StartUp Lab Stories: Marianna Labib and Maribelle Beauty

By Alex Kinsella

One thing that’s clear to our team is that no two founders are alike. Each one brings a unique set of experiences to the table that helps them along their entrepreneurial journey.

Marianna Labib, founder of Maribelle Beauty, is a perfect example of this. Maribelle Beauty is a venture focused on creating sustainably-made beauty products. What makes this venture choice interesting is that Labib isn’t pursuing a degree in business or marketing. Instead, she is studying Human Rights at Wilfrid Laurier University and a Bachelor of Laws degree at Sussex University.

Using beauty for empowerment

Labib said she was inspired to pursue a career in human rights during her first year studying at Laurier. During her studies, she decided to look into a venture to help spark conversations on issues she felt weren’t being discussed enough.

“I was learning so much that I knew I had to do something about it. I always had an interest in business, and I wanted to mix the two worlds together,” Labib said.

Maribelle Beauty is a social enterprise that works to raise awareness of gender-based violence and domestic abuse. The company name combines her name and Belle, her mother’s name.

“The goal is to use beauty as an empowerment tool for women,” Labib added.

The venture has created handmade beauty products, including lip gloss and body oils. Labib is responsible for creating the product formulations and manufacturing. She also sources the ingredients and packaging for the products. Labib said a core value for the venture is to ensure they use ethically sourced ingredients.

“As a brand, it’s critical that we live our values. Everything we use is ethically sourced—and there's often a meaning behind who we choose,” Labib said.

Entrepreneurship isn’t just for business students

As a student at Laurier, Labib said she had heard great things about StartUp Lab. Once she had the concept for what would become Maribelle Beauty, she decided to pitch it to the team and apply.

“It was great because you don’t have to be a business student to qualify. I applied and met Jason (Whalen) and the team. He was the first person to believe in me and give me an opportunity to bring this to life,” she said.

Labib added that throughout her StartUp Lab experience, the mentors were always there to help guide her through challenges.

“They helped me so much with encouragement and motivation. They helped me see the qualities I didn't know I had. I thought not being a business student might be a disadvantage, but it also helped me be more open to learning,” Labib said.

Finding your entrepreneurial voice

Labib has one more year of studying in Sussex before she returns to Laurier to complete her Bachelor of Arts in Human Rights. After graduation, she said she plans on continuing to grow the brand. She added that her studies are helping her find her voice, much like the Maribelle Beauty brand works to give a voice to those suffering from gender-based violence.

“As I'm advancing in my academic career, I find that I have more authority and understanding in these issues,” she said.

Labib wants other students—whether at Laurier or elsewhere—to know that entrepreneurship is an option, no matter what degree or path you pursue.

“You never know what is going to come out of the situation. Put yourself out there because there are so many qualities within yourself that you haven't discovered yet.”

Want to get involved? Ask us how at startuplab@wlu.ca.