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

Vassilissa, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

I’ve been working on my hair curling project called Roll&Glow for almost five years now. It can be quite challenging at times, but I’m determined to finish it. Roll&Glow is an innovative way of curling hair using electronic hair rollers. These rollers have a ventilator inside that evenly dries every part of the hair. Unlike blow dryers or hooded dryers, which dry the hair from the outside, leaving the inside damp, Roll&Glow focuses on the inside of the roller, so the result end up being beautiful curls instead of frizzy hair.

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?

I was born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, I came to the states with my mother and brother when I was 6 years old in the year 2004. Back at home, my hair experience was something out of a horror movie, and it didn’t help that God made me tender-headed. I still remember the first perm I got, I think I was four years old, and everyone in the compound came to see me cry out my eyes while I was getting my hair done. My mother will tell you she hated doing my hair because I would fight and fuss and she just didn’t have time for that. The perm was used to help “manage” my hair and make it easier.

Fast-forward to spring break of 2015 one of my friends was trying to convinced me to go natural and I declined several times until I gave in and said “why not”. This was the best decision of my life not only did it connect me to other young black women it connected me back to my roots! That same day, I did my big chop I convinced my mother and little sister, who had no say, to chop their hair off also. I’ve been natural ever since with my ups and downs and I have learned a lot.

My experience has led me to where I am now with the Roll&Glow. I see how things can be improved. I want to take on the challenges of making those changes. Hair is a big way that a lot of people express themselves and with a handy tool and the right products we can create endless styles.

The Roll&Glow will cut the time it takes to style your hair with rollers and give you the ability to move around while your hair is getting styled. Almost every time you put rollers in your hair you have to stand or sit in one area for a long period of time. With the Roll&Glow that will be the problem of yesterday.

I am most proud of the fact that I have managed to figure things out on my own with minimal resources and a mentorship. However, I do not recommend following this path. It simply shows me the willingness and strength that God has given me, and that I can achieve anything I put my mind to with God’s help.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I feel like resources are not the issue, but rather the challenge lies in connecting with the right people who can provide the necessary resources. Although there are some individuals who can offer assistance, it often feels limited in its scope. This is why I had to rely on trial and error when seeking out a patent lawyer, engineers, or crowdfunding. As a college student, I was struggling to make ends meet and could not afford the thousands of dollars that some were asking for their services. Additionally, I often found myself receiving advice from individuals who were not as knowledgeable as I was, leaving me feeling stuck and unsure of how to proceed.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Generational wealth is my driving force. I aspire to provide for my family and friends, and also want to give back to my community and help those who have faced similar struggles as I have. As a black woman, I understand how it feels to be ignored or overlooked. Therefore, I want to be an advocate for those who are being dismissed and give them a chance to succeed, just as I hope to receive from someone well-established.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yayathegreat1/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vassilissa.gugia
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vassilissa-gugia-711518202/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/YayatheGreat1
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@cents.n9nth?si=DVmcgjZwA0F8fDkE

Image Credits
Tatsuwa Deverson