Livsstil • 03 March 2020
In homage to International Women’s Day of the 8th March, we’ve dedicated an entire month to celebrating all things female. From brand founders and product innovators to industry leaders, we take a look at the work, life and secrets behind some of beauty’s most successful females.
An engineer, physicist and beauty entrepreneur, Sharon has taken the world by storm with her genius invention - the DAFNI Ceramic Hair Straightening Brush.
Inspired by her desire to help busy working mums who don’t have much time in the morning, Sharon spent over three years perfecting the game-changing technology.
We caught up with Sharon to discover how she’s gone from engineer to entrepreneur in just a few short years.
What did you do before creating DAFNI?
Before creating DAFNI, I was an engineering and physics student. It’s safe to say I was the only girl in my class.
Tell us the story behind DAFNI?
The DAFNI story begins with a bad haircut.
My hair was cut really short - I looked like Hagrid from Harry Potter! So I bought a straightener to tame my hair and whilst using it I quickly noticed that I spent hours a week straightening my hair.
I had a conversation with my father who was a tech engineer and we discovered that the hair straightener technology has already been patented in 1909.
I just thought that my time was worth more, so we started playing with the idea of creating something better - so we started working on a brush.
I just thought that my time was worth more, so we started playing with the idea of creating something better - so we started working on a brush.
What qualities do think females need to have to survive in business?
To be disruptive in the beauty industry, you need to be authentic and your product needs to represent you.
For example, DAFNI for me represents the respect I have for my time and other women’s time. When something comes from an authentic place, you’re able to work through all the struggles that come with being an entrepreneur.
What makes DAFNI different to other straightening brushes?
Not only is DAFNI the original straightening brush, it’s also second to none when it comes to results. We’ve tested every brush on the market when it comes to performance.
Ultimately, you get less damage because the temperature of the brush stays constant, meaning there is less repetition and less damage.
It also has springy bristles which allow you to put the brush right on your scalp, even when it’s hot.
What does your average day look like?
It starts with my youngest waking me up and taking the kids to school - just pretty normal things.
In the office we do the most incredible things, we have different campaigns, different events and then there’s the part that’s my baby - the production and product pipeline and the new innovations that we’re always working on.
What are your biggest challenges?
A really big challenge is to stay consistent in what you do when you're not as sure. There are times when everything works out and then there are times when you question everything - it’s about persistence, showing up and believing in what you do everyday.
It’s about persistence, showing up and believing in what you do everyday.
What do you think the secret to success is?
Again, I think it’s really about connecting with who you are and doing things that make you feel good. When you do that you will always want to give more.
Knowing exactly who you are is the best thing you can do for your organisation.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
What I’ve learned throughout time is that everyday has an abundance of opportunities that are there for you to see, if you are looking.
Be optimistic and keep looking for the opportunities that you want and the best will come.
What’s the plan for DAFNI over the next 5 years?
We want to keep innovating for women, whilst respecting women’s time and experiences.
Ultimately, we want to make it easier for women to achieve things.
