Shining a light on the amazing small business owners that power the communities we live, work, and play in.
37 Oaks has the opportunity to work with some of the most amazing small business owners around the country. They start with a passion or a hobby, then we guide them towards growth. Let's take a moment to shine a light on the rock stars!
| 1. Tell Us About Your Business
Hair Affair Stimulating Growth Oil is an online award-winning hair care company. It is for individuals seeking natural and effective hair care solutions who are dissatisfied with chemically made products that may harm their hair, scalp, and skin. Hair Affair is a hair care brand that offers premium hair care products enriched with natural ingredients, unlike conventional hair care product companies.
We offer carefully crafted formulations to promote healthy hair growth and address specific hair concerns, this leads to allowing our customers to achieve vibrant and nourished hair in a natural and sustainable way.
| 2. What Makes Your Business Unique?
At Hair Affair, we deliver more than just quality hair care products. We provide a transformative experience for our customers, delivering fast shipping and unparalleled customer service that goes beyond expectations. With our premium quality products enriched with natural ingredients, we help you achieve healthier and stronger hair. Plus, our exclusive rewards program allows you to earn and redeem points for future purchases, making your hair care journey even more rewarding.
| 3. What Inspired You to Start Your Business?
I started this business after suffering battling postpartum hair loss after the birth of my second child. I created a formula that not only solved my problem but exceeded my expectations. In recognizing its potential, I launched Hair Affair in July 2020.
| 4. Describe The Challenges Faced In Taking Your Business From A Hobby Into the Early Growth Stage.
Transitioning a business from a hobby to its early growth stage comes with its share of hurdles, particularly in the midst of unforeseen circumstances like the COVID-19 pandemic. One significant challenge I encountered during this pivotal phase was navigating through shipping disruptions. Launching my business in July 2020 meant grappling with severe shipping delays, caused by the pandemic's global impact. These delays not only stemmed from logistical restrictions but also manifested as product limitations and outages, further complicating matters. In addition, the prolonged lead times for receiving inventory compounded the issue, resulting in extended wait times for customers eagerly awaiting their orders. Overcoming these obstacles demanded resilience, adaptability, and a proactive approach to ensure the continued satisfaction of customers amidst an unpredictable operational landscape.
| 5. How Did 37 Oaks Help You Overcome These Challenges?
37 Oaks played a pivotal role in overcoming the challenges I faced during the early growth stage of my business. Through their courses, programs, and coaching sessions, I gained invaluable insights and practical knowledge that significantly enhanced my e-commerce operations.
Firstly, their program focused on improving the entire e-commerce operations cycle, from sourcing products to delivering them to customers. This holistic approach helped me streamline processes, mitigate risks, and optimize efficiency, which proved instrumental in navigating through shipping disruptions and inventory delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The support provided by 37 Oaks extended beyond educational guidance, but also by offering capital to purchase inventory in bulk, they enabled me to address inventory shortages and minimize the impact of product limitations and outages. The $2000 stipend I received through their program not only alleviated financial strain but also empowered me to invest strategically in my business's growth.
Overall, 37 Oaks equipped me with better business practices and a deeper understanding of e-commerce operations, enabling me to run my business more proficiently and efficiently. Their comprehensive support and tailored guidance were instrumental in overcoming the hurdles I encountered during the early stages of growth, ultimately propelling my business toward success.
| 6. What Is Your Greatest Win So Far As A Small Business Owner?
Being accepted into the Goldman Sachs One Million Black Women Black In Business Program. Which I graduate from in June of 2024.
| 7. What Advice Would You Give An Early-Stage Entrepreneur Working To Grow Their Business?
As an early-stage entrepreneur striving to grow your business, it's crucial to immerse yourself in every aspect of your business. Start by familiarizing yourself with your numbers inside and out. Understanding your finances, including revenue, expenses, and profit margins, will empower you to make informed decisions and steer your business toward sustainable growth.
Furthermore, take the time to truly learn your business from the ground up. Be hands-on and actively involved in every facet of operations. By mastering each role within your company, you not only gain a deeper understanding of your business's dynamics but also develop the flexibility and agility needed to adapt to challenges and seize opportunities as they arise.
Consider seeking mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs if possible. A mentor can provide invaluable guidance, share their insights and experiences, and offer constructive feedback to help you navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship more effectively. Their mentorship can accelerate your learning curve and inspire you to reach greater heights in your entrepreneurial journey.
In addition to these fundamental principles, remember to prioritize building strong relationships with your customers. Listen to feedback, constantly iterate and improve your products or services, and strive to deliver exceptional value to your target audience.
Embrace innovation and remain adaptable in the face of change. The business landscape is dynamic, and being open to new ideas and emerging trends can position your business for long-term success.
Lastly, don't underestimate the importance of perseverance and resilience. Entrepreneurship is a journey filled with ups and downs, setbacks, and breakthroughs. Stay committed to your vision, stay resilient in the face of challenges, and keep pushing forward with determination and tenacity.
| 8. What's Next For Your Business?
I am diligently working on a business plan developed in collaboration with my business advisor through the One Million Black Women program with Goldman Sachs. Over the next 12 months, I am dedicated to executing strategic initiatives aimed at propelling the growth and scalability of my company.
My 12-month goals include achieving sustained profitability through targeted expansion efforts. This entails not only increasing revenue streams but also optimizing operational efficiency to enhance overall profitability.
To bolster brand visibility and engagement, I plan to assemble a dedicated team comprising experts in marketing and social media management. Their expertise will be instrumental in elevating brand presence across various platforms and driving customer engagement through compelling content and strategic campaigns.
As part of my growth strategy, I aim to onboard an in-house chemist to spearhead product formulation and development, ensuring that our offerings remain at the forefront of industry trends and consumer preferences.
Furthermore, forging strategic partnerships with distribution channels is a key focus area. By identifying and collaborating with the right distribution partners, I aim to expand market reach and accessibility, ultimately driving sales growth and brand penetration.
Personal development is also a priority on my roadmap. As part of my commitment to professional excellence, I plan to complete trichology school to become a licensed hair loss practitioner. This credential will not only enhance my expertise but also enable me to provide specialized services to meet the evolving needs of my target audience.
Ultimately my vision for the next 6-12 months encompasses an approach centered on strategic growth, talent acquisition, product innovation, partnership development, and personal development. By diligently executing these initiatives, I am confident in the continued success and expansion of my business.
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Who's Next?
If you or a small business owner you know would like to be featured in our Small Business Spotlight, apply at 37oaks.com/blog.
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