Meet Rochelle Ivory of On The Edge Baby Hair in Compton

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rochelle Ivory.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Rochelle. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
It all started with this idea… what if these basic edge brushes that I use every single day on both me and my daughter, (two year old Rhyann) looked… cuter. Lol, what if these tools offered me more. Whether is was inspiration or just felt better using. But I didn’t know what to do with this idea. I was asking the people I trusted and finally, someone was like, you need to patent your idea or design. So I was referred to a Patent lawyer and she kinda guided my steps. She said you need a prototype. So I just asked around and found someone to draw my idea and then I found Prototype House and was able to get real serious. Once I had a 3D Print out of it, I started tweaking my design.

Throughout this process, I started to think of a brand name. And how I can sell these brushes. After chatting with my sister, we came up with On the Edge Baby Hair. A play on words. Through Prototype House, I was able to find a manufacturer/supplier who could make my brushes. It’s been a really long and trying process. Because I don’t know anyone that’s created something from scratch. So I’ve been Googling things along the way. Asking people, being referred to people. And spending lots of money! My own money. I found someone to do my branding and website. Currently, I’m waiting for my samples. If they are the way I want them, then I’ll start pre-orders and really launch this brand.

Has it been a smooth road?
Smooth?! Ha! No, it has not been smooth. I think the biggest struggles are the lack of connections and lack of funds. I had been navigating blindly. I’ve been following a few IG business gurus and learning. I was lucky towards the middle of this journey to find this amazing Launch and Grow group/community. It’s a group of women entrepreneurs just like me, who are at different stages of their journey’s and we just help and support each other. That’s really been amazing. And I have very supportive family and close friends.

I didn’t realize all the moving parts of creating a brand. You need branding, a website, a patent, trademarks, etc. all those things costs. Another struggle is wondering if you are paying too much money in one area and not enough in another area. Listen, I’m a chick from Compton, CA trying to launch a brand in the middle of a pandemic. That’s a struggle in itself! But I’m dedicated to creating something that will last.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with On The Edge Baby Hair – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
On the Edge baby hair will provide baby hair styling tools that are unique in both look and design. Our brushes will make the user feel like they are creating art. Our brushes will come in a variety of designs and colors. Think about an edge brush in a bandanna print, or in a shiny gold. There is nothing like them on the market. I want them to inspire black creativity. I’m most proud that we are a black women-owned hair tool brand. That sets us apart. The fact that we started from scratch with just an idea and very few resources but we made it happen. Our brushes are both a mood and a vibe.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
What I love about our city of the sense of pride in the different cultures. People can be themselves. What I like least is the lack of small business resources and the allocation of funds.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ontheedgebabyhair.com
• Instagram: OTE_Babyhair
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OTEBabyHair/
• Twitter: OTE_Babyhair

Image Credit:
Photos of brushes by Ian Roche

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