A Wānaka-based beauty entrepreneur is taking the next step with an equity crowdfunding offer with the goal of raising $2M to help fund expansion.

Kester Black founder Anna Ross created her ethical beauty brand in 2014 and after success in the Australian and New Zealand markets, she now aims to accelerate its expansion into the US and Europe. 

Anna was born-and-bred in Otago and last year she moved from Melbourne to Wānaka.

The Kester Black company offers vegan, sustainable and cruelty-free, certified carbon neutral beauty products like lipsticks and nail polishes, which have won 27 global awards.

The move from a big city to a small town has been a fairly smooth transition for both Anna and the business and going global is a big undertaking but “Wanaka has everything and everyone we need,” she told the Wānaka App. 

Kester Black’s revenue has grown 53 per cent over the past year.

“Apart from the occasional trip to Cromwell to pick up time sensitive deliveries from Mainfreight, everything is fabulous,” Anna said. “We love our NZ post driver Anna, she's super efficient, responsive and lovely to work with. 

“Overall, the customer service we are receiving here is of much higher standard than anywhere else in the world where we do business. And being able to sneak off early to ski outweighs any of the challenges.” 

The clean beauty industry, part of the broader commercial wellness movement, is projected to generate nearly $22 billion globally in 2024, up from $11 billion in 2016, according to Statista.

Kester Black’s revenue has grown 53 per cent over the last year and will expand its product range as part of its global growth plans.

The brand is already partnering with high-end retail stores Liberty London (UK) Dover Street Market (France) and Nordiska Kompaniet (Sweden).

“The bigger retailers have caught onto the fact that consumers want brands that are sustainable, have clean formulas and ethical products,” Anna said. 

Funds from investors will go towards stock, infrastructure, product and packaging development and marketing.

“An equity crowdfunding campaign is an opportunity to introduce the Kester Black brand beyond our customers and the beauty industry,” Anna said. 

“We are excited about the opportunity for investors to become part of the Kester Black growth journey.”

PHOTOS: Supplied