We recently had the pleasure of interviewing Kristina Rasmussen, CEO & Founder of The Heart Company, a brand aimed at promoting empathy, compassion, and social connections via vegan perfumes and beauty products. Kristina has a strong background in operational leadership, strategy, and people development which allows her to effectively combine these areas in her practice.
An executive who seeks ways of inclusion and social impact, Kristina also speaks upon the role of beauty business, social responsibility, and personal growth as a whole. Kristina has international work experience in the luxury industry and has lived in New York. In this session, she discusses her past career, her views on the industry, and how she intends to further her work to make it more compassionate with The Heart Company.
Spark Behind The Journey
We started the interview by asking, “Can you tell us about your professional journey and what led you to your current role?”
Kristina Rasmussen shared, “My journey as a person with a passion for communication and brand building has always been focused on creating a strong, value-driven beauty brand with a distinct brand DNA. As a working mom, I wanted to build something meaningful that reflects my values of authenticity and kindness.Launching ‘The Heart Company’ as a bootstrapped digitally-native venture, everything was started without external investors. This independence allowed me to shape a brand from scratch that fosters emotional connections and uplifts individuals. Ultimately, our mission is to celebrate beauty through love and kindness, making a positive impact in people’s lives.”
Worth-Sharing Business Moments
We were interested to learn more about the triumphs of Kristina Rasmussen’s beauty business. So, we asked, “What has been your business’s biggest achievement to date?”
Kristina Rasmussen replied, “Our greatest achievement has been cultivating a supportive community that shares personal stories of empowerment through our products. This connection reinforces our mission and brings our values to life. When customers and creators love our products and become raving fans, it’s the best proof of our concepts and reinforces our mission to celebrate beauty through love and kindness. We meet customers where they are, which is more and more on digital platforms.”
Fostering Strong Connection With Team
We further asked, “How would you describe your leadership style?”
“My leadership style is rooted in kindness, transparency, feedback culture, and empathy. I prioritize open communication and collaboration, especially in a remote work environment, ensuring everyone feels valued and heard. I make it a point to catch up with my team every day via phone, WhatsApp, or Zoom, often including a virtual coffee and laugh together to foster connection.” Kristina responded.
Celebrating Every Moment
To learn how Kristina ensures to constantly motivate her team, we inquired, “What strategies do you use to motivate and develop talent in your organization?”
Kristina Rasmussen added, “I actively support flexibility for working moms and encourage a balanced work-life environment. We foster creativity and personal growth while celebrating achievements within our diverse team.”
Redefining Businesses With AI
AI has been expanding its role across every industry. We asked Kristina, “What role do you see artificial intelligence or technology playing in this industry?”
“AI, especially for content creation and efficiency in work tasks, is transformative. It enables us to work faster and very efficiently.” She responded.
Envisioning The Future
Regarding her perspective on the upcoming times of her industry, we asked, “How do you envision the future of your industry?”
Kristina Rasmussen mentioned, “I envision a future where beauty is celebrated holistically, with a strong focus on sustainability, emotional well-being, and the integration of technology. Brands will need to align with consumers’ values of kindness and authenticity.”
Addressing Major Challenges
Challenges are an inevitable part of every business journey. To learn how Kristina Rasmussen overcame the same, we asked, “What have been some of the most significant hurdles you’ve encountered in your beauty business, and how did you address them?”
Kristina Rasmussen responded, “As a working mom and female entrepreneur, I faced numerous obstacles, including balancing family responsibilities with the demands of building an international business. Juggling these roles taught me resilience and the importance of time management. I prioritize daily deep work phases and my mental well-being. My supportive network has been crucial in overcoming challenges and driving the success of The Heart Company.”
Words Of Wisdom For Beginners
Addressing the beginners, we asked, “What is an excellent piece of business advice you have ever received?”
Kristina Rasmussen shared, “Lead with your heart – This has been pivotal, reminding me to prioritize kindness and authenticity in every decision, fostering deeper connections with our community.”
