Tell us about your business, why/how did it come about?
As a first-time mom to a beautiful brown baby boy named Kade who had a head full of hair, I was surprised to discover that there were no products specifically designed for curly-headed boys. When Kade turned one, his hair changed into its natural, curly kinky texture, so I searched for products and resources to help me better care for it. I spent a good amount of time looking for natural hair products that weren’t female scented and designed, and those simply didn’t exist.
With this in mind, in early 2018 my husband and I began working to create products that felt made for any boy with textured hair. After months of researching, developing and testing products, we officially launched Young King Hair Care at the end of 2019.
We launched with three initial styling products to create a simple, three-step regimen to help parents and boys maintain their hair: a leave-in conditioner, an essential oils blend, and a curling cream, all which will help moisturize, strengthen and enhance natural curls. All three products were crafted with natural ingredients and are plant-based and vegan, with no sulfates, parabens, mineral oil or other harmful ingredients.
Why was it important for you to develop Young King Hair Care?
As a first-time mom to a beautiful brown baby boy named Kade who had a head full of hair, I was surprised to discover that there were no products specifically designed for curly-headed boys. When Kade turned one, his hair changed into its natural, curly kinky texture, so I searched for products and resources to help me better care for it. I spent a good amount of time looking for natural hair products that weren’t female scented and designed, and those simply didn’t exist. With this in mind, in early 2018 my husband and I began working to create products that felt made for any boy with textured hair. After months of researching, developing and testing products, we officially launched Young King Hair Care at the end of 2019. We launched with three initial styling products to create a simple, three-step regimen to help parents and boys maintain their hair: a leave-in conditioner, an essential oils blend, and a curling cream, all which will help moisturize, strengthen and enhance natural curls. All three products were crafted with natural ingredients and are plant-based and vegan, with no sulfates, parabens, mineral oil or other harmful ingredients.
How do you like to unwind?
Honestly, I love pampering myself by getting my nails done. That seriously my team to relax and unwind without being bothered by the boys :-). Both my hubby and son know that the time away to get my nails done helps me reset and refocus on what I need to get done.
Did you have this business prior to becoming a mom? If so, how has your business changed
No, this business started because of my son and we launched Young King when he was only 2 years old. This past year has been a season of stressful days and nights with little sleep, however we’re grateful to be in a position to go after our dreams and show our son that with a clear vision, determination and the support of your family and friends, you can make your dreams a reality.
How do you find time to do all the things?
Navigating the balance between my full-time job, being a wife, mother and friend and still finding time to take care of myself (i.e. working out and having “me” time), while launching and growing a business has certainly been challenging. I still haven’t quite mastered it all, however I’ve been blessed with the most amazing support system. I appreciate my husband supporting and trusting my vision for Young King Hair Care, and working long days and nights with me to build our business and brand. Plus, our family and friends have been our biggest cheerleaders! Our “framily” (friends and family), have offered to watch Kade when we needed to work on the business, stepped up to help us sale products at events and have been the best Young King Hair Care brand ambassadors we could ask for.
What’s your most used mom hack?
It would have to be making me son feel like he's helping with the business by typing on a keyboard and playing with a mouse (that's literally not connected to anything) to help me sneak in some work time. He likes the fact that he feels like he's contributing to Young King and I like the fact that the 15 to 30 minutes of distraction helps me knock out at a least 1 to 2 things on my to-do list :-).
Motherhood is not always glamorous what's something less than pleasant?
Kade had a stomach bug a while back and literally everything he ate come up and was EVERYWHERE -- mind you this was at like 1:00 AM in the morning after I was finally getting ready to call it a night! I was in such shock that I just screamed and honestly may have shed a tear or two because I knew this was going to be a long night, lol. For days after that, Kade kept going around telling people how mommy screamed when he was sick. He said "Mommy sounded like this..." and yells at the top of his lungs, lol. It's a hilarious reminder of mom life.
What do you think is key to raising a Gentleman or a Lady?
The key to raising a Gentleman is to demonstrate what love, kindness and dedication to something looks like. Too often we are so hard on our boys that we forget to teach them what love and compassion actually looks like. I always want my son to be able to give and receive love :-).
Getting to know you!
Early Bird or Night Owl
Coffee or Tea
Savory or Sweet
Beach or Mountains
"Which is worse?" Laundry or Dishes
Connect with Cora and Shop!
youngkinghaircare.com and on Instagram/FB @youngkinghaircare