The success of a business can be achieved not only by men but also by women, and Anie Roulot is a vivid example of this. Ottawa Future shares more about the University of Ottawa graduate who managed to start a successful business.
Who is Anie Roulot?
Anie Roulot is the founder and CEO of The Unscented Company. In 2022, she was awarded the Trudeau Medal, an honor bestowed upon distinguished alumni of the Telfer School of Management. The award is named after Reverend Father Roland Trudeau, former Director of the University of Ottawa’s Department of Commerce (1950-1965). Anie Roulot exemplifies a strong leader in the field of sustainable entrepreneurship.
It’s worth noting that Anie Roulot grew up in a family of entrepreneurs, so from an early age, establishing her own business was a clear goal. In one interview, she mentioned that she learned to be confident in her abilities early on.
In 1992, Roulot earned a Bachelor of Commerce from the Telfer School of Management, after which she joined her family business, Hydrocom International. By 2011, she held prestigious roles with Maclean Power Systems and Société de Gestion du Commensal, a company that supports the operation of energy infrastructure.
The Story of The Unscented Company
Anie Roulot’s journey and the company she created at age 42 demonstrate a blend of successful business and ecological responsibility. In 2016, she founded her own company, which offers a range of natural, eco-friendly personal care and household products without added fragrances.
Several key factors contribute to the University of Ottawa graduate’s success.
- Family Values, Responsibility, and a Drive for Success: Growing up in a family of entrepreneurs, Roulot was motivated to achieve from a young age.
- Quality Education: Roulot acquired the knowledge and skills necessary to start her own business, thanks to her education in finance from the Telfer School of Management.
- Environmental Responsibility: The Unscented Company focuses on producing natural, eco-friendly products that minimize environmental impact, offering simple and accessible ways for people to lead more sustainable lives.
- B Corp Certification: This certification attests to the company’s high standards of transparency and social responsibility. Roulot aims to reduce environmental impact and maintain ethical operations.
The core values of The Unscented Company include transparency, inclusiveness, social and environmental responsibility. The company’s philosophy emphasizes fragrance-free products made from natural, plant-based, or mineral ingredients, promoting healthier and more productive environments.
Personal Qualities of the Entrepreneur
According to Anie Roulot, an entrepreneur should be willing to take risks and view rejection as feedback rather than a personal affront.
In 2021, The Unscented Company was recognized as one of Canada’s best companies by The Globe and Mail, ranking 105th, with a reported 2020 revenue of $5-10 million. The company has 16 employees, and its revenue growth over three years reached 526%.
Anie Roulot and her company serve as an inspiring example for other entrepreneurs aiming to start a business. The company offers simple solutions to encourage others toward a more eco-friendly lifestyle. Roulot hopes to inspire other female entrepreneurs to believe in their potential and launch their own ventures.