It’s not every day when you witness a 16-year-old girl-boss. Alia Osman, founder of Egyptian candle business Gammbaz, spoke to ELLE on starting her business at 13, and how she went on to impress the investors on the entrepreneurial TV show Shark Tank Egypt.
The brand distinguishes itself through a range of eco-friendly products, each available in an extensive selection of 80 aromatic scents. With a formula that stands out from anything in the market, Osman made sure to use soy wax in her candles, as opposed to the traditional paraffin wax, which can be toxic.
Soy wax, Osman claims, is not only more eco-friendly but also multi-purpose. “My candles are 2 in 1 products; when melted, the wax doubles as a moisturizing lotion at the same time.”
THE FIRST STEPS
The business launched back in 2021 with a capital of 10,000 EGP on loan from her father, which she successfully settled in two months. “My father is a great advocate for small businesses, so it’s no surprise where I got the entrepreneurial spark.”
The 16-year-old student also manages everything in her business from A to Z; from making the candles to customer service and online marketing. “I really enjoyed every step of the journey,” Osman says to ELLE, adding that Gammbaz aspires to go global.
“My parents were very supportive as they always encouraged me and my brother to start our small businesses at a young age,” she tells us. Above all else, the young entrepreneur has also managed to maintain perfect grades at school. She would organize her days equally between her growing business and her school work.
Everything about the business is a part of Osman’s life, including the name. Inspired by the nickname her father called her when she was little, the entrepreneur adopted it when it was time for business.
SWIMMING WITH THE SHARKS
Gammbaz became an overnight sensation across various social media platforms following her captivating appearance on Shark Tank Egypt, where she left a lasting impression on the judges, particularly after revealing her young age. Reflecting on her experience, she concluded, “It was truly surreal! The show provided invaluable exposure for my brand.”
She also commended the professionalism, support, and guidance of the show’s dedicated team, “The team behind the show is exceptionally professional and supportive, and I gleaned a wealth of knowledge.” Despite battling initial nervousness on the day of filming, Osman’s apprehensions dissipated as the majority of the Sharks expressed genuine interest in her business. Ultimately, she settled on their investment proposal of 500,000 Egyptian Pounds for a 25% stake in her venture.
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When asked about her post-graduation aspirations, Osman confirmed to ELLE her unwavering commitment to maintaining her entrepreneurial endeavors. “Without a doubt, I intend to persist as a business owner. My ambition is to build my own empire and avoid getting caught in the corporate rat race.”
Following her college graduation with a degree in either architecture or chemistry, Osman envisions propelling Gammbaz into international markets, with a fervent desire to support and motivate individuals of her generation to “pursue their dreams.”
LIGHT A CANDLE FOR GOOD
“A scent leaves a memory.” Osman refers to her brand’s slogan saying it’s not always a happy memory for everyone, especially for those who were burnt in a fire. “Since I started, I’ve been donating part of my sales to ‘Ahl Masr Foundation’ which offers free treatment to trauma and burn victims in Egypt.”
Osman wanted to change the narrative for some of those who had an unpleasant memory of fire, so she hired some of the burn victims to work in the production of her candles.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR GAMMBAZ?
Having launched a new line of body mists, we asked Osman about the potential expansion of her product range. In response, she intriguingly remarked, “I have numerous ideas for new products, but I prefer to keep them a delightful surprise for our valued customers.”
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The brand’s momentous impact wasn’t confined to the Sharks; her unyielding ambition and compelling presence have captivated us all. Overnight, Gammbaz‘s followers on Instagram surged from a mere 3,600 to an impressive 92,000. The anticipation is palpable as we eagerly await the aromatic journey that the scents will traverse in the upcoming years.
