We recently connected with Susana Walas and have shared our conversation below.

Susana, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Alright, so one thing we think people don’t talk about nearly enough is investments – either time or money. What’s one of the best or worst investments you’ve made and what did you learned from the experience?

My best investment has undoubtedly been in myself. Focusing on my mental wellness and personal development has been transformative, not just in my personal life but also in my career. As a brand strategist, it’s crucial to be adaptable and creative, and I’ve found that the more I invest in my own growth, the better equipped I am to navigate the complexities of my industry. This self-investment has allowed me to build resilience, strengthen my leadership skills, and approach challenges with a clear, focused mindset, all of which have been key to my success.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Sure! My name is Susana Walas, and I’m a self-made entrepreneur, brand strategist, and currently a student pursuing my Master’s in Business Management. I founded Fro Butter in 2014, a haircare company that focuses on creating natural products for textured hair, helping customers maintain healthy, moisturized hair without harmful chemicals. Our products provide nourishment and protection for those struggling with dry or damaged hair, and we’re proud to offer a natural solution for everyday hair care.

In addition to Fro Butter, I’ve also worked as a Business Development Manager for Raw Honey Agency, where I helped small businesses develop their online presence and grow their brands. I’ve spent a lot of time working with clients on social media strategy, brand development, and product launches. Through this journey, I’ve learned that one of the biggest challenges businesses face is standing out in an oversaturated market. That’s where I come in—I help my clients create a distinct brand identity that resonates with their audience and drives results.

What sets me apart is my hands-on experience and personal journey. As a business owner who’s had to learn everything from scratch, I know the challenges that come with entrepreneurship. From building my brand to managing a staff of twelve, I’ve faced setbacks, but I’ve also learned how to bounce back stronger. I’m proud of the resilience and adaptability I’ve developed, and I bring that same energy to my clients, helping them navigate challenges and find success.

One of the things I’m most proud of is how I’ve balanced entrepreneurship with my personal growth and education. As a student, I’m constantly learning and applying new strategies, not just in my businesses but also in helping others grow. I want potential clients to know that when they work with me, they’re getting someone who’s invested in their success as much as her own. I’m committed to helping businesses thrive by leveraging my knowledge, creativity, and experience to find solutions that are unique to their needs.

Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?

My initial funding came from a close friend who believed in me and my vision. She saw my drive and motivation and was willing to invest $1,000 to help me get started. At the time, she joined as a partner in the business. Though the partnership was eventually dissolved, I’m incredibly grateful for her generosity. That $1,000 allowed me to take the first steps in building my company. It was a pivotal moment because it wasn’t just about the money—it was about someone believing in me enough to invest in my potential. That’s how my journey with Fro Butter began.

With that initial capital, I was able to purchase materials, create the first batch of products, and start building the foundation of what Fro Butter would eventually become. It wasn’t easy, and there were many challenges along the way, but that initial investment was a crucial stepping stone that allowed me to transform my passion into a business. I’m proud to say that Fro Butter has grown far beyond what I initially imagined, and it all started with the support of a friend who believed in me.

How did you build your audience on social media?

When I first started building my social media, it really began through word of mouth. I focused on understanding my audience—what people with natural hair cared about—and creating content that addressed those interests. I spent a lot of time learning about my community and engaging with them on topics that mattered to them.

My biggest piece of advice for anyone just starting out is to not be afraid to give things away. Host giveaways or social media campaigns where you offer free products or services. The law of reciprocity tells us that as you give, people will give back to you—whether it’s through purchasing your products or simply spreading the word. Also, don’t hesitate to ask people to become ambassadors for your brand. Word of mouth spreads so much faster when others are sharing your products and services with their own audiences. Those personal connections and recommendations can be incredibly powerful.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.susanawalas.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susanawalas/?hl=en
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susana-walas-5ba50365

Image Credits

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