My business and products are special in that they are Liberian-inspired. The fabric differs from that of the Kente fabric that many other African designers use. In addition, I create a niche product: Christmas stockings made using African fabric. The handbags I make are original designs (no patterns were used), and the African curl custard is made with all natural ingredients. I use a special process that allows me to use natural oils and butter without the product having an oil-like consistency.

Can you please introduce yourself; name, where you from and what is the name of your business?
Hi, my name is Maria, and I am from Liberia. I’ve been in the US for nearly 30 years and the name of my business is InSewFar.

What inspired you to start your business, when and what is your goal?
I was inspired to start this business by my family. I’ve been a seamstress and designer for over 25 years, and my goal is to be able to share these designs and my culture with others.

What do you find most challenging about running a business?
The most challenging part of running a business for me has been marketing.

What makes your business and your products special?
My business and products are special in that they are Liberian-inspired. The fabric differs from that of the Kente fabric that many other African designers use. In addition, I create a niche product: Christmas stockings made using African fabric. The handbags I make are original designs (no patterns were used), and the African curl custard is made with all natural ingredients. I use a special process that allows me to use natural oils and butter without the product having an oil-like consistency.

 

What is the most important lesson you have learned from doing business?
The most important lesson I have learned is how beneficial it is to interact with potential customers.

Have you ever been to a hair or trade show? If so where and how was the experience?
I have yet to attend a hair or trade show.

Do you think it’s important to have a website as a business or is it more important to have social media like facebook?
I think it is more important to have a website.

Where do you want to be in five years?
In five years, I would like to have a team devoted to customer service and social marketing.

ABOUT BLACK HAIR
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Did you ever believe you had “bad” hair? If yes, how do you think you got that idea, when did it change and how did you change it?
I did at one point believe that I had “bad hair.” That idea came from several media outlets, as well as having peers who had “perfectly” straightened hair, while I could never seem to get my hair to look quite like theirs. I decided to change that once I realized how much damage I was doing to my hair. I would wash it, and the curls were just about gone, my hair was thinning, and I would easily get split ends.

Did you ever feel ashamed of your hair? If yes, can you please share one or more moments?
I would sometimes feel ashamed of my hair. Living in GA, it is ALWAYS humid in summer. One day I missed my alarm, and did not have time to straighten my hair before work. I put it in a quick bun, but didn’t remember to grab enough pins to keep it in place, or a headband! As the day went on, my hair went from “eh.. it looks okay” to “did you just roll out of bed and show up?” Not my best hair day for sure.

What styles have you tried in the past (relaxers, Jherri curls, locs, afro etc). Which one was your favorite and why do you choose to wear this style now?
I’ve tried relaxers, afros, wash and go’s, straightening, twist outs, cornrows, and bantu knots (in Liberia, there’s a more colorful name for this style).

ABOUT US
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We are doing a crowd funding for http://BlackFollicles.com to build the amazon.com or etsy of Natural Hair Care products. The goal is to give entrepreneurs like yourself the chance to expand their market and sell to Europe. Can you please take a look at http://BlackFollicles.com and tell us what you think of the idea?
I think this is a great idea with a unique range of categories.

What perk/gift would you choose and why?
I would choose a perk/gift from the bridal section. My daughter is getting married soon, and actually looking for headpieces to wear with her dress. Having one that is African inspired is something she would love.

Do you support the idea of BlackFollicles.com? If so why if no why not?
I do support this idea. It is a wonderful way to not only be connected with potential customers, but also to meet other creators of African-inspired products and learn from them.

ABOUT YOUR STORE

Where can people find you and your products?
My products can be found in my Etsy shop: insewfar.etsy.com and also on my website insewfar.wix.com/home

Last word?
Thank you for reaching out to me for this feature, and I hope I have been able to provide you with all of the information that you need. Sewing is my passion, and I am always looking for new ways to expand my design abilities and share my creations. Having natural hair has indeed been a journey, and my goal with the curl custard is to share a natural way to make that journey a little easier for another girl (or guy) who might be facing some stress over their hair.

Going Natural went on a search to feature the entrepreneurial women who are the driving force behind the growing natural hair care business. Our goal is to make it easier for our members to shop consciously and support our community. So if you want to be featured or you want to recommend a business to be featured, please contact us.  

 

Also read why Khepera said that BlackFollicles is a brilliant and empowering venue