Tell us what inspired your business?
My name is Lexi P. I’m an author, independent publisher and motivational speaker. I overcame the struggles and learned how to love my own naturally beautiful coils. Curlanistas are all about being advocates for building self-confidence and empowering teens to find self-esteem through natural beauty. Curlanistas is a natural beauty brand. We have hair products which will make your curls POP on-Stop.
I currently have three products -a Curlanista Magic detangler, a curl cream and curl custard. But, Curanista is more than a product. It’s a movement to get curly girls around the world to love their natural hair. Curlanistas are curly girls of all shades and backgrounds on a mission to embrace their natural hair with confidence!
Our coils are popping in all shapes, sizes and styles. We love our looks and inspire one another to embrace our diverse beauty. We are the beautiful sisters of coils and we’ll use our new-found confidence to reach our goals.
Our products attract moms looking for a solution and young girls wanting a product that can make their natural hair routine become easier. We get orders and inquiries from young girls who can relate to me as the CEO, Lexi P.
Representation truly matters. Consumers see the face of the business and see themselves. Moms believe in my brand because they want that same confidence seen in me for their daughters. We believe the whole message and brand behind Curlanistas. We attract girls and women because the message is to love yourself naturally.
How did you get the original idea?
I started Curlanistas as a movement to go with my first book Curly Girls Love Your Curls. I came up with the name and everything. At first my mom hesitated. She said, ” You do know Curlansita is not a real word?” But, I really wanted that name and I’m glad I kept it. I wanted to develop my brand to help girls like me with big curly hair. I wanted girls to embrace who they are to love their hair to feel empowered to wear their hair, big, bold and proud. I was teased and I just wanted to help others girls who were going through the same struggles. I taught girls how to love their hair with my books. Now, I want to teach girls how to care for their hair with my line of hair products. I launched my Curlanistas hair line in February 2018,. But I did a soft launch at the world famous Bronner Brothers Convention in Atlanta in August of 2017, and I sold out the first day. When I let people sample my products they fell in love and I knew I had to keep going to get my brand and products out there.
What are your favorite things about being young, female and entrepreneurial?
My favorite thing is helping other girls dream big. I love being an inspiration and helping other girls feel good about themselves. I think confidence is the key to being happy and successful. Doing something that makes a difference is the biggest thing I love. I also love meeting my Curlanistas and traveling. Traveling has been something I always loved to do and with my business I get to travel and meet Curlanistas from all over. Its really cool!
Any disadvantages that you’ve faced?
If there were any, I don’t remember them. I try to look at everything as an opportunity to learn and grow.
Any advice for young female entrepreneurs who are still just planning or thinking about starting a business?
My advice would be to be like Nike and Just DO IT! Whatever you want to do, just do it. Be you and get your ideas out there. Don’t feel like everything needs to be perfect before you start. Also get a mentor or your parent to support and guide you. My parents are my biggest supporters and I’m so thankful for that. I also have several mentors who have been a HUGE help.
You can learn more about the Curlanista at https://www.instagram.com/curlanistas
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