What does it take to build a global brand—starting from your kitchen? In this episode, I sit down with Fardad Moayeri, Principal and Chief Esthetics Officer at Parissa Laboratories Inc., a Canadian success story nearly 43 years in the making. From immigrant beginnings and selling at community markets to landing on shelves at Shoppers Drug Mart and Loblaw, this is a masterclass in resilience, retail execution, and staying relentlessly close to the customer.
In this episode of The FEED powered by Loblaw, recorded in North Vancouver, host Michael LeBlanc sits down with Fardad Moayeri, Principal - Chief Esthetics Officer, Parissa Laboratories Inc., to explore a classic Canadian entrepreneurial journey—from immigrant startup to globally recognized natural beauty brand.
Parissa Laboratories, now approaching 43 years in business, began out of necessity. Moayeri’s mother, a highly educated chemical engineer, struggled to find employment after immigrating to Canada in the early 1980s. Faced with limited options, she turned to a traditional Persian sugar wax recipe, producing and packaging products at home with her family before selling them at local markets and stores.
What followed is a story of persistence, adaptability, and disciplined growth. Built literally “store by store,” Parissa scaled alongside the evolution of modern retail—transitioning from independent shops to major partners like Loblaw and Shoppers Drug Mart. Today, the company operates globally, with distribution across North America, Europe, and Asia, while maintaining a focused niche in natural hair removal products.
At the heart of Parissa’s success is an unwavering commitment to customer intimacy. From early days conducting in-store demos to today’s direct engagement through digital channels, the company has prioritized understanding real consumer pain points—often outperforming larger competitors who rely on expensive market research. This connection has fueled product innovation, education, and brand loyalty.
Moayeri also shares candid insights into the realities of scaling in retail. From supply chain readiness and category positioning to the financial pressures of onboarding major accounts, he emphasizes that success requires more than a great product—it demands operational excellence and deep alignment with retailer expectations. His advice to entrepreneurs is clear: understand your category, prepare for rapid growth, and never underestimate the complexity of retail execution.
Beyond business fundamentals, the episode highlights Parissa’s broader purpose. Rooted in values of ethics, sustainability, and community, the company continues to invest in local manufacturing, support new Canadians, and prioritize long-term impact over short-term gains.