How Jessica Petsalis created OVEV Wellness: 5 lessons for female entrepreneurs

In a world where self-care often takes a back seat to the demands of life, Jessica Petsalis, the founder of OVEV Wellness, saw an opportunity to create a brand that would make a difference.

Launched in May 2024, OVEV Wellness was born out of necessity and a personal journey that resonates with many women today.

Jessica’s story is one of resilience, determination, and the belief that women should never have to compromise on their wellbeing, no matter how busy life gets.

The inspiration behind OVEV Wellness

The inspiration for OVEV Wellness stems from Jessica’s journey through IVF, motherhood, and the ongoing challenge of balancing a dynamic lifestyle.

Like many women, she found herself struggling to maintain her self-care routines amid the chaos of daily life. The tipping point came when she tried to multitask at a hair salon, juggling her responsibilities as a mother while receiving an overpriced treatment that barely lasted 24 hours.

Frustrated by the lack of effective and affordable options, she knew there had to be a better way.

Walking into stores filled with products laden with harmful chemicals, she felt uninspired by the promises of results that often fell short.

The industry seemed to offer two extremes: expensive salon treatments or multiple products needed to address common hair and scalp issues, neither of which fit into her busy schedule.

Determined to find a solution, Jessica envisioned a wellness brand that would cater to women like her: busy, dynamic, and unwilling to compromise on their self-care.

OVEV Wellness is the result of Jessica’s determination to create premium, effective, and easy-to-use hair and scalp care products that fit seamlessly into a woman’s life.

With a focus on sustainability and simplicity, the brand’s flagship product, the OVEV Hair Masque, embodies this vision. It’s a multi-purpose solution designed to address common hair concerns like thinning, dry ends, and scalp irritations, all while being kind to the environment.

Tips for aspiring female entrepreneurs

Jessica’s journey offers valuable insights for other women looking to create their own businesses. Here are some key takeaways from her experience:

1. Identify a genuine need

Jessica’s journey began with a personal struggle — finding effective hair care products that fit into her busy life. By identifying a gap in the market and addressing a genuine need, she was able to create a brand that resonates with many women.

For aspiring entrepreneurs, the first step is to look for problems that need solving, particularly those that you have personally experienced.

2. Stay true to your vision

The creation of OVEV Wellness was driven by Jessica’s commitment to providing high-quality, sustainable products that are easy to use.

Despite the challenges, she stayed true to her vision and collaborated with a team of scientists for more than three years to perfect the formulation.

Aspiring entrepreneurs should remain steadfast in their vision and not compromise on their core values, even when faced with obstacles.

3. Simplify, don’t complicate

In a world full of complicated routines and products, Jessica recognised the need for simplicity.

OVEV’s Hair Masque is a testament to this, offering a multi-purpose solution that replaces the need for multiple products.

Entrepreneurs should focus on creating products or services that simplify their customers’ lives, making it easier for them to achieve their goals.

4. Embrace sustainability

Jessica’s commitment to eco-conscious practices is reflected in OVEV’s 100 per cent recyclable packaging and cruelty-free formulations.

In today’s market, consumers are increasingly drawn to brands that prioritise sustainability. Entrepreneurs should consider how their products or services can contribute to a more sustainable future.

5. Share your story

Jessica’s narrative is not just about hair care; it’s a story of resilience, motherhood, and the desire to make a difference.

Sharing your personal journey can create a deep connection with your audience and make your brand more relatable.

Aspiring entrepreneurs should be open about their motivations and the challenges they’ve overcome, as this can inspire others and build trust with customers.

The impact of OVEV Wellness

Since its launch, OVEV Wellness has quickly gained recognition, becoming a finalist in the 2024 She-Com Awards in the hair and scalp category. The brand’s focus on empowering women to embrace their true selves with confidence has struck a chord with many, and Jessica’s story continues to inspire others.

By partnering with other holistic wellness brands and offering perks to members of the Muse Pilates studio, OVEV is creating a community that values self-care and wellbeing.

For Jessica, OVEV Wellness is more than just a brand — it’s a movement that encourages women to prioritise themselves without compromise. As she continues to spread this message, her journey serves as a powerful example for other female entrepreneurs.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow your business, Jessica’s story is a reminder that with passion, perseverance, and a clear vision, anything is possible.

If you want to learn more about Jessica’s journey and OVEV Wellness’ products, visit their website or keep up with them on Instagram.