For natural cosmetics brand SILMACHY an incubator is a motivating community

SILMACHY is a family-run business enthusiastically and lovingly established by pharmacist Marta Šulce. The company offers environmentally friendly and sustainable cosmetics produced in Baldone from natural ingredients, purposely avoiding any synthetic or polluting material. Marta believes that self-care is possible without harming the environment, and this tenet is at the heart of the company’s philosophy.

SILMACHY joined the business incubator established by the Latvian Investment and Development Agency in Jūrmala in 2017. This became a turning point in the company’s development. “As a pharmacist, I had no previous experience in business, so the support provided by the incubator was crucial,” Marta explains. “My time there was inspiring and motivating, I was able to learn from knowledgeable experts and gain new ideas through a community of like-minded people.”

Marta especially highlights the incubator environment, where entrepreneurs could share their ideas and experience. “The incubator was a community of new entrepreneurs where there was always someone to talk to or ask for advice,” she explains. “It was very motivating, especially if you have few people in your inner circle who know the ins and outs of business. Moreover, it was an opportunity to meet with like-minded individuals and see them grow – that also helped me find new inspiration.”

Over the course of four years at the incubator, the company underwent significant changes. From a one-woman-show SILMACHY transformed into a team, its turnover grew, and brand changed. In collaboration with experts at the incubator, a website for the company was created which today serves as the main tool for expanding into exports. Marta notes that the lectures, seminars, and meetings with experts organised by the incubator provided the necessary basic knowledge to successfully shape her company.

Marta reveals that society is increasingly looking for sustainable products, and that translates into broad development opportunities for the company. For example, in Sweden, people especially appreciate not just the quality of the products, but also their recyclable packaging. 

Today, SILMACHY products, which include shampoo and conditioner bars, soap, lip balm and other skin-care products, are being exported to Scandinavia, Western Europe and even the United States. However, 90% of the company’s products remain in the Latvian market where they are beloved by individual customers and small retailers. The company is especially proud of its eco-friendly packaging made of glass, aluminium and paper, some of which can even be composted domestically.

Since 2024, the Business Incubation Aid Program has been implemented by LIAA representative offices in Latvia and any company up to the age of 5 operating in the supported sectors can apply for the programme.

This article has been produced with financial support from the European Regional Development Fund, Small and Medium Enterprises Programme, Incubator Subproject.