We had the privilege of interviewing Colleen Thalia Jamias, the Founder and CEO of Creo LifeZtyle & COCO COLLEEctioN . Colleen, originally an Interior Designer, has transformed into a dynamic Businesswoman with a vision to empower women and expose them to diverse cultures and trends through her company.
As CEO, Colleen plays a pivotal role in driving Creo LifeZtyle & COCO COLLEEctioN forward, emphasizing innovation and sustainability in all aspects of the business. In our enlightening conversation, Colleen reflects on her career trajectory, business ethos, hurdles faced, and distinctive offerings, while also sharing invaluable advice for budding professionals.
Shaping The Career Journey
We initiated the interview with the question, “How did your career journey shape where you are today?”
Colleen Thalia Jamias shared her path, saying, “I began as a Junior Interior Designer in the Philippines, working for a design firm and furniture maker catering exclusively to VIP clients. Afterward, I explored different fields, including Real Estate as a Property Consultant and serving as a Field Representative for WWF for Nature.
Returning to Yemen in 2013, I took on the role of Executive Secretary at a local company, overseeing both the Pharmaceutical and Advertising & Promotions Divisions. This experience propelled me into entrepreneurship, blending creativity and technology. Hence, I’ve been titled ‘Interior Designer turned Business Woman, Creativepreneur, and Technopreneur,’ embodying my journey from Asia to the Middle East, enriched by my Filipino heritage and identity as a woman who wears a hijab.”
The Inspiring Start
Curious about the driving forces behind her organization, we inquired, “What inspired you to develop the idea for your company?”
Colleen Thalia Jamias explained, “Creo LifeZtyle was established in 2016 & COCO COLLEEctioN in 2023 with a clear mission: to empower women by exposing them to various cultures and trends spanning cosmetics, skincare, fashion, food, beauty technology, innovation, and sustainability. The journey began in 2013 when I faced cosmetics allergies while residing in Yemen, a country grappling with conflict and lacking access to essential beauty products like eyeliners. This experience ignited the desire to introduce high-quality, affordable brands to the market, ensuring accessibility despite the challenging circumstances, which persisted until 2022.
Our latest endeavor ventures into beauty technology, featuring a virtual try-on feature. This innovative tool enables customers to experiment with different shades and styles remotely, facilitating a seamless shopping experience from the comfort of their homes. Notably, this feature also contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing the need for physical testers, thereby mitigating waste and pollution—a particularly valuable asset amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.”
A 30-day free trial is available, giving users the opportunity to experience the benefits firsthand. The trial can be accessed through the following link: Skin Pro Free Trial.
Evolving Business Priorities
Inquiring about the evolution of business priorities over time, we asked, “How have your priorities in terms of business evolved since you first started?”
Colleen Thalia Jamias elaborated, “Initially, we focused solely on a single cosmetics brand. However, over time, our scope expanded significantly. We diversified into skincare and introduced various cosmetic brands sourced from the US, Poland, Germany, Korea, and China. Additionally, we expanded into the realm of subscription box services and incorporating beauty technology. Moreover, we’ve launched a platform specifically catering to the Yemen location. Currently, we are venturing into the Kpop Entertainment industry while simultaneously continuing our distribution of K-beauty brands in the Yemen market (Soon UAE & Philippines).”
Overcoming Challenges
To understand the pathway that helped Colleen overcome challenges, we asked, “What are the most challenging situations your company overcomes?”
Colleen Thalia Jamias highlighted, “The war situation, lack of airports, unstable economic situation, and absence of transportation for delivery and ordering of goods from outside Yemen proved to be the biggest hurdles for our business.”
We followed up by asking, “What’s the key strength to overcome it?”
Colleen shared her insight, stating, “Having patience, faith, and maintaining focus on action are crucial. Continuously seeking and researching solutions ensures that opportunities will inevitably emerge.”
Creo LifeZtyle & COCO COLLEEctioN: Distinctive Factors in Industry Standing
“What makes your company stand out from others in the industry?” we asked.
Colleen Thalia Jamias confidently stated, “Our approach stands out as we explore all possibilities, refusing to be confined to a single idea or trend. We amalgamate various ideas, trends, and products, consistently crafting solutions for our clients’, country’s, or our brand’s challenges.”
Customer Satisfaction as Key Metric
We were also curious to understand the KPIs in Colleen’s brand, so we further asked, “What KPIs do you use to measure your business success?”
Colleen Thalia Jamias replied, “For us, the ultimate measure of success lies in the satisfaction of our clients and customers with our products and services.”
The Current Focus
Eager to delve deeper into the offerings of Colleen Thalia Jamias’s company, we inquired, “Could you tell us more about your services? What are you currently focusing on?”
She enthusiastically responded, “Our latest ventures include pioneering the Virtual Try-on & Skin Pro Skin Analysis Platform and introducing Subscription Boxes in Yemen (UAE & MENA) and the Philippines.”
Team Building and Productivity without Burnout
Having strong teamwork is paramount for the success of any business. We asked, “How do you build trust with your employees and boost productivity without causing burnout?”
Colleen shared, “We let them feel that we care for them, that we trust them fully without pressuring them, and make them enjoy the products and their work.”
Staying Updated with Trends
We were curious to learn how Colleen Thalia Jamias ensures Creo LifeZtyle & COCO COLLEEctioN always stays updated with emerging trends. So, we asked, “How do you stay on top of new technologies and trends in your industry?”
Colleen Thalia Jamias replied, “At Creo LifeZtyle and COCO COLLEEctioN, we focus on pioneering cutting-edge technologies and introducing exclusive brands to markets like Yemen, the UAE, and the Philippines. By continuously monitoring global industry advancements, collaborating with forward-thinking partners, and investing in emerging trends, we ensure our offerings remain fresh, relevant, and impactful.”
Entrepreneurial Advice: Just Start, Persevere
Concluding the interview, we asked the question, “What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs?”
Colleen Thalia Jamias concluded with encouraging words, stating, “Simply start from wherever you are. While you may encounter setbacks along the way, they will pave the path to your eventual success. Initially, you may feel lost and uncertain, but with time, everything will gradually fall into place.”
They are offering a 30-day free trial, allowing users to experience the benefits firsthand. The trial can be accessed through the following link: Skin Pro Free Trial.
Connect with Colleen Thalia Jamias on LinkedIn.
Find Creo LifeZtyle & COCO COLLEEctioN on Instagram.
Visit COCO COLLEEctioN on Facebook.
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