try them.”

This organic buzz catapulted Girlactik into the spotlight, but Galit is selective about the influencers she collaborates with. She values authenticity above all:
“I prefer working with influencers who genuinely love my brand and use it. When someone has a real connection to Girlactik, it’s obvious in their content.”

Girlactik Upcoming Products and Black Friday Deals

Galit gave an exclusive preview of what’s next for Girlactik:

  1. Luminous Tint Foundation: “This two-in-one product works as a tinted moisturizer with one layer and a foundation with two. It gives your skin a flawless, natural glow without looking too shiny.”
  2. New Lip Balm: “It’s nourishing, clean, and has a luxurious feel.”

For Black Friday, Girlactik will offer a 30% discount sitewide (excluding collaborations).

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Authenticity Is Key

 When asked why Girlactik has endured for 24 years, Galit credits her authenticity:

“I don’t follow trends. I create products I love and know others will love too. That’s why Girlactik isn’t just makeup—it’s a part of people’s lives.”

As Galit expands her brand to new markets and continues innovating, her journey remains an inspiring testament to the power of passion, resilience, and staying true to oneself.

Want to be a guest on the podcast? Message us! 👇

Valeria Proskurina

Editor-in-Chief Influence.Makeup