We recently interviewed lockdown entrepreneur Jacqueline Elkouby to find out about her inventive hair curling hack brand that doesn’t involve heat! Tik Tok played a huge part in her decision to produce something unique, and as a result her product Heatless Hair has become a social media sensation.
Tell us about the journey that lead you to launching your brand Heatless Hair…
During the peak of the Covid-19 lockdown, there was a trend on TikTok where people were using bath robe sashes to curl their hair overnight. I decided to try it out, but I found that it didn’t give me the results that it promised. However, the idea of a heatless way to get curls inspired me. I decided to design my own Heatless Hair Hack, A ribbon made with 100% silk to produce frizz free waves. I tried my product out on my myself, friends and family with all different hair types. From there, Heatless Hair was born!
What are the benefits of using your products and what makes you different from other brands on the market?
A major benefit of using Heatless Hair is that it prevents damage to hair and saves time getting ready. My product works best while sleeping, giving my customer the perfect curls when they wake up. I source the best quality materials and use 100% silk which prevents frizz and breakage. Since I’ve launched my Curling Ribbon several other brands have emerged with their version of the product however, many of them use satin and foam, which can be damaging to the hair.
What has been the biggest learning curve since launching the business?
Heatless Hair is my very first business. I went to school to be an esthetician, and was working at a spa before the pandemic. I had never imagined that just a few months later I’d be launching my own company. I’ve had to learn how to build my own business from scratch knowing little about running a company. I’ve had to learn how to manage sourcing manufactures and materials, creating my own content, fulfilling orders, customer service, budgeting, etc. Everything I have done since day one has been a learning curve for me. I am still learning something new every day and although this has been my greatest challenge, I am loving it!
The beauty industry is fast changing, what trends do you expect to see in the next 12 months?
High quality, clean and sustainably sourced beauty products, tools, and accessories. I believe consumers are going to be more conscious of the products they are using, including toxic and damaging products. I believe that just because something is trendy, doesn’t mean it’s good for you.
What advice would you offer to anyone wanting to become an entrepreneur?
Don’t give up on what you believe in. If you truly believe in your product, others will believe in it too. Don’t be afraid of failing, just keep going and you will succeed.
Looking back since launching the brand, is there anything you would do differently?
No, I am so lucky to have grown my business as quickly as I have. I am loving every step of this process!
How would you describe your personal style?
Minimal and classic with a bit of sparkle. I love to elevate my looks with jewelry and accessories. A great pair of shoes goes a long way!
Talk us through an average day in your life…
I wake up around 7:30 am and walk my Great Dane Kingsley around the block and get coffee from my local coffee shop. Some days I go horseback riding, others I jump right into emails and filling orders. I film content, source new products and silks, and find inspiration for upcoming launches.
How much has social media played a role in the success of your brand?
Tremendously. TikTok is a great platform that helped me grow my brand along with Instagram. Creating content for social media has been essential marketing and driving business.
Our readers love to travel, what destination is at the top of your bucket list?
I love to travel too! I want to explore Greece and South Africa. Oh, and Italy I love the history and culture and of course, the food!
What is your go-to quote when lacking motivation?
“Doing what you love is never a waste of time.”
What’s next for the business?
Ideally, I would love to expand into a lifestyle brand.
What does self care mean to you?
Self care means taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional health and keeping a balance of work and play. I love my work, but it’s extremely important for me that I make time for doing the things that make me the happiest. I’m grateful that my business can be a part of other’s self care.
Where can people find out more?
Instagram: @HeatlessHair
TikTok: @Heatless_Hair
Facebook: Heatless Hair
Email: info@heatlesshair.com
Website: Heatless Hair
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