Kristen Fracassi, founder and owner of Root and Splendor, and finalist in the 2023 NIQ Founders Pitch Slam, unintentionally embarked on her entrepreneurial journey. As a mother of four boys, she was driven by her desire to provide the best products for her children. Frustrated by the lack of safe and effective laundry care products, Kristen devoted five years to research and development, ultimately creating Root and Splendor.

What sets Root and Splendor apart is Kristen’s commitment to natural ingredients that are safe for people and the planet. Her collaboration with chemists and specialists ensured that her products met premium standards. Third-party testing confirmed their effectiveness, allowing Kristen to approach retailers with confidence.

Despite numerous challenges, including a lack of entrepreneurial experience and the need to navigate shipping logistics and supplier relationships, Root and Splendor remained self-funded and focused on quality.

For aspiring entrepreneurs, Kristen’s advice is clear: don’t give up. The road is challenging, but perseverance pays off. Networking is critical, as each connection can lead to unexpected opportunities and deeper relationships. Kristen’s journey from a concerned mother to a successful business owner demonstrates the power of passion, persistence, and the right insights in transforming a vision into a thriving business.

Watch Root and Splendor in the 2023 NIQ Founder’s Pitch Slam