Most entrepreneurs set out to build a company. Zuly Matallana set out to solve a problem.
Frustrated by disposable shower caps that were uncomfortable, ineffective, and wasteful, Zuly imagined a better solution. What began as a simple everyday frustration evolved into a patented innovation that would capture the attention of consumers, national media, and the Dragons on CBC's Dragons' Den.
Born in Colombia and later immigrating to Canada, Zuly built her career in business development while remaining passionate about sustainability and social impact. Her experience working on environmental initiatives, including the "Yo Limpio" campaign in Puerto Rico, taught her that small changes can create meaningful impact when adopted by thousands of people.
That philosophy inspired the creation of the TIARA Sustainable Shower Cap.
Unlike traditional disposable shower caps, the TIARA Shower Cap was designed to be reusable, machine washable, reversible, and comfortable enough to wear every day. Featuring a patented design with a soft terry-lined headband, it transformed an overlooked household item into a premium, sustainable product.
In 2019, Zuly brought her innovation to Dragons' Den Canada, earning the support of the Dragons and introducing millions of Canadians to a category that had seen very little innovation for decades.
What happened next exceeded expectations.
Today, more than 50,000 TIARA Sustainable Shower Caps have been sold across North America. Designed to last for years, the reusable shower caps have helped prevent an estimated 20 million single-use shower caps from ending up in landfills. What started as a simple product became a powerful example of how innovation can improve everyday life while creating measurable environmental impact.
The success of the shower cap was only the beginning.
After losing her grandmother Alicia and her aunt Ruth to breast cancer, and following her own life-changing health challenges, Zuly became increasingly passionate about prevention and wellness. She recognized that many families were searching for personal care products they could trust but often struggled to navigate confusing ingredient claims and misinformation.
Determined to make a difference, she launched TIARA Natural Deodorants.
Today, TIARA's award-winning deodorants are sold across North America and have earned industry recognition, including multiple Skin Care Anarchy Top Pick Awards and the Entreprenista 100 Award for Best in Health & Wellness. Made with 99% naturally derived ingredients and designed to last up to six months per stick, the deodorants reflect the same values that inspired the original shower cap: transparency, sustainability, longevity, and performance.
Zuly's mission extends beyond selling products.
She believes that prevention starts at home and that consumers deserve clear information about the products they use every day. Through education, innovation, and community engagement, she is helping families make informed choices that support their health and well-being.
From a patented shower cap that has helped keep millions of disposable products out of landfills to an award-winning wellness brand challenging the status quo in personal care, Zuly Matallana has demonstrated that purpose-driven innovation can create real change.
Her vision remains simple:
A TIARA in every home, healthier choices for every family, and a future where sustainability, wellness, and integrity go hand in hand.
