Brand Philosophy & Values - Vega emphasizes authenticity, purity, and honesty in skincare, challenging the industry's reliance on artificial preservatives and incomplete label information [3][7] - The brand prioritizes building relationships with customers, focusing on their individual skin concerns rather than solely on market demands [10][11] - Vega values conviction over comfort, encouraging individuals to break free from perceived limitations and pursue their own unique paths [15][16] Business Strategy & Growth - Vega initially focused on handcrafted, natural formulations, even without "perfect" packaging or synthetic fragrances, defying conventional beauty standards [4][5] - The company experienced organic growth through word-of-mouth marketing, highlighting the importance of customer advocacy and loyalty [8][11] - Vega prioritized people over profits, leading to a loyal customer base and demonstrating that building strong relationships can be more valuable than rapid scaling [12] Overcoming Challenges & Industry Norms - The founder faced skepticism and judgment for using edible ingredients and for not conforming to standard cosmetic industry practices [5][6] - Vega challenged the notion of "perfect" skin and the pressure to use skin-whitening products, advocating for self-acceptance and appreciation of natural beauty [6][9] - The brand defied the pressure to scale rapidly, choosing instead to focus on building strong customer relationships and maintaining its core values [10]