Bangn Body is a firm favourite among beauty enthusiasts and chances are you’ve seen the iconic yellow tube during your social media scrolling as it’s loved by beauty bloggers and influencers alike. Since the launch of the brand in early 2019, Bangn Body has released a number of products alongside its hero Firming Lotion and the brand is now officially stocked in Mecca.
While the success of Bangn Body might seem to have happened quickly, it’s something founder Priscilla Hajiantoni has been working on for years. Starting the brand’s official Instagram account long before the first product was ready, Hajiantoni has used social media as a way to communicate with customers.
“I started the Instagram account well before the product was ready,” Hajiantoni told TheLatch—. “It was like a mood board of images just to grow an audience. This definitely helped with the launch. Now, whenever we launch a new product, we not only rely on media attention or our marketing tools such as our EDMs but our social media platform is an incredible way to communicate with our customers.”
When it came to creating the now cult Firming Lotion, Hajiantoni had a number of boxes that needed ticking and she wasn’t going to put it out into the market until it was ready.
“We initially wanted to launch in December 2018 however the formulation wasn’t 100% so decided it needed more perfecting,” Hajiantoni said.
“I wanted to ensure my products over delivered and did more than what it said on the packaging. Creating products that were multi-purpose and that could be used in a variety of different ways was crucial for me.”
TheLatch— chatted to Hajiantoni about creating Bangn Body, how she balances her work and life and how she’s faring in Melbourne’s second lockdown.
Alexandra McCarthy: Hi Priscilla! Can you please tell me a little bit about how Bangn Body came about? What inspired you to create a natural firming lotion?
Priscilla Hajiantoni: Bangn Body took over two years to conceptualise prior to launching in March 2019. I was always interested in skincare and after suffering through my own skin struggles and not finding anything that worked for me, I decided it was time to manufacture.
Creating a natural, vegan-friendly skincare range that was purposeful was a non-negotiable. My mum always used natural skincare so for me it was an easy direction to take. I felt there was a gap in the market for firming and anti-ageing products, and as I was brought up being taught to look after my skin from such a young age (moisturise and SPF every day), I felt it was something I could bring to life and have people relate to.
“I felt there was a gap in the market for firming and anti-ageing products.”
AM: How did you find the process of starting the business? Were there moments where you doubted what you had started?
PH: Of course and I still do. I don’t think any business owner finds it a walk in the park but I wouldn’t change it for anything. For me, starting the ‘business’ dates back to when I was still working full time and then coming home and working on the back end of the product development, packaging, growing the Instagram and learning about e-commerce.
Then once I launched the product, it was about growing the team, scaling the business and ensuring we were listening to our customer. We are still learning every single day which is one of my favourite parts of my job.
AM: What were your non-negotiables when creating Bangn Body’s Firming Lotion?
PH: Results! As I was the consumer who couldn’t find something that worked, I wanted to ensure my products over delivered and did more than what it said on the packaging. Creating products that were multi-purpose and that could be used in a variety of different ways was crucial for me.
I have always been a less-is-more kind of girl, therefore I wanted to create clean and simple products that delivered results. I insisted the product be vegan, cruelty-free and natural with the packaging being 100% recyclable to reflect the brand’s ethos and core values. Essentially, good for you Australian ingredients that are also good for our planet.
“I wanted to create clean and simple products that delivered results.”
AM: Let’s talk about the packaging because it’s so aesthetically pleasing while being plastic-free. Was that something you had in mind from the very start of creating the product?
PH: Yes absolutely, it was something I spent over 12 months researching to ensure I sourced something that was going to align with the sustainability ethos of the brand. For Bangn Body, ensuring that we were 100% recyclable was a non-negotiable. The aluminium tube is 100% recyclable right down to the cap and is completely BPA free with eco-friendly dyes.
We also ship all our customers orders in 100% recyclable boxes and our ‘Thank You’ cards are also recyclable and made in Australia. We are super conscious of eliminating single-use plastic and have also created our luxe tube keys which allows you to get every last drop out of your Bangn Body tubes to minimise waste and maximise results.
AM: Bangn Body seemed to pop up and gain popularity super quickly. The reality is never like that though. How long did it take to get the brand off the ground and to develop the first product?
