Launching a business during the COVID-19 pandemic posed unique challenges. For Mysteeq, a natural skincare brand, our journey began in October 2020, following 18 months of intensive research. We were prepared to make a splash in the market, but the pandemic demanded adaptability and resilience. Despite significant investments in people, labs, equipment, and ingredients, our hopes and faith were tested. Daily calls to distributors and stores often ended with rejections due to the high risk of failure for new brands. Nonetheless, our commitment to sustainability and holistic wellness remained steadfast.

The Challenges of Launching a Sustainable Business During a Pandemic

Initial Hurdles

Supply chain disruptions were one of our biggest challenges. Ingredients sourced globally were subject to significant shipping and logistics delays. Early on, we recognized the value of local sourcing and the collective strength of small businesses. By partnering with local craft producers, we ensured stable production without the delays and uncertainties of international logistics.

This experience underscored the need for constant adaptation. Businesses that fail to adjust to changing environments struggle. While stores and distributors turned us away, we explored alternative avenues to reach customers. The rise in home and car sales during the pandemic presented an opportunity. We collaborated with realtors and automobile distributors to create gift baskets of Mysteeq products, a unique approach that was well-received.

Maintaining sustainable practices was another core focus. Beyond gift baskets, we expanded into white labeling and contract manufacturing for local salons and beauty boutiques. Many of these businesses faced stock shortages due to logistics issues, so producing products specifically for them ensured their customers received high-quality products from trusted sources.

Our approach to sustainability combines ancient Ayurvedic principles with modern plant-based extraction techniques to create natural skincare products. Ayurveda, a 5000-year-old science from India, uses natural ingredients to address skin and body issues, promoting holistic beauty and wellness. This philosophy guided us through the pandemic's challenges and continues to be a cornerstone of our brand.

Implementing Green HR Practices Remotely

As the pandemic forced many businesses to shift to remote work, we too transitioned to protect our employees' safety. However, maintaining an eco-friendly approach while working remotely required careful planning. We set up energy-efficient home offices and used digital tools to reduce our carbon footprint. Promoting paperless operations and energy-saving practices helped minimize our environmental impact.

To ensure staff safety and maintain production viability, we staggered lab production timelines. This allowed us to manage the number of staff in the lab at any given time, reducing COVID-19 transmission risk. Optimizing lab timing protected employees and ensured product quality and production schedules were maintained. This careful orchestration kept our operations running smoothly while adhering to safety protocols.

One significant innovation was our ability to scale production without increasing fixed overheads. Initially, our lab could produce only 200 units a day. However, by getting our formulations and SOPs (standard operating procedures) vetted and approved by government-run bio-processing laboratories, we could rent additional space and equipment as needed. This flexibility allowed us to increase production to 1,000 units a day without adding extra fixed costs.

Virtual onboarding became crucial for integrating new employees and support staff, particularly for training our resellers and beauty advisors at stores. Digital onboarding sessions provided a flexible and efficient way to welcome and train new team members, ensuring they were well-prepared to represent Mysteeq. By leveraging technology, we maintained our commitment to sustainability even in our training practices.

Maintaining Employee Engagement and Morale

Keeping employees motivated and engaged during the pandemic was challenging. At Mysteeq, we believe in a holistic approach to health, beauty, and wellness. To support our team, we organized online yoga camps and meditation hours, promoting mental and physical well-being. These sessions provided a sense of community and connection, even when we couldn't be together in person.

Small gestures went a long way in boosting morale. We surprised our employees and their families with lunch packages delivered to their homes, showing appreciation and value. Promoting work-life balance and mental health support through eco-friendly practices, like encouraging outdoor activities, helped our team navigate the stresses of the pandemic.

In a time when all you got to see was a laptop screen, human connection became vital. We emphasized the importance of staying connected beyond work tasks by organizing virtual coffee breaks and social hours, allowing our team to bond and support each other despite physical distance. These efforts were crucial in maintaining normalcy and camaraderie.

Sustainable Operations Amidst Supply Chain Disruptions

Collaborating with local suppliers was crucial for ensuring sustainable sourcing and building resilient supply chains. By supporting local businesses, we maintained production commitments and contributed to the local economy. This collaboration created a network of small businesses working together to overcome the challenges posed by the pandemic.

