People’s Champion Finalist: Merumaya

Start-up name: Merumaya
Founder:  Maleka Dattu, 51
Started in: 2012
Based in: London
Business description: Skincare brand tackling the signs of skin ageing

The Merumaya story:

Following 30 years spent in the corporate world for companies such as Clinique and Lancome, mumpreneur Maleka Dattu “decided to fulfil her dream” and began creating her own skincare brand in the spring of 2010. Two years later, her idea –clinically-tested skincare with ingredients to help “prevent and perfect” skin ageing- was ready to take to market. After two years trading, the company has witnessed a series of successes from landing a deal with John Lewis and John Lewis online, to retailing with QVC; Merumaya’s last two QVC shows sold out in less than five minutes.

A mix of natural, nature identical and synthetic ingredients along with reasonable price points have been key to the start-up’s success with its ethos that “luxury, effective skincare should be reasonably priced”. Merumaya is also a keen champion of the ‘Made in Britain’ culture; Datta’s products are all created and manufactured in country and Datta is a passionate believer that there needs to be greater support of Great Britain’s “declining manufacturing industry and lacklustre economy”.

With orders coming in from across the globe, the skin brand has already amassed a number of fans who have embraced its concept – it has gained 6,000 Facebook fans, enjoys repeated press coverage and has gained support from the blogger community.

Datta’s own achievements have also not gone unnoticed, in 2013, on the back of her success, she was selected as a Marie Claire mentor for its Inspire & Mentor scheme providing business and career advice to six selected readers over the course of the year.

Why Merumaya made our 50:

An inspirational founder, expanding customer base and strong vote of confidence from some of the UK’s leading brands makes Merumaya a definite candidate for the Startups Awards People’s Champion.

Where to find out more about Merumaya:

Website: www.merumaya.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MERUMAYA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Merumaya