As part of the Morning Lazziness series highlighting empowering women who are making a remarkable impact with their ideas, I had the pleasure of interviewing Lynn Power.
Lynn Power is a seasoned advertising executive turned entrepreneur, with over two decades of experience leading some of the world’s most iconic brands. As the former CEO of J. Walter Thompson New York, she worked with industry giants including Clinique, American Express, Hershey’s, L’Oréal, and Campari, shaping global campaigns and building brand legacies.
In 2018, Lynn transitioned from advertising to entrepreneurship, first launching a brand consultancy before creating her own company, MASAMI, a clean premium haircare line inspired by the botanicals of northeastern Japan. Since its debut in February 2020, MASAMI has become known for its ocean-safe, performance-driven formulas that blend sustainability with luxury.
Today, Lynn continues to combine her expertise in brand building with her passion for clean beauty, championing innovation and conscious consumerism while helping others bring their bold ideas to life
In this interview, she reveals the mindset shifts, bold moves, and lessons that helped her turn ideas into impactful online businesses.
What inspired your leap into entrepreneurship?
After almost 30 years in the advertising industry, I felt that I needed a change. I had worked my way up to CEO, but it’s not as glamorous as people think. My job was largely bureaucratic – HR issues, finance meetings, even a lawsuit. I decided it was time to get back to doing what I love – and why I got into advertising in the first place – building brands. What better way to do that than to build my own?
What core problem does your business solve?
We solve the #1 hair issue: hydration. When people complain about their hair being unmanageable, dry, frizzy or having a bad hair day, it’s usually because it’s not well-hydrated. We formulated our products to solve this for all hair types and textures – so people can love their natural hair.
What were the toughest obstacles you’ve faced as a woman entrepreneur?
Access to capital is the biggest issue. I had several negative experiences with investors ,not just because I’m a woman, but one actually said I was way too old to start a company. On top of that, I was diagnosed with a rare, aggressive, Stage 3 breast cancer in 2021, a year after my business launched. Needless to say, I’m still here.
When the going gets tough, what keeps you motivated?
I’m passionate about helping people trade up to cleaner beauty products – so important, especially after my cancer diagnosis. People don’t realize how many toxic ingredients are in their current products.
What daily habits have helped you stay focused?
I try to balance my work and life. I like my yoga classes. I enjoy taking the dogs out for a walk. Once I started using a social media scheduler (Marky), my busy work has gotten more under control.
What’s the most effective growth lever for acquiring new customers?
Partnerships! I launched the Power Beauty Collab in 2022 as a way for indie brands to help each other grow. We now have over 65 brands that are part of our collective, and we do pop-ins and co-marketing. This has been a cost effective way to acquire new customers and also accelerate learning and insights from other brands as to what’s worked and what hasn’t.
What branding decision had the biggest impact?
Providing products that help people maintain healthy hair and scalp has been our focus. We launched a scalp scrubber and hair towel and they have been fantastic for the business. It gives our customers a “system” to take care of their hair.
How do you define success?
As an indie self-funded brand, it’s easy to get caught up in the narrative around what success “should” look like. But I’ve worked hard to redefine it on my terms – are we growing (even just one dollar!), are we solving problems, are our customers happy, are we making the beauty industry more beautiful? As long as those are still true, we will keep going.
Can you share a mistake?
Just one? There have been many. We partnered with a salon on co-branded products. Then they changed management teams and were no longer interested. I was stuck with several thousand dollars of inventory I couldn’t use. A tough lesson.
What’s your best advice for women starting out?
Build a network you can lean on for support – including finding people with superpowers unique to yours. Also, don’t be afraid to ask people for help. Or for a favor. Men do this all the time! Don’t think you have to have everything perfect before you launch, you’ll end up pivoting several times anyhow.
How do you approach risk and innovation?
I believe in planting a lot of seeds and seeing which ones grow. This means constant experimentation, knowing not everything will work. But sometimes, it’s the unexpected tactics that take off.
If you lead a team, how do you foster a culture of trust and inclusivity?
I no longer lead a team with MASAMI, but it’s really about creating transparency and shared goals.
What were the top mindset shifts that helped you overcome self-doubt?
For me, it was learning to let go of things I couldn’t control. Have more patience. Be more forgiving. This opens you up to more opportunities and possibilities.
If you could spark a global movement, what would it be?
I’d want everyone to avoid toxic beauty products! We really need to be much more mindful of what we’re putting in and on our bodies.
What’s a quote that shapes how you lead?
“Beware, for I am fearless and therefore powerful.” Mary Shelley. Once you stop caring what other people think, you’ll find yourself liberated.
Where can our audience connect with you?
I’m easy to find. @lovemasamihair, and the website. And of course, LinkedIn.
