Timing is often everything

Pod Organics launched online for the first time in March last year and then officially launched to the retail sector at the Naturally Good Expo 2021 in May with great success. The business, which produces organic, sustainable and ethically sourced skincare products for the whole family, has been reaping the rewards ever since.

“We got a number of new leads from the show which have converted into stockists which has been fabulous so early on in the business,” says Lauren Harrison, who co-founded the brand with her mum Kerrie. “For a small start-up growing their business, it can be hard to tap into a wide range of new leads. However, we’ve been successful in now partnering with a number of retailers that we met at the show – a mix of distributors and direct retailers across bricks and mortar stockists and online.”

Lauren said the leads were diverse, ranging from large retailers to smaller health food stores. Additionally, numerous naturopaths and natural therapists also expressed interest recommending Pod Organics products to their clients.

“Many visitors were not only interested in inquiries for their retail stores but also for themselves personally. A number have now become regular customers. Overall, we were extremely impressed by the number and quality of leads at the show and have also continued to follow up on warm leads.”

The benefits of exhibiting as a startup

Lauren says attending Naturally Good so close to their launch online had been incredibly beneficial as they’d been able to form relationships with retailers and get their message out early. “It enabled us to showcase our products and introduce the brand to a really targeted group of visitors, whilst allowing us to get an understanding of what the industry, retailers and consumers really want.”

At the show, Pod Organics launched their first product range for adults and kids – Sweet Pea & Me – including their All Over Nourishing Balm, Organic Face & Body Oil, Organic Baby Bath & Massage Oil, Natural Uplifting Mist, and Natural Calming Mist. The range has been designed to provide luxury products in to everyday skincare and self-care essentials, while soothing and calming the skin.

Lauren says the company was first conceptualised in April 2020 and is the culmination of her life’s quest to find a natural solution to treat her sensitive skin conditions but still gave her, as a mum, a luxurious experience.

“Throughout my life, both before and since having children, I have experienced several irritating skin and health conditions. Now my little ones have developed minor skin irritations. I understand how important it is to know what you are putting in and on you and your baby’s body.

Not just another baby brand

“The expo gave us the opportunity to show that the brand isn’t just another baby brand, but one that is about creating products that are multi-purpose, organic, vegan, and lavender free but that still provide the high end feel that many mums crave and would want to use themselves.

“It also provided the opportunity to introduce our hero ingredient, blue tansy. We have used this instead of lavender to create a range that is calming and relaxing but a little different to other products on the market. By using blue tansy as our essential oil base, we have been able to create a range of products for people who are allergic or sensitive to lavender, which is gender neutral. We also feel it’s something really special and different.”

Lauren says with skincare and self-care, face-to-face interactions are important as they allow people to touch, feel and smell the products. “You can also have a really in depth and engaged conversation with people and help them experience the brand.

“As a brand founder, to be able to engage with our customers and retailers at a personal level is so important. For us, Pod Organics is so much more than just a product-based business. We really want our community, both in retail and online, to feel that we are there with them, understanding their pain points and bringing them products, advice and information that is relevant and timely.”

As a result of their positive experience, Lauren said the business had now booked a bigger stand for the 2022 expo.

“People really took the time to learn about what we had to offer. The calibre of visitors was very high and targeted to the industry. We found this made such a difference to our experience and has really help set us on the right path in our first year of operation.”

Interested in exhibiting? Naturally Good returns 6-7 June 2022, at the ICC Sydney. Speak to a member of our team today for more exhibiting information.