We were lucky to catch up with Demetria Battle recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Demetria, thanks for joining us today. Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea

The inspiration behind the creation of Kymari Naturals was my daughter. As an infant she was one of those bald little girls that wore headbands forever and I wanted to find something that was not too harsh that would help stimulate her hair growth. I had previously sold my own hair growth oils when I was a licensed hair braider, but there was something about getting up with Kymari in the middle of the night that got my wheels turning. I write in my journal faithfully and also write prayers in my journal. During those late nights being up with Kymari, I’d often ask God to direct my paths and I am more than elated to say that God gave me the vision. I spoke with my pastor about my desire and he told me to follow my passion.
In 2018, I filed all of the necessary paperwork with the state to began the business, without actually writing out a business plan. Well, I allowed a couple of years to pass before I actually began putting any effort into the business. Around the end of 2019 I mentioned the business idea to my partner and at the height of the pandemic of 2020, he pushed me to set my plan into action.
Kymari Naturals officially launched with hair growth oils for kids. The start of the business went okay, but I wasn’t pleased. I noticed that a lot of men were inquiring about the hair growth oils, so the light bulb went off again to create a product targeting men, who may then shop the hair growth oils for their children. On November 9, 2020, I launched Kymari Naturals for Him, which included beard oil and balm. The response from that was amazing!
It was during 2020-2021 that I really got into researching herbs and natural products that were beneficial for everyone. I then began making soaps, body oils, body butters, scrubs, shampoos, conditioners and body washes.
Every time I had an idea, I went to my notebook and began jotting ideas and would spend hours in my kitchen or at the kitchen table creating products.
I have spent countless hours creating products for Kymari Naturals. What was once merely an idea became a passion.

I remember having moments of feeling defeated when i didn’t make the sales I thought I would in the beginning. That was because I thought family and friends would be some of the first to support my business. One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is not to lean on the idea of friends and family being my best customers. I focus on creating quality products and I love it when I get great feedback and those customers that keep coming back and telling their friends and family about how my products have become a regular part of their self-care routine.
Kymari Naturals now offers Hair Products (hair growth oils, shampoos, conditioners, leave-ins, Growth balms and butters, edge control and moisturizers), Organic Soaps, Beard Care Products, Yoni Products, Skincare Products and will soon be adding candles to our inventory.

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?

I am Demetria Battle, M.Ed. A school counselor by trade, and the owner of Kymari Naturals, a small business focused on natural and organic hair and skincare products. I have always been someone who strives to help others and I found another means of helping people through products. For instance, guys who had problems growing their beards, women and their intimate areas, hair growth, clearing eczema with my oatmeal/honey soaps and body oils, and watching little girls get excited about the hair care products for them with the cute little girls on the front that makes their hair smell good. Kymari Naturals just doesn’t offer products, we provide our customers with an experience they’ll never forget!
One of the things I’m most proud of is the fact that I have remained consistent with my business, even during rough times. A few months ago, Hurricane Ian destroyed my city, my home suffered damage as well, but I didn’t allow it to destroy my business or desire to continue growing. The goal is to turn my small business into a big business.
Within the past few months, I have updated my logo, bringing a more sleek appearance to the brand, added new products, seeking to get products added to store shelves in the near future.

Can you talk to us about manufacturing? How’d you figure it all out? We’d love to hear the story.

80% of the products are manufactured by me. I started with hair growth oils. I spent months learning about the effects of different oils and how well they work with growth. The most important part of producing quality products is finding suppliers of some of the best oils and herbs. One of the hardest parts of owning a small business is production. There is no such thing as only working set hours when you are the sole operator of a small business. I was able to find a vendor to help with the production of some of the hair products. I add my own special touch, bottle, label and promote. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned about creating products is keeping up with measurements, studying herbs and essential oils and learning what my clients love. For instance, I recently added something different to the body butter and it has been the key to setting the body butters on a new level. I carry a jar with me at all times to allow people the opportunity to try them out.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

In recent months, the use of social media platforms, and participating as a vendor at different events and shows throughout the state has been a great for attracting new clients. Kymari is now a 5-year old natural talent who loves being in front of the camera. She’s made small commercials for social media and recently participated in representing Kymari Naturals at a community event. The reviews of customers had been a great way of attracting new customers as well. 2022 saw 189% jump in customer sales for Kymari Naturals, making it our best year of sales since 2020.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.kymarinaturals.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kymari_naturals/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/100058821021219/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/demetria-battle-m-ed-6b347b14
• Yelp: Kymari Naturals

Image Credits
Professional photos by Tavaris Gary of TRG Photography