
In this episode of How They Scaled It, I sit down with Chaz Dean, the visionary founder behind WEN Hair & Body Care. From starting out as a photographer to launching a billion-dollar beauty brand, Chaz shares how he pioneered the cleansing conditioner category, defied industry norms, and stayed true to his values—long before clean beauty was trending.
He opens up about scrappy beginnings, getting burned early in business, developing a cult product in secret, and how a moment with Oprah changed everything. Whether you're a founder, beauty lover, or just into big brand stories with heart, this episode is a masterclass in trusting your gut and scaling with authenticity.
00:13 Introduction to How They Scaled It
00:36 From Photographer to Hairstylist
03:37 Early Hustle and Building Confidence
06:47 Why He Ditched Shampoo for Good
10:48 Creating His First Product (and Getting Underpaid)
15:04 Buying His First Salon and Changing the Game
17:55 The No-Lather Revolution Begins
21:58 Educating Clients and Perfecting the Formula
27:17 Naming WEN and Launching the Brand
33:52 Getting on QVC and Reaching the Masses
36:29 Celebrity Fans, Oprah’s Endorsement, and the Tipping Point
41:34 Trust, Confidence, and the Big Break
44:27 Staying Authentic in a Flash-in-the-Pan Industry
50:45 What Makes WEN Endure
52:18 Final Thoughts and Takeaways
Connect with Courtney:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtney-wasserburger-14543519/
Website: https://rightleftagency.com/
Connect with Chaz Dean:
Website: https://chazdean.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chazdean/