We recently connected with Tyler K. Carter and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Tyler K. , thanks for joining us today. We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?
Itsfrostrated has a funny story. It all started when I had the desire to tell my journey with natural hair. I had my mind set on this being a outlet for the mess-ups, failed attempts on styles and comb-breaking that I wasn’t alone on. All of these ideas and… no name. I wrote at least 30+ names and nothing stuck out to me. I called one of my friends/mentees and said, “I’m so frustrated with thi…..OMG I GOT IT.” And, here we are!
Tyler K. , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Well, hello hey hey! My name is Tyler K. Carter. I am a natural hair influencer and content creator. In 2019, I launched the brand “itsfrostrated” that was my vent space for natural hair. This brand was centered around my journey through the ups and downs of my experience transitioning from a buzz-cut to the FRO. It wasn’t a smooth sail by any means and I wanted to highlight that because I felt the conversation didn’t happen as much as it is now.
It started as a YouTube channel and eventually sprouted to every social channel. I got into the natural hair world because of college! I went into college with a short cut and wide-eyed. No clue how I would continue the perm route. Eventually, I just let it grow out and it’s then that I discovered I have a lot more creativity in how I styled my hair. I went through EVERY single phase: transitioning, TWA, mini fro, big chop, uneven fro, protective style, and repeat. The excitement of new growth is what made me explore on how to do it on my own. It became my thing! My confidence and style in college was.. let’s just say different. Imagine that with a big FRO! I love every minute of it!
I want every natural to know it’s a JOURNEY. I think I’ve said journey or experience throughout this whole interview. You are learning more about yourself and your hair in every phase. Sometimes it’s pretty, sometimes it’s NOT. Throughout it all, remain consistent with your regimen and track everything so you can see your progress. Never compare your hair to anyone. Be open to trying new things and had your go-tos. Natural hair is what YOU make it! Let it be beautiful.
There was a time I had to big chop, TWICE! I wasn’t happy but I enjoyed the growth spurts and protective styles until I was content. There were times I sat in the mirrors for hours to get the style by myself and now I can! Practice makes perfect. I only hope my brand and content encourages naturals to keep going!
My proudest moment is any time I have someone reach out to say I’ve helped them with my content. Whether at a natural hair event or on social media, it reinvigorates my purpose. It keeps me going!
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
I had to unlearn that you have to post content 24/7 to stay relevant. Here’s the story: I was in a good stride of my content and things were going well. Time goes by and it felt like I was running out of gas and creating content just to “post something”. Internally, I was defeated in thinking it was similar to another creator or people simply “used to” my content so they didn’t engage. So, why bother? So, I stepped back and had to reassess. I was actually exhausted. I went back to my sketchbook and had to strategize to prevent burnout.
I understand now that my audience (FRObaes) appreciate the transparency of not being on your mark all the time. I’ve made it my business to include resting and recharging as apart of the content schedule.
How did you build your audience on social media?
I built my audience starting with the people that knew me the most: family and friends! I knew with my brand that I wanted a sense of community. Once I launched, I had the name “FRObaes” just for them. It felt like even if I did terrible or fumbled, they would get me together.
I thought if Beyoncé has the BeyHive and Meg the Stallion has Stallions, itsfrostrated can have FRObaes.
I think it’s important to build a familial presence with your followers. It provides additional comfort when creating and posting content!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.itsfrostrated.com
- Instagram: @itsfrostrated
Image Credits
Photo Credits: Chelsea Newton, RedShots Photography