Company: Maria fasziniert – THE Cosmetics Institute
Founder: Maria Loeffler
Date of establishment: September 1, 2023
Industry and company: Cosmetics & Wellness

What drives you? What is your motto?

What drives me professionally are the happy and grateful faces of our customers and the great feedback we receive every day. My motto comes from Charlie Chaplin: "Youth would be a more beautiful time if it came later in life." It's a humorous yet profound reflection on the passage of time and aging. But that's what my team and I are here for: we help you turn back the clock a little and look younger, more vibrant, and fresher.

What is your business about and what makes it special?

In addition to classic and medical cosmetic and wellness treatments, our Bio Fascial method is a unique selling point. This 100% manual treatment method stimulates deep skin layers, tightens facial contours, and smooths wrinkles. We are the original, Bio Fascial is our brand, and we train people in this wonderful method at the affiliated Bio Fascial Academy.

What are your first successes?

One of our greatest successes is that we have gained a large number of satisfied regular customers in a very short time who appreciate our exclusive treatments. And we feel a real sense of achievement when customers travel from outside the region for a treatment. The record so far is a customer who traveled from Berlin especially for a Bio Faszial treatment.

What is your professional background?

I have been working in the cosmetics industry for decades. The most important milestone was my training as a state-certified beautician in Wiesbaden.

What prompted you to start your own business?

The focus of my work changed after I completed my training as a fascia therapist. Traditionally, this method deals with the fascia in the legs, buttocks, abdomen... but the face was always ignored. Fascia training, Black Rolls, Rolfing, and other fascia formats have become popular worldwide. But none of these concepts addressed the face! I am now filling this gap with Bio Faszial, myofascial facial contour remodeling. Bio Faszial now accounts for the lion's share of my cosmetic treatments.

Who advised you, who are your helpers and mentors?

My greatest source of inspiration, motivation, and encouragement was and is my husband, who fortunately has a strong professional background in innovation management. In addition, friends and industry experts were a great help to me in developing the overall concept and building the brand.

How did you experience your first days as a founder?

It was an exciting time to open the beauty salon and welcome the first customers. After a phase of intensive work in which everything was organized, it was now time to "hit the ground running." And, of course, it was super exciting to see if and how the concept would be accepted.

What was your biggest challenge and how did you overcome it?

Visibility, visibility, visibility! The biggest challenge was to quickly establish ourselves as a start-up in the cosmetics landscape of Wiesbaden. Or also, to use social media marketing correctly without burning money unnecessarily.

How do you draw attention to your company? What is your best marketing idea?

A lively Instagram account, a compelling website with good SEO, and, of course, word of mouth. And now my car is also covered in stickers and advertises for my team.

How did you finance your start-up?

100% own funds

What dream would you still like to realize?

Instead of my professional dream, I share my vision: "Maria fascinates – establishing DAS Kosmetikinstitut as the top address for holistic beauty care and non-invasive facial rejuvenation in Wiesbaden and the surrounding area."

If I had more time, I would...

... spend more time in my studio and paint more. I am a passionate artist.

What is your special tip: What would you recommend to founders?

Authenticity and passion are the keys to success. And don't be afraid to ask for help.