From Manchester to London, Marina Fallahi is building Bhive, a hair product matchmaker for women tired of guessing in the hair aisle. She’s turning everyday hair struggles into recommendations that truly “see” you, while redefining what it means to lead with care, community and technology.
Where do you call home?
I’m a proud Mancunian. For years, even though I was living in London, I would still call Manchester home. Since starting my business, I feel much more connected to London. I’m immersing myself in everything the city has to offer, thanks to the startup ecosystem spanning across so many areas. I’m surrounded by people I wouldn’t usually meet, from all walks of life, and that constant exchange of ideas has made me feel deeply connected to London. It’s a city that celebrates ambition and creativity, and that’s exactly what Bhive represents. Now, when I think of “home,” it’s both Manchester and London — one raised me, and the other raised my ambition.
How did you come to be the successful entrepreneur you are today?
Success, for me, is seeing Bhive in action — new features, hair brands and retailers excited to join, and most importantly, happy members matched to the right hair products. My own hair struggles growing up — the endless search for products that actually worked — inspired me to make this process easier for others. After 10 years working for global haircare companies, I saw why 65% of women struggle to find the right products. With so many products available, Bhive cuts through the noise and connects you to what truly works.
Describe the moment you realised you could turn your passion into a career?
It happened the moment people started asking me for hair advice when they knew I worked in the hair industry! Friends, family, even strangers. Everyone had a hair story, and most were frustrated by trial and error. I’d listen, recommend products, and they’d come back saying, “That actually worked!” That’s when I realised people trusted my guidance more than the glossy adverts — because it came from experience and empathy. I knew then that if I could help one person, I could help many more. Bhive was born from that moment — a digital hair platform backed by expert knowledge, guiding people to products that work for them.
What makes your business unique?
Bhive is the first platform built to match people with the right hair products — with no brand-bias. We direct you to products that work based on your hair needs. Bhive looks at your hair type, lifestyle, and preferences, then matches you to the right products. So your top recommendation might come from an indie brand you’ve never heard of — and that’s the magic of it. It’s time-consuming (and expensive) to try so many products ‘claiming’ to work. So we only show you products that will work for you.
How does your hair play a part in how you express yourself?
My hair is so much a part of me, I almost feel like Samson — if it all got cut off, I’d feel powerless! People often recognise me as “the girl with the hair” before they know my name, and that’s the perfect business card for building a hair tech platform. It’s a conversation starter, and a form of self-expression all at once. Bhive was born out of this deep understanding: hair isn’t just about beauty; it’s about confidence, identity, and empowerment. When my hair is out, well-defined, hydrated and glossy, I feel the most confident — it’s how I present myself to the world.
How has your relationship with your hair been throughout the years?
I am that, ‘It’s complicated’ meme! Growing up, I wanted the straight, glossy hair I saw in magazines. The media always made me feel like the “before” photo. When I modelled, I was expected to bring my own products. When I went to salons, Black and white, I was often turned away. That taught me early on that self-love for my hair wasn’t a given. Like many, I started relaxing my hair at 12 and continued for over a decade, trying to fit into a standard I didn’t fully identify with. Now, my relationship with my hair is rooted in confidence and joy. I bring this same energy to Bhive: to make it easier for people to find products that actually work for them, to celebrate their hair in all its forms, and to feel seen.
Do you have any exciting projects coming up?
The past few months have been incredibly exciting for Bhive. The response from members, hair brands, and industry insiders has been overwhelmingly positive. We’re proving that beauty and tech can work hand-in-hand to transform the haircare experience. I’ve had the opportunity to speak at events in the UK and the Middle East, sharing insights. But the most exciting work at Bhive right now is about listening to and learning from our members. We’re spending time understanding their hair stories, what they want from the platform, and how Bhive can better support them day-to-day. If you’re reading this and would like to be a Co‑Creator, you can visit app.bhivelondon.com, and join in testing new features in exchange for exclusive perks. Our mission is to empower members to feel confident in their hair every day.
Where can we find you?
Website | app.bhivelondon.com, www.bhivelondon.com
Instagram | @bhivelondon, @afrorapunzel