Khulan Davaadorj turned challenges into success, launching Lhamour as Mongolia’s first organic skincare brand and reshaping the industry from her kitchen.
If you've ever contemplated starting your own organic skincare line, you may find yourself grappling with uncertainty. Questions about profitability, industry experience, and skepticism from others can cloud your confidence. This week’s Green Beauty Conversations episode highlights Khulan Davaadorj, who took the plunge and transformed these doubts into a pioneering success story.
Khulan launched Lhamour, Mongolia’s first organic skincare brand, from her kitchen without any business experience, funding, or a clear plan. Her perseverance resulted in a brand that now thrives in the competitive beauty market, boasting three flagship stores in Ulaanbaatar, a presence in airport duty-free shops, a warehouse in Los Angeles, and distribution channels in China, with revenues projected to reach $1.2 million this year.
“Don’t be scared. You live once, and you’ve got to do what creates happiness for you. Nobody else has to live your dream.” — Khulan Davaadorj, Lhamour Skincare
The Transformative Power of Entrepreneurship
Khulan reflects on how starting Lhamour irrevocably altered her identity. Before this venture, she described herself as shy and anxious. More than a decade in the beauty industry has cultivated her confidence, enabling her to pursue her passion on her terms and be present for her family. Watching her six-year-old daughter light up at finding Lhamour products in stores reaffirms Khulan’s choice to embark on this journey.
Starting Small and Lean
Launching in her kitchen, Khulan worked with her available savings, lacking both investments and manufacturing support, which she believes is a unique advantage in the organic skincare sphere. Lhamour’s production team currently comprises 30 employees working in a facility resembling a bakery, exemplifying how a lean startup model can effectively scale within this industry.
Navigating the Transition to Brand Building
Khulan emphasizes that one of the most challenging aspects of her entrepreneurial journey was shifting from mere product creation to brand establishment. For the initial two years, she distributed Lhamour products to any retailer willing to take them. The turning point came when she prioritized understanding her target customer, which led her to open Lhamour’s first flagship store. This discerning approach resulted in key placements, including duty-free sales at airports and international recognition.
The Essential Skill of Delegation
In the early years, Khulan was involved in every business detail, down to ordering supplies. However, after welcoming her daughter, she found herself at a crossroads that necessitated delegation. This shift not only alleviated her workload but also empowered her team, fostering growth and operational independence. Remarkably, many of her early employees remain with Lhamour, sustaining a culture of commitment and continuity within the company.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Reflecting on her journey, Khulan wishes she could tell her younger self to embrace the fearlessness associated with following her dream. Early on, she found herself preoccupied with anxiety and the expectations of others. Understanding that failure isn’t the end, but rather an opportunity to learn, has shaped her approach to entrepreneurship. In cultures where failure carries significant stigma, Khulan encourages everyone to dare to try, as the regret of not taking the leap can be far heavier.
Meet Khulan Davaadorj
As the visionary behind Lhamour, Khulan is well-acquainted with the organic skincare landscape. Drawing inspiration from her experiences with severe eczema, she developed products infused with local Arctic botanicals. A graduate of Formula Botanica and holder of an MSc from the Hertie School of Governance and Columbia University, she has earned accolades such as Forbes 30 Under 30 and Asia-Pacific’s Best Entrepreneur in 2016.
In just over a decade, Lhamour has grown to feature more than 70 handmade products, establishing its presence not only in Mongolian retail but also in international markets. The brand actively sources unique ingredients like sea buckthorn, yak’s milk, and rosehip from local family farms and pioneered Mongolia’s first zero-waste refill corner a decade ago.
Join us on the next episode of the Formula Botanica Green Beauty Conversations podcast. If you enjoyed this insights-packed session, please share, subscribe, and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Connect with us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates!
