This week, we are talking to Jess Lewis, the entrepreneur who created the Glowly Sonic Toothbrush, the first toothbrush of its kind in Australia. Jess conceived the toothbrush with the idea that oral hygiene had the potential to be luxurious and fun rather than being a clinical and daily chore. As such, this electric toothbrush was designed to exude style without compromising on performance.
ISB: What led you to venture into the tooth-whitening business?
JL: I have always had a passion for hair and beauty, having first started working in the hair industry as an apprentice when I was 16. I then wanted to further expand my skill set and develop other skills to help people feel confident, so I went into professional makeup and then teeth whitening in 2020, where I found my real passion in teeth whitening.
ISB: How did your experience in the hair and beauty industry help transform your business into what it is now?
JL: It has definitely given me the passion to help people feel confident and beautiful within themselves. I love how something non-invasive can really transform the way someone feels. After you finish a whitening treatment you can really see a glow of confidence with a simple transformation.
ISB: What makes Glowly Sonic Toothbrush stand out from the other toothbrushes in the market?
JL: It was developed to be a luxury, high-end toothbrush giving people the benefits and features you can expect from a $250+ toothbrush. Our 200-day battery life is a really unique feature, as well as the way we have been able to develop a second attachment for the toothbrush to turn it into a sonic cleansing tool for your skin.
ISB: How do you balance your roles as an entrepreneur and a mother?
JL: It is really hard, the juggle never gets easier. But I have learnt to prioritise certain times of the day and different days of the week to really time block and get clear on the tasks I will set for those days, whether it’s a working day or a day with the kids.
ISB: What is your vision for Glowly in the next couple of years?
JL: My biggest goal for Glowly is for it to land in a major beauty retailer like Mecca or Sephora. I feel like the oral care industry is still so unrecognised, so it is my mission to show people how oral care can be part of their self-care routine and I would love for the major retailers to get on board with this.
ISB: If there is one piece of advice that you believe every aspiring entrepreneur should take to heart, what would it be?
JL: I would say that starting your own business is a marathon, not a race. You really have to pace yourself, and with that being said – go at your own pace and don’t compare yourself to anyone. You have to have patience.
