Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tia Baldwin. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Tia, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s kick things off with talking about how you serve the underserved, because in our view this is one of the most important things the small business community does for society – by serving those who the giant corporations ignore, small business helps create a more inclusive and just world for all of us.
Our hair care company has a heartfelt commitment to serving a community that has long been overlooked and underserved: African American women and Women of Color. Our journey has been driven by a genuine desire to address the very real challenges they face, not only in terms of their hair care needs but also in their overall well-being.
The underserved status of this community is evident in the lack of products tailored to their unique needs. For years, many have struggled to find products that truly understand and cater to their diverse hair textures. This frustration isn’t just about hair; it’s about how they perceive themselves and their hair. We’ve heard countless stories of individuals feeling marginalized by the limited options available to actually repair hair and pressured to conform to beauty standards that don’t embrace their natural beauty.
On top of these challenges, these women lead incredibly demanding lives, often dealing with multiple responsibilities and obstacles. The stress they experience leaves little room for self-care in their daily routines. This is where our brand comes in, offering a holistic approach.
Firstly, we provide a range of top-quality hair care products meticulously crafted for the diverse hair textures within the African American community. These products aren’t just about achieving beautiful hair; they’re about empowering individuals to embrace their natural beauty and their unique hair journey. We firmly believe that when people feel confident and proud of their hair, it has a profound impact on their self-perception.
But our commitment doesn’t stop at products. We also offer thoughtful ebooks, workbooks, and content designed to help individuals navigate their hair journey and embrace their true identity. These resources are all about education and empowerment, equipping our community with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed choices about their hair care routines.
We’re deeply involved in community initiatives, like our workshops with organizations such as Alternatives For Girls in Detroit. These workshops provide not only practical hair care guidance but also create safe spaces for open conversations. We understand the importance of fostering connections where women and girls can openly share their challenges and celebrate their victories.
Our brand’s story is one of transformation and empowerment. We’ve witnessed incredible journeys where women in our community have discovered newfound confidence, embraced their unique beauty, and learned to prioritize self-care in their busy lives. Our mission isn’t just about selling products; it’s about being a part of their personal growth and helping them thrive. This mission is deeply personal to us because we know it matters profoundly, not just for hair but for the overall well-being and self-perception of those we serve.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m Tia Baldwin, and I’m the founder of our hair care company, born out of both necessity and a deeply personal journey. I’d like to take a moment to introduce myself and share the essence of what our brand represents.
I’m a proud Detroiter, hailing from Detroit, Michigan. My journey into the hair care industry was a profoundly personal one. It began with a realization of the struggles I faced in caring for my natural hair. I soon discovered that my journey wasn’t just about taming my locks; it was also a journey of self-perception and identity.
As a young woman who had grown up feeling the pressures of conforming to societal beauty standards, I understood firsthand the emotional toll it can take. I grappled with issues of self-worth and the desire to embrace my natural beauty in a world that often failed to cater to the diverse needs of African American women. This experience ignited a passion within me to not only transform my own hair care routine but also to help others on their journeys of self-discovery and self-acceptance.
Our brand is a reflection of this commitment. We provide a range of carefully crafted hair care products designed to meet the unique needs of African American women and Gen Z adults. These products are more than just solutions; they are tools for empowerment, helping individuals embrace their natural beauty and unique hair journeys.
But our mission extends beyond hair care. We offer a wealth of resources, including ebooks, workbooks, and content, all aimed at empowering individuals to navigate their own journeys of self-perception and self-acceptance. We firmly believe that true beauty comes from within, and our work is dedicated to nurturing that inner confidence.
What sets us apart is our holistic approach. We don’t just sell products; we foster a sense of community and support through initiatives like our workshops with organizations like Alternatives For Girls in Detroit. We create spaces where individuals can openly discuss their challenges, celebrate their triumphs, and find strength in their shared experiences.
I’m most proud of the transformations we’ve witnessed in our community – the moments when individuals find their confidence, embrace their uniqueness, and prioritize self-care in their lives. Our brand’s success isn’t measured solely by sales but by the positive impact we make on people’s lives.
I want potential clients, followers, and our audience to know that our brand is built on a foundation of authenticity, empathy, and a genuine desire to make a difference. We’re here to empower individuals not only in their hair care journeys but also in their journeys of self-discovery and self-love. Our brand is a testament to the power of embracing one’s true self, and we’re dedicated to helping others do the same.
Can you talk to us about manufacturing? How’d you figure it all out? We’d love to hear the story.
I started making products in my college apartment, and it was an adventure getting our manufacturing process up and running.
When I first embarked on this journey, I was determined to create natural hair care products that addressed the specific needs of African American women with hair similar to mine. However, I had no prior experience in manufacturing. I began by immersing myself in a world of research about natural herbs, plants, and oils, studying their properties and benefits for hair. Armed with this newfound knowledge, I started working on formulas through trial and error.
In those early days, there were some interesting experiments. I remember my very first product contained fish oil, a choice I quickly realized was not the best for hair care. It was a valuable lesson that highlighted the importance of careful ingredient selection.
For years, I continued to make products at home, refining my formulas and perfecting the recipes. As the demand for our products grew, I knew it was time to take the next step and transition to a dedicated space. This marked the beginning of our journey into manufacturing on a larger scale.
Establishing a supply chain was crucial to expanding our reach and doing business with retailers. This phase involved sourcing factories to partner with and vetting potential manufacturing companies based on specific criteria. These criteria included factors like location (preferably in the USA to support local businesses), pricing, minimum order quantities, turnaround time, and, most importantly, the reliability of the factory.
Finding the right manufacturing partners wasn’t always easy. It required a lot of research, networking, and careful consideration. But with determination and persistence, we were able to build a network of reliable co-packers who shared our commitment to quality and ethics.
Today, we still create some of our products in-house, maintaining that personal touch that our customers appreciate. For larger orders, we work closely with our trusted co-packers to ensure consistency and efficiency in our manufacturing process.
Throughout this journey, I’ve learned invaluable lessons about the intricacies of product manufacturing. Attention to detail, quality control, and continuous improvement have been central to our success. I’ve also come to understand the importance of building strong partnerships with suppliers and manufacturers who align with our brand’s values and standards.
In essence, our manufacturing story is one of growth, learning, and adaptability. It’s a testament to the dedication and passion we have for providing high-quality, tailored products to our community, all while maintaining the integrity of our brand.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
Absolutely, I’d be happy to discuss some impactful resources that have shaped my approach to entrepreneurship with you. Here’s what I’ve found valuable:
1. **The Book of Proverbs (Bible): It does not immediately strike you as a business resource, but the Book of Proverbs is a source of timeless wisdom. Many successful individuals have tapped into the principles, and they attribute it to their success. It’s a reminder that qualities like wisdom, integrity, and good judgment are timeless and remain highly relevant in the business world today.
2. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill: This one’s a classic for a reason. It blends spiritual principles with practical, actionable steps, making it a modern-day handbook for turning dreams into real accomplishments.
3. How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie: In business, effective communication and relationship-building are crucial. In a world where connections and networks are key, this book gives valuable lessons.
Also, there’s this book called The Power of Imagination that I love. It talks about thinking without limits. While it’s not a business book, it aligns perfectly with the entrepreneurial mindset that values creativity and innovation to break free from self-imposed constraints.
Lastly, I want to highlight the impact of the entrepreneurial community at Global Empowerment in Detroit. Being a part of a network of Christian entrepreneurs is invaluable. Mentorship and a strong support network are essential for fostering growth.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.shcbeauty.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shcbeauty/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tia.baldwin.92
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tia-baldwin-supernatural/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@supernaturalhaircare1290