Entrepreneur, inventor, and sustainability advocate Zuly Matallana received a royal title when she was crowned the "Queen of Shower Caps" on Despierta América, one of the most influential and widely watched Spanish-language morning television programs in the world.
For millions of viewers across the United States and Latin America, Despierta América is the equivalent of Good Morning America—a trusted source of news, inspiration, entertainment, and stories that celebrate entrepreneurship, innovation, and community impact. For nearly three decades, the program has connected Hispanic families with the people and ideas shaping their world.
Being featured on Despierta América is a significant milestone for any entrepreneur.
For Matallana, the recognition celebrated not only her patented TIARA Sustainable Shower Cap but also a journey defined by resilience, innovation, and purpose.
Born in Colombia and later immigrating to Canada, Matallana built her career through determination, hard work, and a desire to create products that improve people's lives. Her entrepreneurial journey began with a simple frustration: disposable shower caps that were uncomfortable, ineffective, and destined for landfills after only a few uses.
Instead of accepting the status quo, she decided to create a better solution.
After years of research and development, she launched the patented TIARA Sustainable Shower Cap, a reusable innovation designed to bring comfort, performance, and sustainability to an overlooked everyday product. The innovation later earned a U.S. utility patent and gained national attention through a successful appearance on Dragons' Den Canada.
What began as a simple idea has since become a sustainability success story.
Today, more than 50,000 TIARA Sustainable Shower Caps have been sold across North America, helping prevent an estimated 20 million disposable shower caps from entering landfills. Designed to last for years, the product embodies Matallana's belief that sustainability starts with products that last.
One memorable example came in 2024 when entrepreneur and Dragons' Den UK star Sara Davies appeared in a video wearing the same TIARA Shower Cap she had received two years earlier. For Matallana, it was a powerful reminder that the most sustainable products are often the ones that continue performing year after year.
During her Despierta América appearance, Matallana shared more than her business success. She spoke directly to entrepreneurs and small business owners, offering a message of hope and perseverance.
Reflecting on the challenges faced by entrepreneurs during the pandemic and beyond, she encouraged viewers to remain positive, adaptable, and committed to their vision.
Her message was simple yet powerful: challenges are temporary, but purpose endures.
Throughout her career, Matallana has faced obstacles that would have caused many people to give up. Yet she believes that adversity often creates opportunities for innovation, growth, and impact. That mindset helped her transform a simple shower cap into an internationally recognized product and later expand TIARA into the wellness industry.
Inspired by the loss of her grandmother Alicia and aunt Ruth to breast cancer, Matallana launched TIARA Natural Deodorants in 2023. Today, the award-winning deodorants are helping families across North America make healthier choices through transparent, effective, and sustainable personal care products.
Whether through a patented shower cap, award-winning natural deodorants, or her ongoing advocacy for sustainability and wellness, Matallana continues to prove that businesses can be a force for good.
The title "Queen of Shower Caps" may have been given with a smile, but behind the crown lies a deeper story—one of perseverance, innovation, and a woman determined to create positive change.
For the millions of viewers watching across the Americas, her message was clear:
Believe in your vision. Stay positive. Keep moving forward.
Because sometimes the simplest ideas can change lives, inspire communities, and leave a lasting impact on the world.
