Today we’d like to introduce you to Monica Simpson.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
2010 was when I began diving into transitioning my hair to its natural state. I watched youtube videos of women cutting their hair of premed hair to begin their journey. I was so intrigued by how beautiful our hair (African American) hair and the versatility with it being natural. The more I researched is what led me to want to make my own products.
At the time, I was working in the Pharmacy industry, so I referred to my kitchen as “the lab.” With trial and error, I searched ingredients that were good for natural hair and tested them out on friends and family. My supportive parents quickly got on board, finding me jars to put products in. Which is so funny, baby food jars were the solution. I ended up adding some labels and jazzed them up and sold the jars for $3. Fast forward to today, I now have seven products that I offer on my website. It’s completely surreal because I was a young adult, not know what the future held for me or what my passion was. Each year I learned more about entrepreneurship, ways to grow and network with other like-minded individuals.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There definitely have been a few bumpy roads, but thats to be expected with anything. Trying to stay grounded and focus is easier said than done. You really have to put in the time, work and dedication. Juggling a full-time job in the corporate world, being a full-time college student & managing a business has been the biggest struggle for me. Trying to balance it all and not lack in any area I will say I’ve had some stressful and sleepless nights. Because my products are handmade with love, each work can be time-consuming. With the pandemic, a lot of packages were shipped slower than normal, which caused a lot of frustration with plenty of customers as well. The thing is, when you love what you do, it doesn’t seem like work. From the outside, looking in it may seem exhausting but If it was easy, everyone would do it. I’ll take those sleepless nights because, in the end, I know it’ll be worth it.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Sweet Curlz?
Sweet Curlz® consists of natural hair products for men, women and kids of all ages, genres and ethnic backgrounds. Its mission is to encourage men, women, and kids of all ages to love their hair the way it was naturally made. As well as promote health and to embrace confidence in being true to thyself. The products provided by Sweet Curlz include a curl definer (2 variants depending on hair type) & rejuvenating oils.
We also offer for men a beard cream, beard oil and beard wash. For children, we offer a curling cream. All products are also available in a kit that comes with various accessories. Such as shower cap, brush, spray bottle, etc. Currently, Sweet Curlz is primarily sold online. However, I am looking to collaborate with local businesses to have them carry my products in their stores. I would also like to venture into offering internships to business majors.
Sweet Curlz gained momentum during summer 2020. Due to the pandemic, I picked up a new craft of making custom shirts. A viral Twitter post of a T-Shirt I made during quarantine led to another opportunity for Sweet Curlz. Custom t-Shirts were added to the Sweet Curlz brand, which allowed the next level of success for the business. The business has now expanded further than I initially anticipated. This is what I’m most proud of. Breaking barriers and continuing to grow not only as a business but as a businesswoman, a Black woman. Rather than wanting to buy hair products or custom t-shirts from me, I want readers to know that I offer quality products, superior customer service and an overall excellent experience.
What does success mean to you?
Everyone’s measure of success is different. Some might classify it as money. Some may say feeling fulfilled in what they do. So my success may not be another person’s success. Success to me is defined by impact. The impact that my product has on those that it services, rather big or small. Every curl, coil, loc twist or beard contributes to my overall impact and success.
Pricing:
- Beard Oil $8.00
- Beard Cream $10.00
- Curl Definer $7.99
- Kidz Curling Cream $10.99
- Beard Kit $23.99
Contact Info:
- Email: sweetcurlz1@gmail.com
- Website: www.sweetcurlz.com
- Instagram: sweetcurlz1
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SweetCurlz/
Image Credits
Will Rollins
