We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Monea & Jelica Floyd a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Monea & Jelica, appreciate you joining us today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?
XposedbyMo is a brand birthed by two female, biracial, idealists who share a passion for global sustainability, fashion innovation, and self-transformation. We are a mother daughter duo whose mission is to educate consumers on hair and skin health benefits and preventives, emphasize the impact that the right hair accessory has on confidence and appearance, and XPOSE the consumer to unique and exclusive collections.
As a result of extensive global travel and entrepreneurial initiatives throughout the years we knew that we wanted to create a brand that encompassed universal engagement, relatability, and functionality. XposedbyMo was officially introduced to the Houston area and launched on our very own Etsy website in January 2022. Early on, we knew that we wanted to create products that were multifunctional, and so we coined the phrase: “Where Creativity and Convenience Meet.” Much like our motto, my mom and I, integrate our individual strengths to bring into existence our artistry and business management.
Much of our success comes from our fearlessness to fail. Originally residing on the West Coast, we had never lived in or visited Houston prior to our move, which was in itself abrupt and spontaneous. We shoved what clothing we could fit into our compact vehicle, and hauled across the country with our English bulldog into unknown territory. Early on we experienced isolation, worry, and doubt, until we finally embraced our vulnerability and harnessed all of that energy into a brand that would always reflect the essence of risk taking, and the value of stepping out of one’s comfort zone. Our presence on social media, at pop up events, and in bricks-and-mortar retail spaces throughout the Houston area have escalated the success of XposedbyMo.
One of the pivotal moments of our success derives from our extensive research into what became our first storefront, Mala Market. Looking back at having witnessed the building’s restoration and transformation at the same time as we ourselves were in our early stages, we are assured of our divine alignment. In July XposedbyMo celebrated its sixth month in business and with each new milestone we are excited to keep expanding.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers?
XposedbyMo consists of a range of hand sewn and crafted products. We are self taught in sewing and craftsmanship. One of our first and what continues to be our best selling products are our pocket scrunchies. These scrunchies are different because they are multifunctional, which means they can be worn regularly, in buns, ponytails, etc. but with the addition of a zipper the consumer is also given the option to stash your essentials like credit cards, ID, car keys, chapstick, cash, etc. The pocket is designed to go all the way around the scrunchie giving you ample space to stash any and all travel size items at your convenience. This eliminates the hassle of carrying a wallet or purse at concerts, festivals, sporting events, or everyday outings. The pocket scrunchie removes the worry of getting your items confiscated or stolen from venues that have restrictions on size and transparency of purses and bags. Recently we’ve elevated the design so that the pocket scrunchie has an optional handle to turn your scrunchie from a hair tie to a clutch in a matter of seconds. Other assortments that XposedbyMo offers are silk scrunchies and pillowcases to promote the best hair health. Our products are machine washable, flexible, durable, and made for all hair textures and lengths. We do not utilize cotton as it is associated with inhumane practices in American history in addition to its negative effects on hair health. Cotton immediately absorbs all of the moisture and hydration from the scalp, aids in the production of split ends, and causes damage and frizz. We also create light weight, colorful cloud scrunchies made from chiffon, bow barrettes and clips, as well as braid in clips. We desire to promote that hair accessories are just as mandatory like a pair of shoes to match your outfit. Your hair is a blank canvas that deserves to be dressed up and getting consumers to step out of their personal comfort zone when it comes to styling is what we want to emphasize here at XposedbyMo.
We’d love to hear about you met your business partner.
The journey is one like many others, a young woman meets a young man and together they created me, Monea. Fast forward 22 years, my mom and I have an inseparable bond that we’ve carried throughout our business and personal endeavors.
Can you open up about how you funded your business?
Before our English bulldog passed away in August 2021, we had discovered an app called Rover where pet caregivers invite your pup over for boarding, daycare, or walking services and provide a more intimate and comfortable alternative vacation rather than dropping your pet off at typical boarding facilities. We enjoyed using this app for our own pup, that even after he passed we decided to join as rover sitters to help our healing process while also accumulating funds for our start up.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.xposedbymo.com
- Instagram: Xposedbymo
- Facebook: Xposedbymo
- Other: Google- Xposedbymo
Two store front locations:Mala Market1302 West Gray St.Monday-Saturday 10AM-6PMSunday 11AM-4PMEn Belle Époque2022 West Gray StMonday 12PM-5PMTuesday- Saturday 11AM-7PMSunday Closed