Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Star Rolle. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Star thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

The Curl Stop was created so that women can embrace their natural features during a time when we are discouraged to do so. We want you to have all of the tools necessary to feel comfortable in your own skin. Our store features a range of products that include Ez Detangler Brushes, Scalp Oil, Edge Control brushes and so much more geared towards natural hair and making your life easier. With the creation of our brand we also coined the phrase, “Be yourself naturally”. This is important to us because the beauty industry needs to advocate for people being in their natural element.

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?

In July 2020 I launched my own black owned e-commerce brand called The Curl Stop. The brand focuses on natural hair care products and promotes being comfortable in our own skin as women of color. I wanted to place an emphasis on breaking free from societal expectations and norms that we face and bring inclusivity to the forefront. What started off as a one product store in my living room turned into a five figure business in 6 months and now has over 30 products with plans to add more in the near future.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I grew up with very humble beginnings in Watts, CA in the 90s. Growing up I didn’t have much control over my finances and financial literacy was not on the forefront of my conversations with my parents as a child. I was blessed that my parents focused on learning and reading growing up so that I was able to have a great comprehension of any form of literature that I became interested in. When I started my first job, I spoke articulately as if I had been there for years but didn’t even have a bank account. At the age of 18 I was given a chance in sales starting off as an entry level representative for a telecommunications company. I had no degree or experience but was able to get my own place at an early age. Fast forward to today, I am one the youngest software engineers for a tech startup based in Santa Monica, CA.

How’d you think through whether to sell directly on your own site or through a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc.

I sell my products mainly on Shopify. I heard about the platform when I first got into starting the brand because it’s the most popular website to launch your products but I decided to research it on my own. I also listed the products on any black owned business websites that I could find. I then branched into Etsy, Facebook marketplace, eBay and pop up shops. There aren’t many cons to having the platforms. With Etsy I figured out quickly that there is a big difference in return on investment when you factor in the fees that they charge. I’ve had to adjust my pricing multiple times to account for the difference. I also had to research how to get my products to the first page of Etsy in the proper categories. It takes some work upfront but when it’s done, it’s definitely worth it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thecurlstop.com/
• Instagram: Instagram.com/thecurlstop
• Facebook: Facebook.com/thecurlstop

Image Credits
Star Rolle