A Founder's Diary | Takeover from Katarina Kupcikova (Zūka Essentials)

Welcome to A Founder’s Diary! Every night, I grab a cup of peppermint tea, light a candle, and journal about my day. This newsletter is a summary of those thoughts and pages.

My goal is to demystify entrepreneurship by showing the behind the scenes of being a founder along with lessons learned, strategies, health and wellness tips, resources, and much more.

In this edition, we’re excited to feature Katarina Kupcikova, founder and CEO of Zūka Essentials, a London-based body care brand focused on creating intentional, high-quality products that elevate self-care.

Meet Katarina!

Hi everyone, I’m Katarina, the founder of Zūka Essentials. At Zūka, we believe self-care is more than just a routine, it’s a way to connect with yourself and prioritize what truly matters. Our products are crafted with 100% organic, non-toxic ingredients, including carefully selected essential oils and a focus on pearl powder, a centuries-old beauty secret that seamlessly fuses science and nature.

Zūka Essentials was born out of a desire to bridge the gap between efficacy and mindfulness in wellness products. I wanted to create something meaningful that inspires people to slow down, take care of themselves, and embrace rituals that make them feel their best.

What I've been working on

At Zūka, we’ve launched three core products so far, and each one has been crafted with meticulous care. Now, we’re in the final stages of testing a new product that I’m incredibly excited about. Balancing innovation with our commitment to quality is always a priority. Alongside this, we’re moving into a larger manufacturing space to support our growth and exploring partnerships with boutique hotels. For me, these milestones are more than just business decisions, they reflect our mission to create products that are both intentional and transformative.

Lessons I've Learned

1. Embrace the Power of Storytelling

One of the most important lessons I have learned is the value of sharing your why. For me, Zūka Essentials was inspired by my own skin struggles with acne and my love for body care products. While exploring different products, I noticed many contained unnecessary oils that clogged my pores and left my skin feeling heavy. I wanted to create something different, products that absorbed well into the skin, delivered the incredible benefits of essential oils, and offered a relaxing or uplifting experience depending on what you needed most. Sharing this journey has allowed me to build a loyal and engaged community. People resonate with authenticity, so do not shy away from telling your story because it is often what inspires others the most.

2. Progress Over Perfection

I’ve had to learn to let go of the idea of perfection. Entrepreneurship is a series of experiments, and mistakes are inevitable. Instead of fearing failure, I’ve embraced it as an opportunity to learn and improve.

3. The Importance of Saying ‘No’

As a founder, it’s tempting to say yes to everything, but I’ve found that focus is key. Saying no to things that don’t align with your vision or values creates space for what truly matters.

Mental Health & Wellness

My morning routine has become my anchor, meditation and a cup of tea to ease into the day. One meditation I always return to is the 35-minute Morning Guided Meditation for Abundance & Gratitude. It helps me center myself, cultivate positivity, and start the day with a clear and focused mind.

Movement is another cornerstone of my wellness routine. Whether it’s a pilates session, a long walk, or a quick stretch, I use that time to disconnect, recharge, and refocus. If there’s one piece of advice I can give, it’s to schedule your wellness time like any other meeting. Prioritizing yourself isn’t selfish; it’s essential for showing up fully for others and achieving your goals.

Life as a founder often feels like a juggling act. For me, it comes down to focusing on four key areas: wellness, relationships, business, and family. At the end of each week, I ask myself: “Did I give each one the attention it needed?” Looking back on 2024, my answer is a confident yes—though there’s always room for improvement. One thing I’ve realized is the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people. It’s not just about finding like-minded individuals but those whose energy and values align with yours. Often, the people who truly resonate with you may not be who you initially expect.

What I'm reading and listening to

?? Some of my favorite reads include From Atoms to Ang, The World According to You, and Many Lives, Many Masters, a book that has deeply influenced my perspective. These works have encouraged me to reflect on life’s bigger picture and the importance of staying present. Recently, I’ve been exploring Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself and Becoming Supernatural by Dr. Joe Dispenza. Both books delve into the power of mindset and the ways we can transform our lives through intentional thought and action.

?? On the podcast front, How I Built This by Guy Raz is always a go-to for inspiration. I also enjoy Dr. Peter Attia’s podcasts, which offer fascinating insights into health, longevity, and personal optimization. Listening to these has been a great reminder to stay curious, keep learning, and embrace the journey.

Resources

London (UK) is buzzing with opportunities in the wellness and beauty industry as we head into the new year. One standout organization is The Beauty Triangle, which hosts incredible events focused on health, wellness, and aesthetic beauty. Their events bring together industry experts and thought leaders to discuss the latest trends and timeless practices in beauty and self-care. If you’re ever in London, I highly recommend checking them out—they’re a must-attend for anyone passionate about holistic well-being.

Melissa Wood Health: This app has been a game-changer for my daily at-home Pilates workouts and meditations. Melissa’s approach is simple yet transformative, making it easy to incorporate movement and mindfulness into even the busiest of days.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share my journey with this amazing Founder's Diary community. If there’s one thing I hope you take away, it’s that success is as much about the inner journey as the outer one. Whether you’re building a brand, a career, or a personal passion, stay true to your values and trust the process.

If you’d like to connect or learn more about Zūka Essentials, feel free to reach out. Let’s continue to support and inspire each other as we create lives and businesses that truly make a difference.

With love,

Katarina

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