Carol Cardoso from Kučeravé.sk: An investor will help you stop playing around and start planning big
In the new episode of the Biznislab podcast, host Daniela Marušková delved into the fascinating story of the brand Kučerave.sk with its founder Carol Cardoso. Her journey from personal change during the pandemic to a successful family e-commerce business that secured investment on a television show offers valuable lessons on strategy, community building, and the importance of thinking big.
From a Hobby Project to a Main Business in a Year
The story of Kučeravé.sk began with a small yet personal change: Carol decided to stop straightening her hair. From this simple step came the idea for an e-shop that filled a gap in the Slovak market. Carol, who studied international business and marketing, put her theoretical knowledge into practice from day one. Just a few months after launching, she knew it was no longer just a hobby – it prompted her resignation to fully dedicate herself to the growing brand.
A Strategy That Believes in Content and SEO
Unlike many start-ups, Carol focused on quality from the beginning. "Content was fundamental for me," she says. Her strategy was based on the belief that organic traffic is crucial in the long term, so she invested in SEO optimization and quality texts. The goal was clear: customers were not only to shop on the site but "also find answers, inspiration, and advice". To the strong organic foundation, effective PPC campaigns and social networks were later added, where the brand spread awareness.
Synergy of Online and Offline: Salon as a Place of Trust
After two years of operating the e-shop, Carol faced an important strategic decision. Instead of immediate expansion into foreign markets, she chose to expand the business with another service: a specialized hair salon for curly hair. This decision proved to be an extremely effective step. The salon became not only a place of service provision but also a community center and a place of trust-building, which naturally supports the sale of products from the e-shop and strengthens the brand in the offline world.
An Investment That Forces You to Think Big
The year 2025 brought another milestone – obtaining an investment in the TV show Jama Levova. Securing external capital is a huge step that changes the company. "The investor asks a lot of questions. You have to be prepared for any questions, from financial details to how you plan to grow," explains Carol. This pressure and in-depth questions taught Carol to "think differently." The investment helped her leave the "hobby mentality," kickstart more efficient processes, and make data-driven decisions, opening doors to opportunities she hadn't considered before.
From the First Idea to Success
The story of Kučeravé.sk is an inspiration for everyone who combines e-commerce, community building, and a personal story. It is proof that even with two small children, a strong family business that attracts investors can be built from a hobby project.
You can listen to Carol's entire story, from the first idea during the pandemic to the investor's entry, in the Biznislab podcast.
