BeeRelief is a company focused on taking the research I did on Beeswax and Propolis for wound-healing properties to develop, manufacture, and sell skin regeneration and healing creams for human application. This makes it an exciting area to apply my research and patent in a product. This blends the two sides of academic research interest and actual entrepreneurship.

The pioneering company in the skincare and cosmetic field with natural propolis (a main ingredient) based cream as well as beeswax that has been known to have healing, antimicrobial, and moisturizing abilities

Presentation and Funding

I presented my business plan to Stellar Pride, Inc. (for business strategy), Beyond Design Inc. (for product design), and WemakeCosmetics Inc. (for contract manufacturing). Through this, I successfully secured initial funding from angel investors, made a business plan, and set up my product line.

Product Manufacturing

I collaborated with WemakeCosmetics to develop a propolis-based skincare product, HealNest, with ingredients including purified water, glycerin, propolis extract, and beeswax.

Product Design and Concept

I refined the product’s concept and packaging to meet market needs, focusing on appealing to skincare enthusiasts who prioritize high-quality ingredients.

E-Commerce Platform

I launched the product on Naver SmartStore, Korea's largest e-commerce platform. Due to its market dominance and effective tools for small-scale sellers, this decision was made.

Initial Sales

The first batch of products was sold out, generating over $3,000 in sales. I successfully launched the second batch and generated an additional $1,000 in sales.

The revenue from the sales of products was donated to pediatric cancer centers such as Korea Pediatric Cancer Foundation and  Korea Childhood Leukemia Foundation.

This experience has taught me how to integrate scientific research into business, providing a tangible product reflecting my wound-healing research. Throughout the process, I learned how to:

1. Develop and refine a business idea based on scientific research.

2. Present a business plan and secure funding.

3. Collaborate with industry partners (design and manufacturing) to bring a product to market.

4. Manage business operations on an e-commerce platform.

5. Give back to the community by donating part of the proceeds to animal welfare organizations.

This combination of research, business strategy, and social responsibility reflects my holistic approach to entrepreneurship. By turning research into a product and supporting a passionate cause, I understood the business ecosystem comprehensively, from idea generation to sales and philanthropy. 

BeeRelief has done pretty well in its opening product launch, but I want to take the business further by extending our assortment of products and penetrating larger markets. 

My future plans include the expansion of the product line, which will develop an extensive line to be made utilizing propolis and natural resources, including lotions and balms plus serums for different types of skin (e.g. anti-agning).

Scale to Other Major E-commerce Platforms: Currently, we have launched on Naver Smarstore; I want to scale wider by listing the products also in other major e-commerce platforms, including Coupang and Kurly so that more users within Korea can access them. The firm will also look into international markets, including Southeast Asia, to identify new growth areas.

Cooperation and Innovation: We will cooperate with cosmetic R&D companies to jointly re-applicate natural ingredients so that our product will always be kept on top of skincare and health.

Collaborations with Welfare Organizations: We will expand the brand's social responsibility by sustaining its efforts to donate product proceeds to other children's cancer centers and hospitals and partnering with various welfare organizations. 

BeeRelief has implemented these strategies to successfully increase customer acquisition, expand the types of products they offer, and support important social causes.