This week we had the opportunity to speak with entrepreneur Olivia Norman. Not only has she launched her business ‘Naivilo’ in the midst of a global pandemic, but Olivia has also returned to help on the frontline working in the labs in the Mercy University Hospital.
Olivia’s journey began after she studied a science degree and then went on to work in hospital labs. It was here that she learned that her job satisfaction stemmed from the fact that she knew she was helping others. Looking at blood films and seeing issues that lead to the prognosis of patients for Olivia was hugely satisfying. While she loved her job, she had a creative flair that she felt could not be utilised within a lab setting.
As a mother of three children, the demanding hours of working in the lab meant that she could not spend as much valuable time with them as she would have hoped. Since becoming an entrepreneur this has changed. She counts herself lucky that her workshop is within her family home, it allows her to dedicate her time to both her children and her business equally. Even though she works longer hours now than she did previously, it doesn’t feel like work for her. There is something special about allowing her children to see the business evolve, for them to help her, see the ups and downs of business and understand the true value of work from their own perspectives.
Olivia originally took part in a part time New Frontiers (Phase 1) programme within the Rubicon. It was here that she debuted her business and product, which at the time went by the name ‘Daisy and Dudes’.An adult male taking part in the course asked if he could try it out. He then came back with feedback saying that his wife loved the scent and he would be willing to purchase the product on the market. Noticing that the market for her product was bigger than what she had previously anticipated, Olivia knew there needed to be a more neutral name associated with the product. After consulting with her advisor from the Local Enterprise Office the name ‘Nailvilo’ was conceived. Eagle eyed readers might notice that it is in fact ‘Olivia N’ backwards. However it stands for more than just the name it encompases her strive to engage with her customers on all levels, creating an environment that promotes the benefits associated with using natural products.
Naivilo currently has two products on the market, a natural deodorant and a detox mask with others currently in the research and development phase. The process of preparing her products for market is really important to Olivia. It took one and a half years for her to nail down the formulation for her natural deodorant. As Olivia notes it was her mission to “solve a problem that existed, not disguise it”. In recent times there has been little innovation around the creation of deodorant and it was from here that she set about creating a deodorant that would maintain the natural bacteria produced by our bodies, while still assisting in ensuring that the deodrant was effective in masking odors. Through her research she found that while other deodorants claim to be natural , there were some synthetic ingredients used that contradict this.
All the ingredients in Naivilo’s products are cruelty free and this is something Olivia is passionate about. Her products promote the nurturing of ourselves and learning to connect with and trust our own bodies. Current deodorants on the market block our pores which prevents the body’s natural detoxing process, the prebiotic contained in Naivlio encourages the bacteria within our skin to work the way it should. This allows for toxins to leave through the skin as opposed to the digestive system. The deodorant allows its users to have the power over their own body’s natural process.
Olivia is graduated from the Exxel programme offered within the Rubicon in October 2019. For Olivia there are many invaluable benefits of being a part of the programme such as the ability to talk to other entrepreneurs about their own experiences and to have established a network of contacts that can be used into the future. She also has had the opportunity to work with Dr.Brigid Lucey from the department of biological sciences in CIT, in establishing the scientific benefits behind her products.
While COVID-19 could have been seen to negatively affect a business emerging into the market, Olivia believes it pushed her to get online as opposed to deliberating over the idea of selling her products in an online setting or a retail environment. This period is also affording her the opportunity to learn and adjust with her business. Assessing what does work and what can be improved. While bad broadband signals can hinder operations momentarily, the vast beautiful surroundings make up for that inconvenience. While Olivia notes this can be a difficult time for people she mentions the fact that previously we were living fast paced lifestyles, now that we have been forced to slow down we can value and appreciate the things that are really important to us.
Numbers are not everything to Olivia, and while she is happy to see her business succeed in such uncertain times, it’s the sense of empowerment she provides her customers with that truly spurs her to carry on. Building trust with her customers and educating them of the benefits of her products is what truly matters. We look forward to seeing how this business grows into the future.
For more information Naivilo click here.
If you are interested in the Exxcel programme offered within the Rubicon click here.
