Angela Fité is the founder of Kinsitry, a brand that caters to the curly haired girl looking for quality hair extensions. After struggling to find hair on the market that matched her gorgeous curls, she realised there was a gap in the market and set out to launch her now successful hair care brand. It’s more than just hair, it’s a movement.
We spent some time with Angela to find out more…
Tell us about the story that lead you to launch your brand, Kinsitry.
Finding quality kinky curly extensions was an issue for me as a consumer. I discovered through conversion with friends that was also an issue for them as well. I launched Kinkistry out of a need for better quality kinky curly extensions at a more reasonable price.
You’re on a mission to change the world, one curl at a time. Why is this important to you?
As an African American woman and mother to an African American daughter, it’s important for her to see a varied representation of skin tones and hair textures because that’s the world we live in. We deserve to see images that depict women of color in every hue and curl type. Our uniqueness is what makes us magical!
It’s so refreshing to see a hair extension brand that caters to tight curls, how do you plan on changing the in the haircare world?
I want to show the beauty industry it’s ok to embrace texture. Textured curls aren’t bad, inappropriate or hard to maintain. My goal is to spotlight the versatility of textured hair.
Talk us through an average day in your life…
Right now, life is far from average! I have a 13-year-old son and 10-year-old daughter who are currently attending school virtually because of Covid-19. Their school routine takes up a good chunk of my day. My husband is in the Army Reserve and has recently been deployed to the middle East. Life is definitely different for us these days. As far as Kinkistry is concerned, I’m blessed to have great employees who manage day to day activities.
It’s amazing to see a beauty brand representing black people. Aside from the work you do, how much do you think the haircare and beauty industry is doing this and what work can be done to make more strides in this area?
Representation of our community has increased a bit in the beauty industry, but there is still more ground to break. In beauty specifically, the spending power of black women in the US is $7.5 billion. We definitely are not featured and represented enough in comparison to how much we spend. We as consumers must demand change and black owned businesses must lead this charge.
What’s been your career highlight since launching?
I have many, but one of my major highlights is this year Kinkistry’s turns 5 years old. In today’s climate, I realize I’m very fortunate to have a thriving and successful business.
Looking back since launching the brand, is there anything you would do differently?
The challenges I have experienced since Kinkistry began have all been great lessons that created growth. They’ve molded and shaped my brand and how I conduct business. These lessons have been invaluable and I would not change a thing.
Who is your ideal client and why?
Our ideal client is unapologetic about the curl of her hair and the tone of her skin. She embraces her natural journey whole heartedly and knows it’s not trendy to be natural. Being natural shouldn’t be viewed as a statement. It’s not a fad. Being natural is loving everything about yourself and feeling confident in your skin.
How do you deal with procrastination?
I tend to hold on to too many things I should delegate. I’ve been delegating more out of necessity. I shouldn’t feel as though I have to do everything and I have incredible employees who are more than capable. Delegating has been how I deter procrastination.
Our readers love to travel, what destination is at the top of your travel bucket list?
Africa is at the very top of my travel bucket list. Before Covid-19 I was scheduled to travel to Ghana. I pray 2021 will be a year full of travel for us all!
For any aspiring entrepreneurs wanting to launch a hair care business, what advice would you offer?
START. You must start. It’s not enough to want to start. Where should you start? Start with research. Research the market and products you want to sell.
How have you had to pivot in 2020?
Beauty products have been an outlet for many to feel a sense of normalcy this year. We have been fortunate because we have not had to pivot. We have provided ways for women to do their own hair from home with our clip-ins and drawstring ponytails. Many women still had to work from home and attend zoom calls. Our products gave women an easy do it yourself protective style that they could wear for work and for general self-care.
What has this year taught you about yourself?
This year has taught me that life can change instantly. A simple thing like going to the grocery store could put your health at risk. Life is to be lived to the fullest and not to be taken for granted.
Where do you hope to see your brand in ten year’s time?
In 10 years Kinsitry will have expanded to Africa, France and the UK. We will become a manufacturer, not just a distributor.
Follow Angela and her fab brand at www.kinkistry.com
Comments are closed.