We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Alexa Hunter a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alexa, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
I came up with the idea for Curlture Me during the pandemic. The idea of coming up with a brand that created a safe place and culture for everyone to embrace their curls, was something that resonated so much with me. When i was in school, I went to a predominantly white school from Kindergarten all the way through college. In middle and high school mainly, was when I really struggle with trying to “fit in.” My way of fitting in was to always wear my hair straight. I constantly straightened my hair until I went down to good ol Statesboro, GA where the heat would not let my straight hair live! I was essentially, forced, to wear my hair curly, because my hair couldn’t withstand the humidity.
My hair was so damaged, I had no curl pattern, and I would look back at my younger days and wish for those healthy curls that I never wanted or appreciated. From then on, the game had changed, and I had to figure out how to love and appreciate my natural hair. Once I had gotten to the place where I knew I was beautiful with my curls, I knew that I could encourage others to do the same; it’s never too late!
Alexa, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
What sets me apart from others is that I created this brand for others, not for myself. I wanted others to know that it is okay to be naturally you, beginning with your curls. Especially in todays world when we have laws in the workplace that discriminate against others wearing their hair naturally if it doesn’t “fit the look;” and the truth is, no one should have to hide who they are in order to “fit in.” Everyone is beautiful with what they were born with ESPECIALLY their hair. India Arie once said “I am not my hair…I am the soul that lives within,” but part of us being right in our soul is being okay with who WE are, without all the extra makeup, extensions, wigs, etc. I want this to become a global movement that changes lives and builds confidence.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
The most effective strategy for building my clientele has been the passion I have been able to put behind being able to speak to my brand and why I created it. My clientele that I come across can tell that this is something that I hold near and dear to my heart; because I was one of those people who didn’t appreciate my curls, and now, I am someone who is able to wear her curls loud and proud in an interview, meeting, or just a social event; and feel beautiful!
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
I can’t say that I am where I want to be, because there are so many others to reach; however I can say that consistency is key! Social Media is built with people who have a really short attention span. So with that, if you are not posting multiple times a week or even a day, your followers will and can forget about you. It is important to always stay on their radar, no matter what social media platform that you use. Make sure they remember and know who you are!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.curltureme.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/curltureme
- Youtube: Curlture Me
Image Credits
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