Today we’d like to introduce you to Ellana Stinson

Hi Ellana, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.

Starting my brand wasn’t just a business decision—it was personal. After battling thyroid cancer and reproductive health issues, I found myself on a frustrating search for hair care products that actually worked for me. There was nothing out there that catered to the unique needs my health challenges created. And I thought, “If I’m struggling to find something, how many others are facing the same issue?” That’s when it hit me: *why not create the solution myself?*

I dove headfirst into building a brand that was more than just hair care. I wanted to blend the power of science with the wisdom passed down from my Southern family traditions. I wasn’t just looking to make products—I was on a mission to guide people back to their roots, helping them nourish their scalp and grow stronger, healthier hair with ingredients they could trust.

Now, as a physician, switching gears from medicine to entrepreneurship? That was a *wild* ride. Imagine going from diagnosing patients to navigating logistics, marketing strategies, supply chains—you name it. It was like entering a whole new world, with learning curves at every turn. But I love a challenge, and with each hurdle, I learned something new. I quickly realized that building a business is like solving a puzzle, and every piece—from understanding revenue streams to mastering financial forecasting—was a step closer to bringing my vision to life.

Was it hard? Absolutely. But every obstacle only fueled my determination. With each challenge, I got closer to perfecting not just the products but the entire business. And believe me, it’s been worth every bit of sweat, late nights, and deep dives into the world of entrepreneurship.

What started as a personal quest has turned into something so much bigger—a brand that empowers others to embrace their roots, reclaim their hair health, and feel seen. My mission is to create a more inclusive, inspiring space in the hair care industry, where everyone’s unique hair journey is celebrated.

At the end of the day, it’s about more than just hair. It’s about resilience, transformation, and helping people connect to their authentic selves—starting from the scalp and radiating out.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

OMG: Where do I start!

Let’s just say—when I started Safo Hair, I wasn’t your typical beauty industry insider. In fact, my background was in healthcare, which meant I knew plenty about health but next to nothing about the ins and outs of hair care. The irony? My passion for hair health *is* rooted in wellness, and I saw this as an opportunity to bridge that gap. But trust me, this journey wasn’t a smooth ride—it was more of a hairpin curve at full speed.

First: Stepping into a New Industry: The Ultimate Learning Curve

Imagine this: I’d spent my entire career focusing on health, wellness, and patient care, and then one day, I decided to dive into the hair care world—completely unfamiliar terrain. I had to quickly learn about everything from product formulations to packaging, marketing, and the complexities of hair textures. Every day felt like a crash course in entrepreneurship, but I was determined to build something that went beyond surface-level beauty and truly nourished from the root up. It was equal parts terrifying and exhilarating. And while I didn’t have the “traditional” beauty background, I realized that *not* knowing the rules meant I could write my own.

Then: Launching in 2020: Global Supply Chain Chaos? Challenge Accepted

Now, picture this: I’m getting ready to launch in 2020—and boom! The world shuts down. Global supply chain disruptions became a daily obstacle, and sourcing the right ingredients felt like a treasure hunt with half the map missing. Shipping delays? Check. Ingredient shortages? Check. A growing sense that every hurdle could be the one that stops me? Double-check. But here’s the thing—I knew I wasn’t just creating hair products; I was building a movement centered around inclusivity, self-care, and real hair health. So, I persisted. There were days it felt like the universe was testing how badly I wanted this, but each hurdle made the vision for Safo Hair that much stronger. And every time I overcame, it felt like unlocking the next level in the game.

Next: Finding My True Audience: A Journey of Discovery

When Safo Hair finally hit the market, I thought I knew exactly who I was targeting. But, surprise! It wasn’t quite that simple. Hair care is deeply personal, and everyone’s journey is different. So, I had to spend time discovering the *real* Safo Hair customer—those who resonated with my mission for healthier, stronger, and more vibrant hair for all textures. Was it frustrating at times? Sure. But it was also a blast getting to connect with so many amazing people, learning their stories, and shaping my products to fit their unique needs. It’s like finding your tribe and realizing you’ve had more in common than you ever thought.

Now how do we grow: Expanding Revenue Streams: The Evolution of Safo Hair

As any entrepreneur knows, a single revenue stream can only take you so far. Diversifying? That’s where the magic happens. I had to think creatively—beyond just shampoo and conditioner—about how to expand my product offerings and bring in new ways to serve my community. I explored partnerships, collaborations, and even thought outside the bottle with services and digital experiences to amplify the brand’s presence. Every time I added a new revenue stream, it felt like I was adding another layer to my vision. This was more than hair care—it was a lifestyle.

