Episode 8 of the Women’s Stories Program features Majd Zboon, founder of Jodie Co, a Jordanian beauty brand that combines affordability with high-quality results. In this episode, she reflects on her transition from a career in finance to entrepreneurship, the challenges of building a business from the ground up, and the importance of resilience, strategy, and community engagement.

Majd Zboon and Building a Brand
Majd Zboon began her career in accounting and finance, earning a master’s degree and ranking among the top students in the country. After several years of professional experience, she found it increasingly difficult to balance the demands of her career with family life following the birth of her children. This led her to reconsider her path and ultimately pursue entrepreneurship.

Determined to build something of her own, Zboon began saving money and even sold her car to fund her business idea. In 2020, she launched Jodie Co as an online-based beauty brand, initially navigating significant uncertainty and relying on trial and error to establish herself in the market. After approximately seven months, she made the decision to leave her full-time job and fully commit to growing the business.

Entering the beauty industry presented several challenges. The market was highly competitive and, in many areas, dominated by men, requiring her to adapt quickly and learn how to navigate professional relationships in that environment. She also recognized early on that managing every aspect of the business alone was unsustainable. Building a team became essential, and today, Jodie Co employs seven women in addition to working with freelancers.

Zboon emphasizes that one of the most important lessons she learned was the need for financial preparedness. Unexpected costs, such as shipping and operational expenses, made it clear that an emergency budget is critical for new businesses. She also highlights the importance of delegation, noting that trusting others with responsibilities is necessary for growth, even when it is difficult to step back from a project that feels deeply personal.

As a woman entrepreneur, Zboon encountered skepticism, with some assuming that her business was supported by external funding or personal wealth. Despite this, she stresses that perseverance is key, particularly in the early years. She identifies the first five years as a crucial period in which entrepreneurs must remain committed despite slow progress or uncertainty.

Beyond profit, Zboon places strong emphasis on social responsibility. Jodie Co actively participates in community initiatives, including providing specialized beauty packages for cancer patients, supporting orphans through school supplies and mentorship, and distributing aid during Ramadan. For her, building a brand is not only about financial success but also about reputation, impact, and maintaining a human-centered approach.

After five years of consistent effort, Zboon describes 2025 as a turning point when the business began to see significant growth. Reflecting on her experience, she underscores the importance of marketing, advising that it should constitute a substantial portion of a company’s budget. She also emphasizes the value of understanding customers on a personal level and maintaining strong relationships with them.

Despite economic challenges and a saturated market, Zboon encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to persist and assert themselves. Her journey illustrates that success is built through long-term commitment, adaptability, and a willingness to take calculated risks.

Episode Link: من الفكرة إلى الشركة: رحلة شابة أردنية اختارت الريادة طريقًا لها | موقع عمان نت

This program is prepared by Ataf Al-Rodan.

This podcast segment was prepared by our colleague Hadeel Al-Saabi.

The Women’s Series Program is funded by IMS.