Global Business Awards 2025 | 23 Founded in 2017, Hybrideas is a company based in Skopje, North Macedonia, specialising in the import and retail of cosmetics. Since its inception, its mission has been simple: careful curation, one-toone education with personalised routines, and a consistent brand experience shaped by its in-house design studio. It achieves this mission by allowing its core values – curation, education, integrity, service, and design-led experience – to guide its every decision, growing at pace, driving strong customer community, and building long-term trust and loyalty. In 2019, Hybrideas launched Olpeo – the first specialised K-beauty store in North Macedonia, recognised as the pioneer of the K-beauty trend across the country. Olpeo was built end-to-end in-house and today stands as a market leader amongst cosmetics retailers in North Macedonia, operating both online and through a physical retail store to serve a steadily growing base of customers. “The concept of Olpeo was developed entirely by Hybrideas, from store design and visual identity to brand language and customer journey,” Maja told us. “At the time, there was no comparable retail concept in the market, and even today, our integrated, design-led approach remains difficult to replicate. This is largely due to the deep understanding and artistic vision we bring in-house, rather than relying on external agencies.” Hybrideas is led by Maja Kirovksa, an award-winning visual artist and creative director who ensures that every aspect of Olpeo’s brand experience is driven by authentic creativity and a strong visual narrative. Under Maja’s expert guidance, Hybrideas brings to market exclusive partnerships with some of the most innovative skincare brands, offering products that deliver visible results and meet the latest in global beauty trends. This combination of market leadership, creative excellence, and customer-centric focus sets the company apart from competitors in the region. With an expanding portfolio – comprising more than 50 Korean and international brands – the company serves two client groups: consumers who want visible, science-led skincare results, and B2B partners such as pharmacies and specialty retailers seeking differentiated, high-performing assortments. The team works directly with its customers – listening, building personalised routines, explaining how to use each product, and arranging follow-ups. This work is integral in shaping the customer experience and often turns first-time buyers into loyal, long-standing clientele. The beauty industry is ever evolving, a complex landscape where obstacles and opportunities arise in equal abundance. When a challenge appears, Hybrideas begins by first analysing feedback – listening in the store, in messages, and in routine requests to hear what people truly need. From there, the team runs a small, low-risk test. If customers respond positively, the approach is scaled up. If not, they pivot and try something new. This agile method keeps Hybrideas fast, adaptable, and focused on what truly works. In recent years, Korean skincare and cosmetic products have become a worldwide phenomenon, revolutionising the beauty industry with innovative formulas and aesthetic trends. Yet until recently, North Macedonia remained outside this global wave. That changed in 2019, when Hybrideas launched Olpeo – the country’s first specialised K-beauty store – bringing curated Korean brands, personalised skincare routines, and design-led experiences to a new audience. We spoke with Maja Kirovska below, Founder and Owner of Hybrideas, as the company is named in the Global Business Awards 2025. Best Curated Beauty Retailer 2025 – Skopje AIS-Sep25226 “We also plan ahead,” Maja added. “We adjust orders, keep safety stock on bestsellers, and launch in phases so there are no surprises. When the market gets noisy and saturated, we lean on our strength: better curation. We visit trade fairs, find ‘hidden gems,’ and only after confirmation from our testing process do we bring them to clients. This helps us provide a unique selection of effective products to our customers.” Alongside close market monitoring, trade fair visits, and regular client interactions, the company also strives to set its own direction. Through careful curation and clear education, Hybrideas often transforms a ‘good’ product into a local and regional bestseller. Hailed as Skopje’s Best Curated Beauty Retailer, Hybrideas’ portfolio showcases an expert blend of widely loved trending items and an exclusive, unique products that are discovered and verified by the team’s own testing processes. In the months ahead, Hybrideas will announce the launch of several new brands entering the market, for which it is the exclusive distributor in North Macedonia. “We already have visits scheduled to several trade expos and expect to start new partnerships from the connections we make there,” Maja announced. “From next year, we have three major projects planned – for which we will share details when the time is right.” To be among the first to learn about these exciting developments and remain up to date with the latest in K-beauty, you can visit the Olpeo homepage here. Contact: Maja Kirovska Company: Hybrideas Web Address: www.olpeo.mk
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