Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Cherlyn Carby. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Cherlyn , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

Lushus Hair was born from a deeply personal journey—one rooted in necessity, heritage, and a mother’s love.

After having my child, I experienced severe postpartum hair loss. At the same time, my daughter struggled with scalp sensitivity that made it difficult to find products that wouldn’t irritate her. I searched high and low for natural solutions, but I kept running into the same problem—most products either contained harsh ingredients or were designed for one specific hair type, forcing me to buy multiple brands just to care for my family’s diverse hair needs.

I grew up in a Jamaican household where using plants, herbs, and fruits for wellness was second nature. My parents’ garden was full of ingredients that nourished the body inside and out. It hit me: why wasn’t I looking there for answers? So, I started formulating my own hair oil, blending the very herbs I grew up with, and within weeks, I saw a difference. My hair started growing back, my daughter’s scalp improved, and I knew I was onto something.

That was my “aha” moment. If my family needed this, other families did too.

But beyond solving a personal problem, I saw a gap in the market. Many brands catered to individuals, but few focused on families—on simplifying the hair care process while still delivering high-quality, plant-derived solutions. I envisioned Lushus Hair as a brand that wasn’t just about great products but about making hair care easier, healthier, and more connected to nature.

I knew it was a worthwhile endeavor because the demand was there. Families, especially those with textured hair, were spending so much money trying to meet different needs under one roof. I saw an opportunity to provide a solution that saved time, saved money, and truly worked.

What excited me most was bringing the richness of Caribbean botanicals into the mainstream beauty space—celebrating the power of nature in a way that felt both personal and universal.

So, I took the leap. In just six months, I went from idea to market—formulating, testing, learning, and pouring everything I had into making Lushus Hair a reality. Now, I’m on a mission to help other families experience the same joy and ease that I found in embracing natural hair care.

Cherlyn , 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?

I’m Cherlyn Carby, the founder of Lushus Hair, a Caribbean-inspired, plant-derived hair care brand created for families who want healthier, effective solutions for their diverse natural hair needs. My journey into the beauty industry wasn’t traditional—it was personal, born from my own experience with postpartum hair loss and my child’s scalp sensitivity. When I couldn’t find the right products, I turned to what I knew best: the healing power of nature, specifically the Caribbean fruits and herbs I grew up with.

I am a serial solo-preneur with a strong drive to build generational wealth and create businesses that make a lasting impact. Before launching Lushus Hair, I spent over 20 years in the corporate world, working in Legal and Finance. While I gained valuable experience in business strategy, operations, and financial management, I knew that true financial freedom wouldn’t come from working for someone else—it would come from building something of my own. Entrepreneurship wasn’t just a career shift for me; it was a mission. I wanted to create businesses that not only generated income but also left a legacy for future generations. Lushus Hair was the perfect fusion of my personal experience, cultural heritage, and business expertise.

Lushus Hair is all about effective, plant-powered hair care for the whole family. Our products are formulated to provide nourishment, moisture, strength, and definition, using natural ingredients that nourish hair from root to tip. We offer moisturizing shampoos and conditioners made with hydrating botanicals like jackfruit, hibiscus, and sea moss; scalp and growth elixirs featuring rosemary, mint, and other herbs to promote a healthy scalp and hair growth; styling products such as gels, mousses, and curl creams designed to define, hold, and hydrate curls without buildup.

Most families with textured hair end up buying multiple brands to cater to different hair types in the household. That’s expensive and overwhelming. Lushus Hair simplifies hair care by offering high-quality products that work across different textures, making wash day easier and more affordable. What sets us apart is our family-centered approach, which allows families to use the same products regardless of their different hair types. Our formulations are inspired by Caribbean botanicals, using ingredients that have been trusted for generations to nourish and strengthen hair. We prioritize clean, effective ingredients, avoiding sulfates, parabens, and fillers, and focusing on real, high-performing components that deliver results. Beyond the products, we are passion-driven and community-focused, committed to educating and supporting families on their natural hair journey.

Lushus Hair started as a personal solution, but today, it’s helping so many people embrace their natural hair with confidence. One of our biggest moments was being a finalist for the Emerge Beauty Awards for Best Leave-On Hair Product. That recognition confirmed that our products truly stand out in the industry. Beyond awards, what drives me is the bigger vision—building a legacy brand that creates wealth and opportunities for my family and future generations. Entrepreneurship isn’t just about selling products; it’s about ownership, impact, and economic empowerment.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

One of the most defining moments in my journey as an entrepreneur—and a true test of my resilience—was launching Lushus Hair in the middle of a global pandemic. At the time, supply chains were breaking down, businesses were shutting their doors, and uncertainty was everywhere. But for me, that period of stillness and reflection made it clear that I had to take a leap of faith and bring my vision to life, no matter the challenges ahead.

I was balancing full-time corporate work while being a solo entrepreneur, handling everything—from product formulation and packaging to marketing and customer service. I spent late nights researching ingredients, testing formulations, and figuring out how to manufacture products with limited access to supplies. I faced countless roadblocks: delays in sourcing bottles and labels, unexpected costs, and moments of self-doubt. But I kept going because I knew this brand wasn’t just about selling products—it was about solving a problem that so many families, including mine, faced when it came to natural hair care.

One of the biggest hurdles was securing my first batch of products. I remember placing an order with a supplier, only for it to be delayed multiple times due to shipping restrictions. I had already promised customers that products would launch on a specific date, and I refused to break that trust. Instead of waiting and hoping, I pivoted. I sourced alternative ingredients and packaging, reformulated some products by hand, and self-manufactured my first round of inventory—all while still working my corporate job. It was exhausting, but when I finally shipped out those first orders, I knew I had built something worth fighting for.

That experience reinforced my belief in adaptability, persistence, and faith in my vision. Today, as Lushus Hair continues to grow, I look back at that moment as proof that when you’re truly committed to your purpose, you’ll find a way to make it happen—no matter the circumstances. Resilience isn’t just about pushing through; it’s about finding solutions, embracing challenges, and trusting that your hard work will pay off.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

Funding Lushus Hair was a journey of resourcefulness, sacrifice, and unwavering belief in my vision. I didn’t have the luxury of large investors or a trust fund to back me—I had to figure it out on my own. From the beginning, I knew that if I wanted to create a business that could build generational wealth, I had to take smart, calculated risks and use every resource available to me.

I started by self-funding with my personal savings from my corporate career. I was intentional about setting aside funds to invest in something meaningful. Every dollar I saved had a purpose—whether it was for purchasing ingredients, designing packaging, or building a website. Bootstrapping by reinvesting early revenue straight back into the business. That meant no fancy launches or unnecessary expenses—just a focus on product quality and organic growth. Every sale I made was an opportunity to fund the next batch of inventory, improve branding, or enhance marketing. Another key move was leveraging business credit responsibly. Instead of taking on risky loans, I built relationships with my suppliers to build lines of credit.

Starting a business without outside investment meant I had to be extremely strategic, but it also gave me full ownership and control over my brand. There were tough moments where funds were tight, but I stayed committed to the bigger picture Looking back, I’m proud that Lushus Hair was built with intention, resilience, and financial discipline—because now, as we scale, I know every decision was made with sustainability and long-term success in mind.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lushusbeauty.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lushushaircare
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherlyn-carby-98a9901a0/