Shannon Klingman is the founder and CEO of Lume, a successful line of all-natural deodorants and personal care products. In just a few short years, Klingman has grown Lume into a multimillion-dollar company that is changing the personal care industry.
This article will explore Klingman’s background, how she came up with the idea for Lume, the growth and success of the company, and her estimated net worth.
Shannon Klingman Early Life and Career
Shannon Klingman was born in 1978 in the Midwest. She was raised in a tiny town in Illinois as one of five children. Klingman went on to Monmouth College to study business and play tennis after graduating from high school. In 2000, she received her business degree.
After college, Klingman relocated to Chicago and began working in sales and account management. She has worked for organizations such as JWT, Ford, and Pepsico.
During this time, she became highly successful, earning a six-figure salary. Klingman, on the other hand, felt unfulfilled by just selling items in which she did not believe.
In 2007, Klingman decided to establish her own business selling things she designed. This inspired her to start a firm called Means of Production, which makes natural household cleaning and personal care products. Klingman effectively managed this corporation for numerous years.
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The Idea for Lume
Klingman developed the idea for Lume in 2018, when she was 40 years old and suffering from hyperhidrosis, a medical condition that causes excessive perspiration. She tried a variety of natural deodorants but was unable to locate one that worked properly.
Klingman saw a market need for a natural deodorant that was both effective and free of harsh chemicals. She chose to use her experience in the personal care sector from Means of Production to launch her own brand of natural deodorants that actually worked, even for people with hyperhidrosis.
After collaborating with cosmetic chemists and conducting experiments, Klingman created a formula for Lume deodorants, including mandelic acid as the active ingredient. This chemical acts as an antibacterial to prevent odor, but it is gentle and safe.
Launching Lume
In 2018, Klingman launched Lume and planned to launch the brand. Klingman’s initial funding came from his own savings as well as contributions from friends and relatives.
Klingman introduced Lume online first, selling directly to customers via the company’s own e-commerce website. This gave her authority over the messaging and marketing for the brand she’d created. Lume made $60k in sales in its first month.
Lume’s goods and brand swiftly gained popularity among people looking for an effective natural deodorant. The company has received media coverage in publications like Forbes and Shape, which has helped to increase brand recognition.
Growth and Expansion
Lume effectively increased its product portfolio and distribution channels, releasing new items in 2019 such as deodorant wipes, soap, and body wash. This allowed the corporation to better capitalize on its Lume brand.
Lume began selling in Target stores across the country in 2020. Getting on the shelves of a large national retailer was a significant accomplishment for the young company.
Lume’s international expansion began in 2021, when it launched in Canada. The brand was also sold at CVS and Rite Aid shops.
Lume’s direct-to-consumer e-commerce sales are up 90% year over year. The company now has more than 300,000 dedicated monthly subscribers.
Lume has also established an in-house fulfillment facility to improve inventory and order fulfillment.
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Lume’s Success
Lume already has over 1 million customers and expects to generate more than $40 million in revenue by 2021. The company is one of the top ten natural deodorant brands and the most sought-after deodorant on the internet.
Lume’s success is fueled by:
- An effective, one-of-a-kind product that addresses a previously unmet consumer need.
- Strong branding and message for efficacy and safety.
- Omnichannel distribution, from direct-to-consumer e-commerce to large stores.
- Repeatable sales from subscription consumers.
- Media coverage in major periodicals.
- Word-of-mouth and user/influencer recommendations.
Shannon Klingman Leadership & Management
Klingman, as CEO, has demonstrated outstanding leadership and business acumen in propelling Lume to such quick growth.
Leadership Style:
- Passionate about the brand and product.
- Focused on hiring the appropriate talent
- Open communication and transparency.
- Enables employees to drive results.
Management Priorities:
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Investing in research and development and product innovation.
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Developing an effective marketing plan.
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Leveraging consumer information and trends.
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Expanding distribution routes.
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Improving operations and supply chains.
Personal Life
Shannon Klingman lives in the Chicagoland area, where Lume is located. She and her husband, Matt, have two small children.
Klingman maintains a great work-life balance and devotes time to her family. She participates in humanitarian activities in Chicago, serves on nonprofit boards, and donates to causes that she believes in.
Shannon Klingman Net worth
Shannon Klingman, the company’s founder and CEO, owns a large investment in Lume. Although Lume is still privately owned, it was recently valued at more than $300 million.
Shannon Klingman net worth is estimated by Forbes to be more than $100 million as a result of Lume’s spectacular rise. As the company grows, her net worth is sure to increase.
Klingman has not sold any Lume shares and remains committed to expanding the brand’s reach and recognition. She has stated that her motivation stems more from developing a successful company than from the money itself.
