We recently connected with Wynette Simmons and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Wynette thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Has Covid resulted in any major changes to your business model?

COVID has definitely changed my business model as I deal in selling raw human hair extensions directly from human donors. In 2019 when the pandemic started, there was no inventory available due to people not donating hair. I had to close my brick-and-mortar location and shift to online sales only. I was able to re-open my store 1/22 however 90% of customers purchase online. So, the business model is focused on online growth and the purchase online and pick-up & in-store model. This model has allowed me to reach new customers outside my local area and international.

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?

My disciplines are in business and fashion. I love the idea of beauty and women owning businesses in the industry. I have always wanted to be an entrepreneur and I am inspired by my late grandfather who owned a barbershop, restaurant, and real estate. After receiving my Associates in Business Administration and working in Project Management, I was laid off. I then decided to start selling hair as a side hustle mainly to co-workers and friends. It then grew into my 1st store after hair stylists began showing interest in my product.

The mission of my company is to provide high quality hair extensions for all races, ethnicities, and different hair textures. Opuluxe Virgin Hair specializes in hair sourced directly from India, Cambodia Vietnam, and Myanmar. We value high quality, and we see our products as a service instead of a product. We are in the service of making our clients feel beautiful, independent, and free. We also offer payment plans that allow customers to purchase products in installments. High quality and customer satisfaction is 1st. Lastly, we perform quality inspections on all our hair before its sold. This is what sets us apart from other hair companies.

When starting the business, I was not aware of the customers and people I would meet. I meet women from all walks of life. They inspire me to continue and develop new products. We try to source products for women with cancer and those of mixed ethnicities that were interested in extensions but could never find their hair texture. It makes me feel very proud to service these customers as they are enduring very difficult hardships. Hair is a woman’s crown, and it has great effect on self-esteem and worth. A customer came into my store and purchased a wig. She had seen my commercial on tv. She said she saved her money until she could afford it, and this is what inspires me to continue in the industry.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One lesson I had to unlearn was in regards to variety/selection/inventory management. As a small business, you cannot offer & sell everything your manufacturer offers to consumers. In the beginning, I tried to accommodate customers wanting different hair types and lengths. I stretched myself too thin and through trial and error, I selected the products that represent Opuluxe (opulent, luxurious) women. I had to streamline my selection and purchase the best-selling and quality products. This process took several years to progress. You have to streamline and choose what’s best for your consumer and represents your brand.

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

As my business is becoming primarily E-Commerce, I do rely on platforms as well as my individual site. Since starting my business in 2015, my goal has been to sell my hair internationally. I use Etsy as it has allowed me to reach consumers internationally and in all 50 states. I am reaching the consumers that love and appreciate my product. It has generated more sales for me than Facebook or Instagram (social media). Consumers trust Etsy. The only downside to the platform is the fees for advertising and using the service cuts drastically into the profit. So, I do have to set aside a budget for advertising on the platform.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.opuluxehair.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/opu_luxehair
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/opuluxe.hair
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNw_XcC0NVLNYDo-p0EVkbg
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/opuluxe-virgin-hair-taylors

Image Credits
Patrick Cox Photography -image 3&4 Adam Schwimmer -Mural inspired by photo shoot of Opuluxe Virgin Hair