Issaquah Small Business Goes Global with Help from SBA Funding
Inspired by his wife’s search for natural and effective skin care options, Bachir Abba founded Morgan Cosmetics in 2012 as a home-based business in Issaquah, Washington. Connecting with his cultural roots in Morrocco, Bachir suggested the use of argon oil and realized the opportunity to provide customers with natural remedies based on traditional ingredients.
Born and raised in a small village, Abba shared a one-room house with his mother and five siblings and was the only child fortunate enough to receive an education. With aspirations of becoming an entrepreneur, it was an opportunity that he seized and eventually moved to the United States to complete his master’s degree in International Business.
The company began with a desire to share the benefits of traditional remedies with customers far and wide, and to create a positive economic impact for the agricultural communities in Morocco, where he sources raw ingredients. Originally operating out their home kitchen, Abba soon faced challenges trying to introduce his products through local retailers who were either unable to source a new product or required extensive investments in shelf and display space.
It was at this time that Bashir learned of opportunities for financial support to attend international trade shows with the SBA State Trade Expansion Program (STEP).
“I became interested in exporting due to the challenges we were facing. When we learned that 95% of the world’s consumers live outside of the U.S., we became excited to showcase our products worldwide,” Abba said.
Utilizing the opportunities provided by STEP grant funding and the support of the Washington State Department of Commerce, Morgan Cosmetics was able to attend international trade shows in South Korea, United Arab Emirates, Brazil and Germany. As a direct result of this introduction to international markets, Morgan Cosmetics now reaches customers in nearly 10 countries across multiple continents, has created jobs for 16 employees, and has exponentially grown their annual revenues.
Additionally, as his company and customer base grows, Abba is eager to share what he has learned with other small businesses. He has provided guidance and distribution opportunities for several minority-owned businesses in the health and cosmetics industry, helping them to reach the same market opportunities that have helped Morgan Cosmetics prosper.
“Success to me is about partnership and inspiring others to grow globally,” Abba said. “As an American, you have the opportunity to achieve any goal you choose. With inspiration and commitment, everybody can do it.”