The disruptions in global logistics prompted us to explore new materials and designs for sustainable packaging. We implemented eco-friendly alternatives such as biodegradable containers and recycled materials. This ensured our products remained environmentally friendly throughout their lifecycle, from production to packaging. By focusing on sustainable packaging, we not only reduced our environmental impact but also provided customers with eco-conscious options aligning with their values.

Cost Efficiency and Sustainability

Balancing cost efficiency with sustainability required strategic planning. We implemented energy-saving measures and optimized production processes to reduce waste, lowering costs and minimizing our environmental footprint. Digitalizing HR processes and promoting remote work reduced costs and enhanced sustainability. By adopting a digital-first approach, we cut down on paper use and travel-related emissions. These practices demonstrated that cost efficiency and sustainability can coexist.

Several beauty companies worldwide have successfully integrated Green HR practices. For instance, L'Oréal committed to reducing its carbon footprint by 60% per finished product by 2025 through eco-design and sustainable sourcing. Similarly, The Body Shop focuses on community trade partnerships, sourcing ingredients sustainably and supporting local communities. These examples illustrate how the beauty industry can prioritize sustainability while maintaining cost efficiency.

The Role of Leadership in Driving Green HR

As the founder and CEO of Mysteeq, leading by example is essential. Emphasizing sustainability in every decision and fostering a culture of environmental responsibility throughout the organization has been key. One of the most important insights I've gained is the power of adaptability. The pandemic forced us to think creatively and find new ways to reach our customers and support our team. By staying flexible and open to change, we navigated challenges and continued to grow.

Additionally, I learned the importance of collaboration. Partnering with local suppliers and other small businesses not only helped us overcome supply chain disruptions but also strengthened our community. By working together, we created a resilient network that supported each other through difficult times.

Building a brand based on ancient Ayurvedic principles and modern plant-based extraction techniques, I’ve realized that our commitment to sustainability extends beyond product development. It’s about creating a holistic ecosystem where every stakeholder, from suppliers to customers to employees, is aligned with our green values. Furthermore, communicating our vision clearly and consistently has been crucial. Transparency with our team about our goals and challenges fosters a sense of shared purpose and collective effort.

Mysteeq is proud to be Leaping Bunny certified, an internationally recognized certification for cruelty-free products. This certification means that none of our products are tested on animals at any stage of product development. The Leaping Bunny Program rigorously audits and verifies our entire supply chain to ensure that we meet cruelty-free standards. This certification reflects our dedication to ethical practices and aligns with our mission to provide clean, natural skincare without compromising our values.

The Future of Green HR Post-Pandemic

Looking ahead, green HR practices will become even more critical. The increased importance of remote work and digital tools will continue to shape HR's future. Businesses prioritizing sustainability will be better positioned for long-term success.

The beauty industry significantly contributes to pollution, with packaging waste alone accounting for over 120 billion units annually. At Mysteeq, our commitment to sustainability is ongoing. We offer refill services to reduce landfill contributions, allowing customers to refill containers at our refill centers. Additionally, our small-batch production ensures minimal waste and fresh products for resellers. These initiatives reflect our dedication to continuous improvement and environmental responsibility.

Global Best Practices in Green HR

Implementing digital recruitment processes reduces paper use and travel emissions. By hiring candidates with a strong commitment to sustainability, we ensure that our team shares our values. Providing training on environmental responsibility and sustainability practices is essential. Encouraging continuous learning about the latest in environmental sustainability helps our team stay informed and engaged. Going green and clean is Mysteeq's core philosophy, ingrained in every aspect of our training programs.

Establishing green teams to lead sustainability initiatives and conducting regular environmental audits encourages employee participation in eco-friendly projects. We engage employees through initiatives such as tree planting, recycling programs, and sustainability challenges. These practices foster a culture of sustainability within the organization and empower employees to contribute to our environmental goals. Implementing energy-saving practices in office operations, such as using LED lighting and energy-efficient equipment, reduces our environmental impact. Encouraging remote work further decreases the carbon footprint associated with commuting.

Conclusion

Green HR practices are crucial for maintaining environmental sustainability and supporting employee well-being, especially during crises. Mysteeq's journey has shown that adaptability, local collaboration, and innovative thinking are key to overcoming challenges and achieving sustainability goals. The benefits of green HR extend beyond environmental responsibility. They enhance business resilience, employee satisfaction, and overall performance. We encourage other businesses to adopt green HR practices for a sustainable future. By prioritizing sustainability and continuously seeking improvement, businesses can navigate challenges and thrive in a changing world.