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The Anti-Amazon Entrepreneur: How Kate Assaraf Built a 7-Figure Brand Without Ads
Manage episode 498380363 series 3449140
In this episode of Investing to Win, Garret Wong chats with Kate Assaraf, the founder of Dip Sustainable Hair Care, to uncover how she built a wildly successful plastic-free brand by going against every marketing norm — no Amazon, no influencers, no ads. Kate shares her journey from a plastic-conscious mom to a purpose-driven CEO who champions small retail, authentic customer care, and human-to-human commerce.
Timestamps:
[00:00:00] Introduction:
Garret introduces Kate and previews the unique journey of Dip — a brand built on values, not algorithms.
[00:01:38] Topic 1: The Plastic Wake-Up Call
Kate explains how a book during pregnancy sparked her obsession with reducing plastic exposure — and why beauty products became her battleground.
[00:04:25] Topic 2: Building High-Performance Sustainable Haircare
She reveals the development of Dip’s conditioner bars, how they save users hundreds annually, and why performance matters just as much as sustainability.
[00:06:53] Topic 3: Word-of-Mouth Over Ads
Kate discusses why Dip has never run a single ad and how a community of real customers powers its growth — one referral at a time.
[00:21:18] Topic 4: The Decision to Stay Off Amazon
Kate breaks down her bold refusal to sell on Amazon and how that choice supports hundreds of small eco-shops across the U.S.
[00:31:50] Topic 5: Digital Pollution & the Return to Human Commerce
She and Garret reflect on the dangers of “digital slop” and the need for real, offline, trust-based shopping experiences.
[00:42:42] Interview with Guest:
Kate opens up about motherhood, entrepreneurship, and the intentional decision to scale slowly and stay present with her family.
[00:45:10] Key Takeaways:
Success isn’t about hypergrowth — it’s about freedom, fulfillment, and designing a business that aligns with your values.
About the Guest: Kate Assaraf
Kate Assaraf is the founder of Dip Sustainable Hair Care, a plastic-free brand committed to high-performance haircare that’s good for people and the planet. A 20-year veteran of the beauty industry, Kate launched Dip in 2021 and has scaled it into a 7-figure brand without ads, influencers, or Amazon. She’s been featured in Allure, Cosmopolitan, BYRDIE, and was named a “Woman of Courage” by Insigniam Quarterly for her bold leadership and consumer advocacy.
Mentioned in this Episode:
- Boys Adrift by Leonard Sax
- Dip Sustainable Hair Care
- Fair – Wholesale platform for small retailers
- Refilleries (local zero-waste shops)
- Ugg Boots Founder Story
- Spanx – Sarah Blakely
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