Gold Rush Fall 2020 Founder Spotlight: Cindy Wang and Maria Ho, Co-Founders of Blackwood for Men
Cindy Wang and Maria Ho are the Co-Founders of Blackwood for Men, a company that elevates the essence of the modern man with multi-functional grooming products from Japan that naturally cleanse, restore and protect men’s skin and hair. The Gold Rush Founder Spotlight Series showcases the Gold Rush 2020 Accelerator Program Founders that will be featured in our upcoming online sale from November 27 — December 1.
Company Overview
What inspired you/your team to create your company?
In 2014, we noticed two trends converging among young American men: a move towards more sophisticated grooming routines, and a growing focus on wellness and natural products. While these trends were about to redefine the American market, they had long ago existed in Asia, where many men had already embraced more specialized products and grooming routines. So, we partnered with one of the best skin care manufacturers in Japan to create a new line that would merge Japan’s high-quality formulas with American sensibilities to meet the rapidly refining needs of American men.
Men in this emerging market still put a priority on value and convenience so we set out to create multi-functional formulas with natural ingredients in a clean, modern package that would control costs without sacrificing quality. The end result is a unique line of Japanese-inspired premium men’s grooming products without the premium price, made for men who appreciate simple luxuries and want to feel healthy and refreshed after a hard workout or a night out.
What distinguishes your company and product in the market?
Every Blackwood For Men product comes with its own Botanical Boost to not only cleanse but also restore and protect their skin and hair at the same time. The formulas help to reduce inflammation, aid healing, and prevent damage. They are designed to help men do more with less — less time, less trouble, and less cost than other premium products. We put an emphasis on Japanese botanical ingredients like Tsubaki Oil, Panax Ginseng, Swertia Japonica, and Tanakura Clay that are renowned overseas for their natural benefits but are not found in the current skincare market.
Our brand embraces sustainability, responsibility, and giving back. Along with supporting veterans and front-line healthcare workers, for every bottle of HydroBlast Moisturizing Shampoo purchased, we donate to The Maalgo Project providing clean water to the communities in Ghana, Africa.
The Founder’s Journey
Has being of Asian descent played a role in your success, or has it ever been a challenge?
Cindy: Absolutely. My parents always wished on a stereotypical career path for me of a doctor, a lawyer, or an engineer but I ended up on a completely different path due in part to my rebelliousness and personal interest. From that decision, I’ve always landed myself on a more Creative and Marketing path which led me to where I am today in co-creating a unique Men’s Grooming line.
Maria: Being Asian has allowed me to connect with my heritage on a deeper level. My experience and exposure to the culture has led to a greater appreciation for its beauty. The beauty of Japan is so beautiful, exquisite, and pure, and I wanted to bring those elements of beauty to Blackwood for Men. It was important to me to make it accessible and incorporate it into the daily lifestyles of our brand.
Tell us about a major milestone in your life that forced you to pivot. What did you learn?
Cindy: After years of working in a corporate environment towards someone else’s goals, it finally hit me that the only change and success will come from my own actions. It was a big step to move away from the stability of what a corporate job provides, but creating and working on our own brand is so much more satisfying.
If you could share a meal with anyone in the world, who would it be, where or what would it be, and why?
Cindy: Anthony Bourdain in any small mom and pop eatery off the beaten path. Travelling is so important to me for personal growth so I want to hear more stories from someone who’s traveled around the world.
Maria: Forget dinner, I just want to have dessert and cocktails with Kris Jenner. Wherever she likes. I think she’s legendary.
The Journey Ahead
Tell us about one of your core values and how it influences the way you plan to scale your business.
Cindy: Caring about people. We care about the people in our company like our own family, caring about our customers and making sure we provide them with good ingredients and knowledge.
Maria: Thoughtfulness. Thoughtfulness in the ingredients, in the packaging, paying attention to the needs of modern men. I believe: what you put in, you get out. If you put the good stuff in, you get the good stuff out.
What are you most excited about in the next year for your business?
Maria: I’m most excited about seeing how the overall landscape will change. The market was changing quickly, with the current pandemic, everything has changed even more. We’re all looking forward to how we can create and provide new products to the new needs of the market.
To meet more of our Gold Rush Fall 2020 Founders visit our Medium page and subscribe to our newsletter at www.goldhouse.org/subscribe. Blackwood for Men will be featured in the Gold Rush online sale along with our other Founders that begins November 27 at www.goldrush.market.
