Biography of Jon Shanahan: Founder & CEO of Stryx Cosmetics -Entrepreneur
Biography of Jon Shanahan:
Journey to Entrepreneurship
Jon Shanahan's career took many interesting turns, from
technology to retail, and finally to entrepreneurship. He had always been
interested in design and video work since his high school days, but his natural
inclination to do things on his own led him to establish his own path. Despite
not excelling in academics, Jon was voted "Class Clown," reflecting
his unconventional nature. This rebellious spirit eventually drove him to found
a career that aligned with his interests and passions.
Founding The Kavalier
Before diving into the world of men’s cosmetics, Jon created
The Kavalier, a website and YouTube channel focused on men’s fashion. His goal
was simple: to help men look better, feel better, and live better. Through The
Kavalier, Jon began to build a reputation as a fashion expert for men, offering
reviews and guidance on what to wear and how to improve one’s style. His
insights were well-received, and it was here that Jon honed his skills for
marketing and content creation, setting the stage for his next big venture.
Transitioning to Stryx
Jon’s journey took a major turn in 2019 when he co-founded
Stryx, a brand dedicated to men’s cosmetics. He teamed up with Devir Kahan, who
reached out to Jon for help in marketing a product that would change the men’s
beauty space. Jon, with his expertise in marketing and branding, became deeply
involved in developing Stryx, a brand aimed at giving men cosmetics that
catered specifically to their needs. This was an entirely new venture, one that
combined his passions for business, marketing, and beauty.
Pioneering Men's Cosmetics
Stryx’s mission was clear: to introduce men to the world of
cosmetics in a comfortable and approachable way. The brand’s first product, a
concealer tool designed to cover up unsightly zits, was a game-changer in the
men’s grooming industry. By launching this product, Stryx helped break the
stigma around men using cosmetics, a concept that had been largely unexplored
before. Jon’s work with Stryx made him a key figure in transforming how men
approach personal care and grooming.
A Successful Shark Tank Appearance
One of Jon’s dreams was to appear on Shark Tank, and in
2021, he saw that dream come true when Stryx was featured on the show. Jon and
his team raised $600,000 for a 10% stake in the company, which was a
significant achievement. This exposure helped solidify Stryx’s position in the
market, boosting its visibility and credibility. Jon’s appearance on Shark Tank
was not only a professional milestone but also a personal one, fulfilling his
long-standing aspiration.
Taking the Brand to Retail
As the Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer at Stryx, Jon
led the charge in expanding the brand into major retail outlets. Stryx products
made their way into big names like CVS, Target, Nordstrom, and Urban
Outfitters, marking a pivotal moment for the brand. This expansion represented
Stryx’s growing influence and its appeal to a broad market, allowing it to
reach a diverse audience and secure a spot in mainstream retail.
From E-Commerce to In-Store Presence
Jon’s expertise in digital marketing played a key role in
driving Stryx’s success. He spearheaded content marketing across social media
platforms, websites, and TikTok. The focus on engaging content helped Stryx
connect with its target audience and build a strong community online. This was
complemented by the strategic retail partnerships that allowed the brand to
increase its presence in both online and physical stores.
Shaping the Marketing Strategy
At Stryx, Jon was responsible for overseeing all aspects of
the marketing strategy. This included everything from sales tactics to
go-to-market strategies. He worked closely with his team to craft compelling
messaging that resonated with men and positioned Stryx as a trusted brand in
the grooming industry. Through innovative campaigns, Jon ensured that Stryx
stood out among its competitors.
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Overcoming Challenges in the Cosmetics Industry
The men’s cosmetics industry was not without its challenges,
particularly with regard to changing perceptions. Jon’s work involved educating
consumers about the benefits and necessity of cosmetics for men, which had not
been widely accepted in the past. Through marketing and education, he worked to
break down barriers and normalize the idea of men using products like
concealers and grooming tools.
Embracing the "Do Your Own Thing" Mentality
Jon’s career has been shaped by his desire to do things his
way, a mentality he adopted early on. Whether it was creating The Kavalier or
founding Stryx, Jon was always looking for ways to innovate and push
boundaries. He didn’t conform to the typical career path and instead chose to
carve out his own niche. This “do your own thing” attitude has been a defining
feature of Jon’s entrepreneurial journey.
Marketing Stryx with a Personal Touch
Jon’s personal connection to the Stryx mission was another
driving force behind its success. He believed in the products he was marketing
and used them himself. This personal connection gave him the authenticity
needed to engage with his audience. By sharing his own experiences with the
products, Jon was able to foster trust and build a genuine connection with
consumers.
The Importance of Having a Vision
One of Jon’s key lessons in entrepreneurship was the
importance of having a vision. The success of Stryx can be attributed in part
to Jon’s ability to see the potential in a market that was largely ignored. By
recognizing the untapped opportunity in men’s cosmetics, Jon and his team were
able to create a brand that resonated with a new demographic. His vision was
integral in guiding Stryx toward success.
Overcoming Setbacks and Celebrating Wins
Jon acknowledges the challenges and setbacks that came with
starting Stryx, but he also celebrates the wins. From getting products into
major retail chains to landing a spot on Shark Tank, Jon has experienced both
highs and lows in his entrepreneurial journey. Through it all, he remains
focused on his mission to provide men with the tools they need to look and feel
their best.
Looking Forward to the Future
As Jon continues his work with Stryx and other ventures, he
remains committed to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the men’s
cosmetics industry. He looks forward to expanding Stryx’s reach, innovating new
products, and continuing to help men feel more confident in their own skin.
Jon's journey has just begun, and the future looks bright for him and Stryx as
they continue to make waves in the grooming and cosmetics world.
Timeline for story
High School: Jon's early interest in design and video work
began.
Before 2017: Created The Kavalier, a men's fashion website
and YouTube channel.
2019: Co-founded Stryx, a men’s cosmetics brand.
2021: Appeared on Shark Tank and raised $600,000 for Stryx.
2021-Present: Expanded Stryx products into retail chains
like CVS, Target, and Nordstrom.
