We were lucky to catch up with Shenia Faulks Jackson recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Shenia thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
I had started making natural hair t-shirts as a form of self-expression and protest. I had seen crazy stories in the news related to natural hair in the workplace and school settings . My t-shirts reflected positive affirmations and images surrounding black hair. I paired those shirts with earrings that also made a statement. People noticed and asked me where they could purchase the items. So the business was born.
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
In the beginning, I created the t-shirts and earrings for me. I was on a journey of self-love. Then one day my stylist suggested that I cut my hair into a Frohawk. I added some designs in the shaved sides. Pairing that frohawk with the t-shirts and earrings got people’s attention. I posted pictures of my hair journey to social media. I started getting messages from women over 40 about how they were inspired to try the same hairstyles. Women approached me in the mall to tell me they had decided to go see my barber. They had pictures of my haircut saved to their phone for reference. They loved my t-shirts and earrings. They started asking for hair styling tips. I didn’t even know most of these people, but I knew being my authentic self gave other people permission to do the same. I could see that I was making an impact, so I decided to make Natural for a Reason a business.
Natural for a Reason now provides apparel, accessories, stationary and styling tools with the natural hair beauty in mind.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
I built my audience on social media by offering styling tips. I posted pictures showing them how to pair certain outfits and accessories. I also started posting how-to videos for styling natural hair. They were in the form of short reels with step-by-step instructions. This included the final look with apparel and accessories from my business. What I have found is that educational videos and transformational videos are engaging to the audience.
We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.
Social media and email campaigns are great. However, as a newer business, I try to be very visible in my community. I take advantage of local vending opportunities where I can get a chance to see my repeat customers and meet new customers. Oftentimes people will give you reviews in person that they won’t post online. This is a perfect opportunity to use those in-person video testimonials for continued marketing. Also, there’s something about interacting with you in person that will change someone from a potential customer to a repeat customer.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.naturalforareason.com
- Instagram: @naturalforareason
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/naturalforareason