From the lecture hall to the executive chair

Munay Zamorano took over the cosmetics company New Natural in her early 20s

Based at the CHIC Charlottenburg Innovation Centre, New Natural sells over 1,000 certified products from ten natural cosmetics brands to perfumeries, drugstores, and online stores in more than 30 countries. Their product range includes everything from sunscreen to deodorant, make-up, and perfume.

It all started when Munay Zamorano, after finishing her high school diploma, took a three-month internship with Swantje van Uehm, who was just starting a cosmetics business. Zamorano started by bringing in key clients from Germany, the UK, and Spain. Later, while at university, van Uehm called to offer her a job as a working student.

Zamorano soon grew into the start-up, helping shape the sales process, introducing new tools, and streamlining routines. “I was the unofficial head of sales,” remarks the 27-year-old. She was writing emails during her university lectures. While other students were revising, she was tending to the business. This went on for two years until van Uehm applied to Die Höhle der Löwen, the German version of Dragons’ Den, with a beauty brand of her own.

Judith Williams came on board with 250,000 euros and van Uehm decided to part ways with New Natural. “I then said: ‘I’ll buy the company!’, and people laughed at me,” says Zamorano. Indeed, she understood why the staff reacted this way. “I was a 23-year-old working student! It was slightly absurd. But, in that moment, I thought: How often do you get a chance like this in life?”

“Again and again, I assured my boss that I meant it, that I really wanted to buy the company. After four months, she introduced me to her financial advisor.” He guided her through the negotiations. Compared to starting a new company, obtaining a loan was relatively straightforward. “As a founder, you need a vision. But if you take over a company, all you have to do is present the balance sheets of the last two years. The bank grants the loan knowing it will continue on the same path.” To cover her equity, Zamorano cashed out on her investment account, which she had started early. She then hired her first employee: herself. She signed her contract as managing director to secure both legal protections and a stable salary.

With another employee quickly mastering all the sales processes, Zamorano initially kept the business running. Later, she analysed structures and costs, eliminated dead wood and underperforming brands, and made room for new products. In fact, she knew from the start which brands didn’t go well, but mistakes are a part of entrepreneurship. In hindsight, she feels she stayed attached to the status quo for too long.

Zamorano had dreamed of being an entrepreneur since she was 16. She wanted to create sustainable fashion, and even sneaked into a trade fair once, putting on a voice when making calls. What didn’t succeed back then is thriving today. To inspire young female entrepreneurs, she gives talks at schools and universities and recently founded the Female Founder Academy. What’s her secret to success? “Kindness is my number one tool.”

Susanne Gietl for POTENZIAL

www.newnatural.de