We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Yetunde Jude. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Yetunde below.
Alright, Yetunde thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Being a business owner can be really hard sometimes. It’s rewarding, but most business owners we’ve spoken sometimes think about what it would have been like to have had a regular job instead. Have you ever wondered that yourself? Maybe you can talk to us about a time when you felt this way?
Being a business owner has its upside and downside. The upside is that I can be creative when it comes to product development, engaging customers and so forth. You don’t have anyone limiting you or requiring you to check in before executing a decision. You wear multiple hats as a business owner. You get to experience all aspects of xxxxxx. The downside is the number of hours you have to put in on a daily basis. If work a job, you wear 1 or 2 hats maybe. You clock in, do your job, collect your check and enjoy the rest of your time off. You don’t really get time off when you have your own business. I was very excited to become a full time business owner. My business was growing rapidly and then Covid hit. The emotional, mental and financial pressure Covid added to my life as business owner and a parent of school aged children was overwhelming. I started wishing that I had kept my job and considered applying for some. I changed my mind and am still hanging in there.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
As a child, my mother taught me how to make hair conditioner in our kitchen. As I got older, I was responsible for managing my own hair. After finally ending my relationship with relaxers, I was forced to learn how to take care of my natural hair. I used the knowledge my mother shared with me, my research and education to develop my product line. The hair care line is called Yelani. We make plant based shampoos, conditioners and oils. In addition, we have a hair care book, washable shower cap and satin bonnets. Our goal is to provide solutions for women with natural, kinky to curly hair making it our natural hair journey more enjoyable.
Can you open up about how you funded your business?
The initial funding for my business came from my job. I worked a full time job while building my business. I then reinvested the funds that I generated from Yelani back into my business.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
I had to pivot during Covid. My business was driven by face to face sales pre-covid. During Covid, I needed to increase sales online and also diversify my product line. I included products that could be used during Covid. I also increased my online marketing budget.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.yelani.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yelanihair/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yelanihair