Disrupting the hair color business, with Madison Reed CEO Amy Errett
Feb 6, 2025
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Amy Errett, Founder and CEO of Madison Reed, disrupted the hair color industry after being fired from a previous role. She saw a gap for a clean, chemical-free option that resonated with women. In a candid discussion, she highlights the importance of company culture and the lessons learned from her entrepreneurial journey. Amy also shares innovative employee benefits like the 'Lobatical' program, fostering appreciation and community. Her insights on navigating challenges and empowering women amplify the impact of her brand.
Amy Errett's personal journey from being fired sparked her entrepreneurial path, leading to the creation of Madison Reed focused on women's empowerment and innovation.
Madison Reed's success stems from its commitment to clean ingredients and a strong company culture, enabling effective team engagement and quality customer experiences.
Deep dives
Introducing Atio: The Future of CRM
Atio is a cutting-edge, AI-native customer relationship management system designed for modern businesses. It offers the ability to adapt to unique operational needs and scale with various business models by seamlessly syncing with existing emails and calendars. Users benefit from AI-powered automations and a research agent, which can help simplify intricate processes, allowing companies to concentrate on growth. This innovative approach to CRM positions Atio as a solution tailored for the evolving landscape of customer interaction and management.
Amy Arrett's Journey from Firing to Founding
Amy Arrett, founder and CEO of Madison Reed, shares her transformative experience of being fired, which catalyzed her journey into entrepreneurship. After processing her unexpected job loss, she recognized her strength lay in not working for others, instead finding fulfillment in leading teams and tackling challenging problems. With a focus on women's empowerment and quality products, Arrett leveraged her extensive industry experience to revolutionize the hair color sector. This pivotal moment in her life unlocked her potential, leading her to build a successful business that resonates with her personal mission.
The Inspiration Behind Madison Reed
Madison Reed was born out of an analysis of the hair color industry, particularly its lack of accessible, high-quality, and clean ingredient options. After noticing a gap in the market while working as a VC, Arrett undertook research to identify an efficient and high-demand product space that mirrored the success of brands like Dollar Shave Club. This led her to partner with experts, including a representative from L'Oreal, to ensure a strong foundation. The goal was to create a hair color line that not only matches consumer expectations but also offers healthier alternatives, setting Madison Reed apart from traditional options.
Building a Strong Company Culture and Community
Arrett emphasizes the significance of fostering a robust culture within Madison Reed, shaped by five core values: love, trust, responsibility, and joy. She prioritizes team dynamics and community engagement through regular lunch meetings, ensuring that every employee feels valued and acknowledged. During the pandemic, the company successfully managed rapid growth while maintaining quality and team morale by sticking to its foundational values and consistent communication. This focus on culture not only enhances employee satisfaction but also cultivates a productive environment that reflects their commitment to empowering both customers and team members.
Amy Errett had a hunch that hair color was a huge potential market – especially among women who wanted an option free from harsh chemicals. She started a company focused on clean ingredients, innovative technology, and a revamped salon experience. Since founding Madison Reed in 2013, more than 5 million people have tried her products. Errett joins host Jeff Berman to discuss why company culture is so important and how getting fired kickstarted it all.