Tell me about The Mane Choice, and the products/services you offer.
CA: The Mane Choice is a company created by myself, along with the help of my husband. Together we created a business based on the foundation of both research and the “beauty, health, science” approach. The products we offer range from our Manetabolism Plus Multivitamin to our shampoo and conditioning trio sets. We also offer a wide variety of healthy hair oils and dressings, as well as our Signature Pro Flat Iron and Thermal Defense Collection. We truly offer something for any and everyone trying to achieve healthy hair.
What led you to pursue entrepreneurship in the field of hair/beauty?
CA: Honestly my business was developed and grew into what it is today because of the lack of variety and diversity in products on the market at the time. I decided to free my hair from texture altering chemicals several years ago and developed a passion for creating products for myself. Why? I found it extremely difficult to find the right products to care properly for my hair. For a few years I did this and the word got out about my techniques via social media. I showed women how to achieve the desired results and provided a few of my tips on how to grow long, healthy hair.
Is this your first entrepreneur endeavor? If not, what other ventures have you pursued?
CA: No, I have actually had a couple of other business ventures. One being a clothing boutique, where I was able to express my love for various fashions and trends. The other was a photography studio, where I was able to bring visions I had and that I could see in other people to fruition. Though both were highly successful, The Mane Choice was my passion before I knew I would even be this far into the industry. I wanted to bring everyone healthier ways to grow, strengthen and care for their hair.
In what areas do you seek to expand The Mane Choice?
CA: As I’m sure you and your readers, along with our loyal customers and followers know, 2016 is the year of The Mane Choice Takeover! We’ve been traveling all over to get people excited about healthy hair, as well as educated about the benefits of using our products. But in addition to #TheManeChoiceTakeover, we are working on a new line that will be out closer to the end of this year, that I’m sure Team Purple Bottle and others will be excited about.
What upcoming events do you have planned?
CA: Again, just The Mane Choice Takeover, which includes a wide variety of events across the country. We are currently on touring several Sally Beauty locations where our customers can come and meet me personally and discuss their healthy hair journey as well as educate on the different products we have available. We are also making stops in cites at expos, and other sponsored events such as the one held in New Orleans during Essence Festival this past July. In addition to this, we are also making time to
partner with various philanthropies.
How important do you feel it is to support black owned businesses/entrepreneurs?
CA: I feel it is highly important to support businesses in the black communities, as well as outside of our communities. As an entrepreneur, I know firsthand what it is like to work on something so hard and giving it everything you have for it to be successful. Entrepreneurs want customers no matter the race, to gain something from what it is they have created and put in hard work to achieve.
In what areas of business would you like to see more black entrepreneurs?
CA: Wherever one sees themselves, it is all about the vison one carries and how hard he or she is willing to bring that vision to life.