Today we’d like to introduce you to Charlisa Harris

Hi Charlisa, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.

My journey began in the humble confines of our family home where I was first inspired by my mother’s transformative touch in hair care. Her ability to uplift spirits through her craft planted the seeds for my own aspirations in the beauty industry. However, life presented its hurdles early on; becoming a mother at 17 shifted my focus from personal dreams to immediate responsibilities. I entered the corporate world to provide for my two children, setting aside my passions for a time.

After enduring years of dissatisfaction in the corporate realm, I made a pivotal decision to change course. I relocated out of state with my children, re-enrolled in beauty school, and reignited the flame of my long-held dream. This path led me through various roles in different salons, accumulating experience and resilience, until I was ready to open my own salon in 2010. This significant step came just six weeks after the birth of my youngest child, who is on the autism spectrum.

Overcoming these adversities, I not only sustained my salon but also expanded my vision to create Mylani Vegan Haircare. This venture was born from my professional experience and a desire to offer clean, effective products that align with a philosophy of care and respect for our bodies and environment. Today, Mylani not only represents quality in hair care but also embodies the perseverance and dedication of everyone who believes that failure isn’t an option. Through Mylani, I aim to connect with others, support them in their beauty journeys, and inspire with my story.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

The road was far from smooth. As a divorced, single mother of three, every challenge in the salon—from staffing issues to financial instabilities—felt magnified. Home evictions and personal losses tested my resolve. Yet, it was through these trials that I honed what I now have learned and refer to as the ‘single mom work ethic.’ This relentless drive stemmed from necessity but grew into a profound commitment to my craft and to providing for my family.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Mylani Vegan Haircare & Chadowboxx Salon?

Chadowboxx Salon and Mylani Vegan Haircare, the brands I founded, are more than just a business—it’s a mission rooted in the profound belief that haircare is integral to personal empowerment and wellness. At Mylani, we specialize in innovative, vegan haircare products that address a wide range of hair and scalp issues, from dryness and damage to lack of growth and scalp irritation. Our products are crafted with high-quality, toxin-free ingredients that nourish and rejuvenate.

In my salon, the emphasis is on connection and relationship-building. I believe haircare is deeply personal, and I approach each client with the respect and attentiveness akin to a familial bond. This philosophy extends to Mylani products, which I liken to “momma’s cooking”—made with love, designed to nurture not just the hair but the spirit and body as well.

What sets us apart is our commitment to creating products that are both effective and ethically made. We prioritize the health of our clients and the planet, ensuring that every product from our line contributes to both personal and environmental well-being.

I am most proud of the impact Mylani Vegan Haircare has had since its inception. It’s not just about the products we sell but the relationships we build and the positive changes we foster in our clients’ lives. I want our customers to feel empowered to love their hair and feel confident in their natural beauty, enhancing their lives one strand at a time. Through Mylani, I’ve had the privilege of touching numerous lives, and I look forward to continuing this journey, helping more individuals embrace their unique beauty.

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?

The beauty and haircare industry is on the cusp of a significant transformation, particularly when it comes to natural hair care. Over the next 5-10 years, I anticipate a substantial shift toward embracing and celebrating natural hair. This movement is driven by a growing consumer awareness of the harmful effects of toxins in beauty products and the damage caused by over-reliance on wigs and weaves without proper natural hair maintenance.

Consumers are becoming more educated and demanding in their choices, seeking products that support the health and vitality of their natural hair. They are advocating for ‘clean beauty’—products free from harsh chemicals and full of nourishing ingredients. This awareness is reshaping the market, pushing brands to create safer, more sustainable, and health-focused products.

Additionally, while the popularity of wigs and weaves will continue, there is a rising trend towards using these as options for versatility rather than necessities due to poor natural hair health. More individuals are looking to protect not just their style but also their scalp and edges, leading to a balanced approach where protective styling and natural haircare coexist harmoniously.

In response, I expect the industry to innovate with new product lines and services that cater to these needs, focusing on holistic hair health, sustainability, and ethical practices. This shift is not just a trend but a sustainable movement towards greater health and authenticity in beauty care.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Mylanibeauty.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mylaniveganhaircare

Image Credits

E+E Entertainment