Summary of "How Ella Dean is Revolutionizing Haircare with Fruits & Veggies"
Podcast Information
- Title: The Living Your Legacy Podcast
- Host: Rudy Mawer (referred to as Jordan in the transcript)
- Guest: Nicole Rose, Founder of Eladine
- Episode Title: How Ella Dean is Revolutionizing Haircare with Fruits & Veggies
- Release Date: July 18, 2025
- Description: This episode features an in-depth conversation with Nicole Rose, the visionary behind Eladine, a Portland-based hair care brand that leverages organic fruits and vegetables to promote healthier, more vibrant hair.
Introduction
The episode begins with Jordan introducing Nicole Rose, highlighting her passion for hair care and her unique approach to using fruits and vegetables in her products. Nicole shares her inspiration, rooted in her grandmother’s legacy as a beautician, which propelled her to create a brand that empowers individuals to embrace their natural beauty.
Notable Quote:
- Nicole Rose [00:57]: “I just knew, like, don’t let anyone, you know, stop you from, you know, doing your brand.”
Entrepreneurial Journey
Nicole details her entrepreneurial journey, starting Eladine in 2020. She explains the deep family roots of her business, tracing back to her great grandparents who founded one of Oregon’s oldest black salons in 1954. This rich heritage influenced her mission to build a brand that not only offers quality products but also fosters a sense of community and legacy.
Notable Quote:
- Nicole Rose [03:11]: “I named it after my grandma. So her name was Gloria Ella Dean Tims.”
Product Development and Innovation
Nicole discusses the unique formulation of Eladine’s products, emphasizing the use of multiple fruits, vegetables, and herbs in their hair oils. Unlike other brands that typically use a single ingredient, Eladine combines various natural elements to provide comprehensive benefits for hair health.
Notable Quote:
- Nicole Rose [04:09]: “I want to bring something different to the beauty hair care world by using fruits, vegetables, and herbs.”
She elaborates on her bestsellers, such as "Look But Don't Touch," which stimulates hair follicles and promotes growth, and "No Time for Flakes," which addresses dandruff and scalp issues through inflammation-reducing ingredients.
Challenges and Learning Experiences
Nicole candidly shares the humbling aspects of her entrepreneurial journey. Despite having a marketing degree from Portland State University, she found herself learning on the job, facing numerous challenges such as manufacturing issues and the intricacies of formulation.
Notable Quote:
- Nicole Rose [05:51]: “College doesn’t teach you how to run your own brand. It’s very humbling.”
She recounts mistakes like accidentally omitting ingredients but emphasizes the importance of striving for perfection and learning from each setback.
Biggest Wins and Success Stories
One of Nicole’s proudest moments was the creation and success of the "Look But Don't Touch" oil. She anticipated its potential even before finalizing the ingredients, and it quickly became Eladine’s bestseller, eventually expanding into its own shampoo and conditioner line.
Notable Quote:
- Nicole Rose [07:13]: “Creating this oil called Look But Don't Touch was my favorite win.”
Scaling the Business
From initially producing products in her parents’ home using a crock pot and mason jars, Nicole has scaled Eladine to produce hundreds of bottles. She outlines her future plans to place Eladine products in major retail stores like Sephora and make them widely accessible to a global market.
Notable Quote:
- Nicole Rose [08:33]: “I want my products in big retail stores and to be known as a really big beauty leader.”
Balancing Corporate Life and Entrepreneurship
Nicole reflects on the stark differences between her corporate job and running her own business. The flexibility gained during the COVID-19 pandemic allowed her to focus on Eladine full-time, which was pivotal in the brand’s growth after gaining media exposure.
Notable Quote:
- Nicole Rose [09:30]: “When I started this during COVID, I was able to formulate my products full time.”
Heritage and Legacy
A significant theme of the conversation revolves around legacy. Nicole aspires to build Eladine into a lasting brand that honors her family’s legacy and inspires others. She envisions her business as a familial community where customers feel like part of her extended family.
Notable Quote:
- Nicole Rose [10:41]: “I want everyone to feel like they're a part of my family.”
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Nicole shares valuable insights for those looking to build their own legacy. She emphasizes the importance of passion over profit, as illustrated by her initial unsuccessful attempt with bath bombs. Encouraged by a friend, she shifted her focus to hair care, leading to the success of Eladine.
Notable Quote:
- Nicole Rose [15:25]: “You have to be passionate. And Napoleon told me, 'Are you doing this for the money or are you passionate?'”
Conclusion and Future Outlook
The episode concludes with Nicole expressing her gratitude and outlining her aspirations for Eladine. She aims to make her products widely accessible and continues to innovate within the beauty industry. Jordan encourages listeners to explore Eladine’s offerings and stay inspired by Nicole’s journey.
Notable Quote:
- Nicole Rose [16:01]: “The website is EllaDean.com, and you can find us on all social media platforms as Ella Dean Hair.”
Closing Remarks: Jordan wraps up the episode by congratulating Nicole on her achievements and expressing excitement for Eladine’s future endeavors, reinforcing the podcast’s theme of building lasting legacies.
Key Takeaways:
- Heritage and Inspiration: Nicole’s business is deeply rooted in her family’s legacy, driving her mission to create impactful and community-oriented products.
- Innovation in Product Development: By combining multiple fruits, vegetables, and herbs, Eladine offers unique hair care solutions that stand out in the market.
- Entrepreneurial Resilience: Overcoming challenges and learning from mistakes has been crucial to Eladine’s growth and success.
- Vision for the Future: Nicole aims to scale her business globally, making Eladine a household name in the beauty industry while maintaining accessibility and community values.
- Advice for Entrepreneurs: Passion and perseverance are essential. Authenticity and commitment to one’s vision can turn initial setbacks into future successes.
For those inspired by Nicole Rose’s story and interested in her products, visit EllaDean.com and follow Ella Dean Hair on all social media platforms.