Finally: Doing It All as a Solopreneur: Juggling, Spinning, and Thriving

And oh yeah—did I mention I did all of this solo? Imagine wearing all the hats: founder, marketing director, supply chain manager, customer service rep, and even social media strategist. Every task was on my plate, and it was a constant juggling act. Some days, I’d be deep in product development, and the next, I’d be troubleshooting a shipment delay or crafting an Instagram post. It was overwhelming but also liberating. Running Safo Hair as a solopreneur has been like being on a high-speed treadmill with no stop button—but I learned to keep up, adapt, and even enjoy the adrenaline. The beauty? I’ve never felt more connected to the process and to the people supporting the brand.

Ultimately, building Safo Hair has been one wild, exhilarating ride filled with twists, turns, and triumphs. Each struggle made the wins feel that much more rewarding. And the best part? I’m just getting started. From the unknown to unstoppable. Safo Hair is here to make waves—and I’m bringing the community along for the ride.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?

I like to think of myself as a builder—someone who’s able to bring ideas to life by working across different industries and finding the connections between them. My work isn’t confined to one space; it’s driven by a passion to fill gaps and build bridges that make concepts more accessible and impactful to a larger audience. Whether I’m focusing on hair care, wellness, or anything else that inspires me, I’m constantly pulling together threads from different fields and tying them into something new and innovative.

In a way, I specialize in intersectionality. I’ve worked in healthcare, wellness, and beauty, and while on the surface these industries might seem worlds apart, I’ve found that they all share common ground. It’s in that overlap where the real magic happens—where I can bring my background as a physician into hair care or my knowledge of wellness into entrepreneurship. I thrive on making those connections and turning them into something that not only works but resonates with people on a deeper level.

What I’m most proud of is that I’ve held onto the dreams and curiosity of my younger self—the inner little girl who always wanted to create something meaningful. I’ve carried those dreams with me through every challenge and transition, and I’ve turned them into reality. That’s something I refuse to let go of, no matter how impossible or “out there” my ideas might seem at the time. And that’s what sets me apart. I don’t just follow the well-trodden path; I’m not afraid to carve out my own, even if others don’t see the vision right away.

I’m known for keeping it real and cutting through the noise. I’m not someone who shies away from the truth or avoids the hard conversations. Whether I’m talking about scalp health or launching a new business initiative, I approach everything with honesty and transparency. People know they can count on me to call out the real issues and not sugarcoat things. But beyond just identifying problems, I’m a strategic thinker—I visualize solutions and know how to make them happen.

What sets me apart is the drive, ambition, and courage to follow through. I’ve always had the guts to go after things that might sound crazy or far-fetched at first, and it’s that boldness that’s allowed me to succeed. I don’t wait for the perfect moment or for everything to fall into place—I just start building. And in the end, that’s what I do best: take the impossible, the overlooked, or the uncertain and turn it into something real and impactful.

Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?

One of my favorite childhood memories? Oh wow, I have so many, it’s hard to pick just one! Most of them are tied to spending time with family, and growing up in Alabama provided a backdrop that a lot of people probably don’t understand. When people think of Alabama, they often picture it as slow, quiet, and behind the times—but for me, it was anything but. It was exciting, vibrant, and honestly transformative. My childhood was full of adventure, and every memory is linked to that pure sense of happiness and curiosity.

I remember running through my family’s farmland with my cousins, playing hide and seek in the corn patches, laughing until our stomachs hurt. The farm felt like this massive, magical playground where we could explore for hours, free from any worries. And then there was that one winter where we got hit with a 20-inch snowstorm. I know, snow in Alabama! We lost power, but instead of it feeling scary or frustrating, it turned into one of the best experiences of my life. Everyone came together—neighbors, family, friends—and we made the most of it, cooking on wood stoves, sharing stories, and just being present with one another. It was like time stood still in the best possible way.

All of my childhood memories are rooted in family, love, and the joy of just being a curious, happy kid. Whether it was running around for hours on hours in the hot Alabama sun or gathering around with loved ones during unexpected snowstorms, every moment was filled with a sense of connection and adventure. Looking back, those memories are what shaped me—they taught me the value of community, resilience, and finding joy in the simple, beautiful things in life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.safohair.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/safohair/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/safohair
• Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/@SafoHair
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@safohair?_t=8jfqrh3NfDC&_r=1

Image Credits

Daily Post Media
https://dailypost.media/