We recently connected with LaShawn McMullen and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, LaShawn thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with 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

I like to say my business found me. I created my product, TH Grow, as home remedy to keep my husband’s hair clean while he worked in a dirty environment. He needed something that was convenient and effective. I had recently completed some nutrition courses and had been actively putting my new knowledge to good use. The spray that was created was absolutely perfect for what we needed. It smells great, so you look forward to using it. It has a cleaning property, so we knew it was keeping his hair clean. What took me a long time to recognize was the extra star qualities that the spray had. It provided luster, body, and rapid growth to the hair as well. Unfortunately, I was not the first one who noticed. People, who were unaware of what we were using, were always complimenting my husband’s hair. Finally, someone asked what he used and where could they get it. I started making bottles for a few close friends just out of kindness.

In 2019 we relocated to Georgia. I hate to say it, but I saw a lot of unkept natural hair all around me. I was always commenting to myself how bad someone needed my spray. One day my husband and I were brainstorming on an additional stream of income idea. He suggested I sell the spray and I agreed. My first step was figuring out how to package it and where to sell it. We were currently using random spray bottles, so I had to narrow down my options. I made all decisions as if I were a picky customer. I knew I wouldn’t buy anything I couldn’t see, so I chose clear packaging. I knew people would have questions about ingredients and usage so I decided those things should be on the label. Although I researched professional logo and label makers, I just didn’t have the capital for those things. I googled labels, label templates, and I looked into those pics that you are allowed to add to Word documents. I was able to come up with a nice design that would have to do until I could get a professional logo and product labels.

I did a lot of things myself and started small. I announced via social media that I was finally selling the spray that everyone had been asking about. I received an overwhelming response from my husband’s family, who to this day are still my most regular customers. My friends and family were right behind them, although most of them were not in the market for such a product, but still wanted to support. After all the friend and family support died down, I needed to find more customers. I tried selling on Facebook Marketplace but was unsuccessful. I had access to a website builder that I could add an E-Commerce drawer to, but I couldn’t figure it out. I did more research about selling products online and found an E-Commerce platform that was affordable and had everything I needed.

I now needed to market my business and that is still a continuous struggle. I made a Facebook and an Instagram page, and from there I learned about local Pop-Up Shops. I’ve seen vendor setups at festivals and events but had no clue that this was how small businesses gain local clients. As an avid shopper and picky customer, I knew my Pop-Up Shop setup needed to be right. I wanted the customer to see my product, not have to ask about pricing or ingredients, and be able to sample it as well. I ordered business cards with all information on them, and display signs explaining the product, benefits, pricing, and payment options. The colors that came from the Picsart I used, were now my brand colors, so I ordered everything in those colors. I wanted to make a great impression on my potential customers. I got t-shirts and mask made for branding, and my first Pop-Up shop was a hit. I made a lot of money that day. Those vendor opportunities put me in a position to meet Beauty Supply Store owners and I was eventually able to secure a consignment deal to have my product placed in a store.

Today business is consistent. It has busy times and slow times. I am now looking for a Social Media Manager because I’m learning that I need to reach more people. I have also been looking into shooting a commercial with a film maker friend of mine. I am able to work on my business full time and I am grateful.

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 LaShawn McMullen, and I am totally obsessed with hair, lol. I attended Cosmetology school after college because I have always had a love for hair, hair growth, and hair care. I decided not to become a hairdresser, but I could maintain my hair and friends’ hair whenever needed. I have a passion for the hair industry and my current business is just a small step to what I actually want to do.

I currently make and sale natural hair moisturizing products called TH Grow, TH Rose’, and TH Drip. I also sell natural hair care accessories Loc detox bombs, detangling brushes, satin pillowcases and microfiber headbands and drying turbans. I am bringing moisture to all the natural hair clients that I can. My handmade products moisturize, cleanse, refresh, and feed hair. It also repairs damaged skin cells on scalp, widens blood vessels to increase blood flow, controls skin inflammation, prevents hair follicles from dying and prevents buildup of chemical and dead skin (dandruff) on hair shaft.

I am so proud that I make a product that actually works! I use it myself and it smells great, it’s not heavy and it refreshes my hair after frequent trips to the gym. It has literally given me to confidence to go natural and stop coloring my grey hair. I plan to take this brand all over the world. Dry hair is everywhere, and I can help.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

My best source of new clients is just walking up and talking to people who I feel could benefit from what I have to offer. Sad part about that is, I’m shy. Talking to strangers is not my strong suit, as I suffer from the worst anxiety.

I have had a 90% success rate at client acquisition by just merely talking to people. My own hair serves a billboard for the product, I usually have bottles available to sample, and I keep prices reasonable. I have sold many bottles right on the spot.

We’d love to hear your thoughts about selling platforms like Amazon/Etsy vs selling on your own site.

I do sell my product on an E-Commerce website called Shopify. I also have access to a website builder site called Square Space, but I could not figure out how to add their E-Commerce option to a site. It was complicated for me.

Shopify has many great qualities. It has website builder templates that you just enter the needed information, and it does the rest. It sends marketing emails, handles postage, and has many applications that can be added. I have used apps that allow my customers to sign up for rewards programs, that send post order and marketing emails, and that also set discount pop ups on your website to bring in more customers.

The site is extremely easy to use. It shows your profit margins, best sellers, and what you can do to improve. It has so many benefits and is reasonably priced.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.thathairgrow.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/th_grow
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/ThatHairGrow