We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Shavonna Simmons a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Shavonna thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

I’ve wanted to start a haircare line since college, but for a long time, fear held me back. The idea stayed tucked away—until 2020, when everything changed. After having my son during the pandemic, something shifted in me. I felt a new kind of courage and clarity, and that’s when Classic Coils was born.

My son’s name is Classic, and naming the brand after him felt powerful and intentional. Most natural hair brands cater to “curls,” but not many specifically speak to coils—the tighter, springy textures that are just as beautiful but often overlooked. “Classic Coils” to me means timeless, one-of-a-kind coils—hair that doesn’t need to be tamed, just loved.

I’ve been natural since 2012, when I did my big chop in my grandma’s bathroom. I remember seeing other Black girls with long, healthy natural hair and thinking, “If they can do it, I can too.” That was the start of my journey. I became obsessed with learning—my dorm room smelled like peppermint and jojoba oil half the time because I was always mixing and experimenting with different oils and regimens!

Starting this brand wasn’t just about products—it was about representation, education, and rewriting the narrative. I wanted to show others—especially Black women and young girls—that all hair is beautiful, and yes, we can grow long, healthy hair too. Classic Coils isn’t just a business. It’s my love letter to natural hair, and to anyone who’s ever been told their texture isn’t enough.

Shavonna , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Shavonna Sharelle, founder of Classic Coils—a natural haircare brand rooted in self-love, education, and cultural pride. I started this journey not just as an entrepreneur, but as a woman who fell in love with her own natural hair over a decade ago. I’ve been natural since 2012, and my personal journey with coily hair taught me so much about confidence, patience, and identity. Now, through Classic Coils, I get to share that journey with others.

Classic Coils specializes in clean, high-performing haircare made specifically for coily, kinky, and tightly textured hair types. We offer nourishing oils, moisture-rich treatments, and hair-loving essentials that make wash day a celebration—not a struggle. Every product is handmade with intention, using ingredients that truly nourish the scalp and hair—because we don’t believe in filler formulas.

But we’re more than just products—we’re a movement. I created Classic Coils because I saw a gap in the market: too many brands glorify looser textures or speak only to “curls,” leaving coily and kinky hair behind. Our brand centers coils, celebrates the richness of natural Black hair, and reminds our community that your texture doesn’t need to be changed or “fixed”—it needs to be cared for and embraced.

What sets us apart is our authenticity and our focus. Everything we do is rooted in real experiences, real results, and real love for our people. I’m proud that Classic Coils is showing up for the coil community in a way that feels personal, healing, and empowering.

More than anything, I want people to know that Classic Coils is for you. Whether you’re just starting your natural hair journey or you’ve been rocking your coils for years, this brand was created to support you, affirm you, and remind you that your hair is classic—one of a kind, worthy, and beautiful.

We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.

For me, it’s all about community and consistency. I stay connected with my customers through email newsletters, social media, and real conversations in the DMs. Whether I’m sharing haircare tips, highlighting customer results, or simply checking in with my audience, I want everyone to feel like they’re part of something bigger—not just buying a product, but joining a movement.

I also love asking for feedback, spotlighting customer testimonials, and giving people the tools they need to thrive in their natural hair journey. When someone tags me after trying one of our oils or messages me saying they finally love their coils—that means everything. That kind of trust is earned, and I don’t take it lightly.

I think people stay loyal to Classic Coils because they can feel the heart behind it. I’m not just selling to them—I’m growing with them. I want my customers to feel seen, celebrated, and cared for every step of the way.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Absolutely. Being a single mom is a huge part of my story and my strength. Starting Classic Coils while raising my son—during a global pandemic—was one of the hardest and most beautiful challenges I’ve ever faced. There were so many moments when I questioned myself… when orders were slow, money was tight, and I was up late mixing products with a baby monitor next to me.

But every time I felt overwhelmed, I reminded myself why I started. My son was my motivation. I wanted to show him what it looks like to build something from the ground up, to believe in yourself even when it’s hard, and to never settle for less than you’re capable of.

There were days when I’d be running to the post office with him on my hip, or answering customer emails while making bottles. It wasn’t glamorous—but it was real. And I’m proud of every single step. That season taught me that resilience isn’t about having it all figured out—it’s about showing up anyway. Even when it’s tough. Even when you’re tired. Even when no one’s clapping yet.

That’s the energy behind Classic Coils. It’s built on love, hustle, and a whole lot of faith.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.shopclassiccoils.net
• Instagram: @classiccoils_
• Facebook: Classic Coils