PH: Close to three years! I started the Instagram account in early 2017, and during that time was speaking to manufacturers, graphic designs, considering my packaging, setting up our e-commerce platform. A lot went on behind the scenes prior to our launch.
We initially wanted to launch in December 2018 however the formulation wasn’t 100% so decided it needed more perfecting. Bangn Body physically launched to the consumer in March 2019. Even getting our first media mention took us time, although people think we are now everywhere a lot of work has gone into that over time.
AM: What are the realities of running your own business? How do you manage to keep a work/life balance?
PH: Great question! I am still working this out along the way. My partner Jake is very supportive and generally, on the weekends, this is when I love to see and connect with family and friends (when we aren’t in isolation!) I try to stay off my phone as much as possible when I am with them as this can be a big distraction. In saying that, my business is my passion and hard work and dedication only assists in the growth. The more people I can help the better so the late nights and long hours are all worth it.
AM: Why do you think it is about Bangn Body that has really struck a cord with so many people?
PH: Our customer results really do speak for themselves. Our customers have been the pioneers and have truly lead the way in creating the community we now have. I think the fact that people have found a product that can help a variety of different skin concerns, be used in multiple ways and be suitable for all skin types, whilst heroing natural Australia botanical ingredients resonates in a way that perhaps has never been seen before. Bangn Body is truly a brand that is for the customer and I think that has really shone through our incredible results and testimonials we receive.
“Our customers have been the pioneers and have truly lead the way in creating the community we now have.”
AM: How has social media played a role in the success of Bangn Body?
PH: Immensely! As I mentioned I started the Instagram account well before the product was ready. It was like a mood board of images just to grow an audience. This definitely helped with the launch. Now, whenever we launch a new product, we not only rely on media attention or our marketing tools such as our EDMs but our social media platform is an incredible way to communicate with our customers.
We also get feedback on social media more than we do emails, so we find it is a place to connect. Our social media platforms allows an avenue to engage with our community and connect on a more personable level. We always want to be accessible to our consumers, so maintaining a transparent and constant presence on our social media is one of our main priorities.
AM: Could you tell me a little bit about your approach to beauty? What’s important for you when it comes to the products you use?
PH: Keep it simple. As you might know, Bangn Body is all multi-purpose. Every product is designed to be used on the face and the body and they also have dual purposes and uses. For example, our Firming Lotion is a body and face moisturiser, makeup primer, spot treatment, hand cream and can be applied with a thicker layer and be left on as a mask to then massage in for an extra boost of hydration.
Our Smooth Skin Scrub is also a mask and scrub, which if you leave on, will help to draw our impurities, and detoxify the skin — perfect for a Sunday self-care pamper day! I believe skincare can be simple and super effective, so it was important to me to simplify our customers’ skincare routine and ensure that they had one product that could tackle so many concerns.
AM: What did you do before launching Bangn Body? How has this helped with the creation of the brand?
PH: I worked in corporate before deciding to follow my passion with launching Bangn Body, and whilst I learnt lessons throughout those years that I’m sure I will use for the rest of my life, I knew it wasn’t where I was meant to end up. Having worked in very structured and I suppose restrictive environments, I always felt I had more to give but never had the opportunity to do so.
This has certainly helped shape the kind of environment I want to create for my business and my growing team. I value inclusivity and the idea of working collaboratively as a team. Throughout the years I have learnt a lot which has shaped the person I am and the leader I want to be. I truly believe everyone is built for greatness – just need the right platform to shine.
AM: The last few months have undoubtedly been rough for everyone. How have you been prioritising your health (both mental and physical) during this time?
PH: Absolutely! 2020 really has been such a whirlwind for so many. I am actually currently in Melbourne during our second lockdown so it has been a challenge, to say the least. This year has very much been about learning and being ready to change direction at any point.
For me, as a director, it has also been about communicating not only to my staff but to our customers. Transparency is a trait I hold in very high regard therefore always being open and honest is something I have found to be crucial during such a challenging time.
I have also found this time to be more suitable than ever to provide our customers with the most purposeful, relatable and positive content to ensure we are creating an outlet for our customers to feel a sense of happiness and peace given the current circumstances. Regardless, it has actually been really nice connecting to our customers in a different manner and helping each other through.