Elizabeth Davis: how I invented my own beauty products

Ex-engineer Elizabeth Davis formulated her own products in her spare time to gain an edge in the ultra-competitive beauty industry.

Elizabeth Davis © Shedavi
© Shedavi
(Image credit: Elizabeth Davis © Shedavi)

“As an engineer, Elizabeth Davis helped plan the construction of Porsche’s North American headquarters in Hapeville, Georgia, and was on the team that built the MGM Casino at the National Harbor in Washington DC,” says Elaine Pofeldt in Forbes. But when she wasn’t working on these grand projects, Davis, 34, spent her time on a more humble pursuit: her hair. “In a perpetual quest for longer locks, Davis would mix up natural elixirs and other products she made with herbs, essential oils and Ayurvedic products at her home.”

Ayurveda, the traditional Hindu system of medicine, is based on the idea of balance in bodily systems and applying herbal treatments for wellness. Davis (pictured) would test her recipes on herself and friends, and when she found they worked to her satisfaction, she turned her passion into a side business called Shedavi in 2014. Alongside her full-time job it took her two years to develop the product, branding, and to organise the basic things she needed for the launch.

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Nic studied for a BA in journalism at Cardiff University, and has an MA in magazine journalism from City University. She has previously worked for MoneyWeek.