We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Philippe Schaedler a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Philippe, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Owning a business isn’t always glamorous and so most business owners we’ve connected with have shared that on tough days they sometimes wonder what it would have been like to have just had a regular job instead of all the responsibility of running a business. Have you ever felt that way?

I imagine that, like many business owners, there are moments where the thought of having a regular job might cross the mind. For someone who’s spent years building something from the ground up, like I did with MOND, it’s not uncommon to reflect on how different life might have been without the pressures and responsibilities of entrepreneurship. There’s probably a mix of pride and exhaustion, especially during challenging times.

For example, imagine a day when everything seems to be going wrong—orders are delayed, a product launch hits unexpected snags, and social media engagement dips despite all efforts. In a moment of fatigue, you might briefly fantasize about the simplicity of clocking in and out of a traditional job, leaving work behind at the end of the day. But then, you remember why you started in the first place: the passion for the product, the satisfaction of solving a problem no one else could, and the freedom to shape your vision without constraint.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Philippe Schaedler, the CEO and founder of MOND LLC. After spending over 30 years in the beauty industry, I decided to embark on my own journey in 2017 by creating MOND LLC. The decision to start my own brand came from a deep dissatisfaction with the existing hair care products on the market. I noticed a gap—products that claimed to deliver results but often fell short. I wanted to create hair care solutions that were not only high-performing but versatile enough to cater to different hair types and needs.

The process of building MOND wasn’t easy. It took me several years to find a lab willing to work with a smaller client, and after a global search, I partnered with a high-standard lab in South Korea. Together, we developed our flagship product, the LRM Luminous Repair Masque, which took about three years to perfect. This product alone represents the essence of MOND—thoughtfully created with the input of 32 women to ensure it works for a range of hair types. It’s a multi-functional product that can be used as a repair masque, a conditioner, or even a leave-in treatment, solving issues related to hair damage, dryness, and maintenance.

What sets MOND apart is our relentless pursuit of quality and precision in formulation. Unlike mass-market brands, we focus on creating a few specialized products that truly make a difference. Each formula is crafted with care, and we pride ourselves on listening to the needs of our clients—many of whom have struggled to find products that actually work for them.

I’m most proud of the fact that MOND is more than just a business to me—it’s the result of years of dedication, research, and the desire to offer something meaningful. When someone uses our products and experiences a noticeable change in their hair’s health and appearance, that’s what makes it all worth it.

If there’s one thing I want potential clients and followers to know, it’s that MOND is about more than just hair care; it’s about empowerment. When your hair feels and looks its best, it gives you confidence. And we’re here to provide solutions that help you feel your best every day.

Can you talk to us about your experience with selling businesses?

Yes, I have sold a business, and the process can take a year or more to find the right buyer. It’s not just about selling; it’s about ensuring that the buyer aligns with your vision for the company and can carry it forward successfully. Here are a few key lessons from my experience that might be helpful for entrepreneurs planning to sell their businesses:

Patience is Key: Selling a business takes time. Rushing the process can lead to less favorable terms or selling to a buyer who may not be the best fit. Be prepared for a lengthy journey, and use that time to optimize your business operations and make your company more attractive to potential buyers.

Prepare Early: The moment you start thinking about selling, begin preparing your business for sale. This means organizing financial records, streamlining operations, and making sure the business can operate independently of you. Buyers want a business that can function smoothly without heavy involvement from the previous owner.

Build Relationships: Finding the right buyer often comes down to the relationships you’ve built in the industry. Networking can help you connect with potential buyers who understand your business and its potential value.

Understand Your Value: Know what your business is worth and what makes it unique. Whether it’s customer loyalty, proprietary products, or brand strength, understanding these elements will help you negotiate better terms during the sale process.

Selling a business is a significant milestone, and taking the time to do it right ensures that both you and the new owner will be set up for success.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

One story that stands out from my journey is the development of MOND’s first product, the LRM Luminous Repair Masque. When I first started MOND, finding a lab to work with was a major hurdle. Most labs in the U.S. were focused on larger clients with higher production volumes, and many turned me away because I was a smaller, emerging brand. It felt like hitting a wall at every turn, and there were moments when it seemed like the dream of launching my own product line might not happen.

Instead of giving up, I expanded my search internationally and eventually found a high-standard lab in South Korea. Even after finding a partner, the process wasn’t easy. It took about three years of research, development, and countless revisions to perfect the formula for the LRM Luminous Repair Masque. There were many moments of frustration and doubt, but I was committed to creating a product that truly delivered results. I also involved 32 women in the product development process, gathering their feedback to ensure it worked for different hair types.

Looking back, that journey taught me the importance of resilience and adaptability. I could have settled for a subpar formula or given up when faced with setbacks, but instead, I remained committed to my vision. That perseverance paid off, and now MOND’s LRM Masque has become a versatile, beloved product in the hair care industry.

The lesson here is simple: challenges and roadblocks are inevitable, but your resilience in the face of those obstacles defines your path forward.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mondproducts.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mondproducts/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mondproducts
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mondproducts

Image Credits

all photographs taken by Philippe Schaedler