Today we’d like to introduce you to Vernon G. Yancy.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Vernon. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I used to sacrifice who I am to maintain the approval of everyone around me. Even while thriving in corporate America, I had to learn to be confident in myself. I wanted to shed my willingness to conform, and I needed to own my truth. So, regardless of the status quo of my professional environment, I began to grow my beard.
When looking to elevate my beard, it was impossible to find an organic, natural, and/or raw product that provided the results I was looking for from a brand that I could resonate with or see myself in. Experiencing this void, I decided to craft my own solution from organic ingredients; which after consistent use, made my beard healthier, fuller, and stronger. Everyone would ask for what I used, and eventually, I began producing the product in large quantities to help other men own their truths as well.
Through feedback sessions with many customers, I learned that my all-natural product had also helped men highlight their organic selves, which evoked a strong feeling of confidence in the process. From this impact, the name So Organic, So Suave (SOSS®) was born.
SOSS® saw amazing benefits and progress with organic beard care, so progressing to natural hair care, skincare, and fashion essentials was inevitable.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Trailblazing in an industry where men like myself are not commonplace, has made this a very unique journey. I am a black man and startup Founder, who has experienced many trials, errors, and lessons learned on the path to disrupting the beauty industry. Add in our country’s current social climate, and you have the complete recipe for my journey-to-date.
An honorable journey, nonetheless, for my proudest feat has been our ability to overcome the impacts of COVID-19. In the midst of the SOSS® rebrand, our suppliers closed abruptly, marketing campaigns halted, and our attention diverted from progress to maintain. I had to respond quickly. We devised a dynamic action plan, compiled a proactive team, and transferred the foundation of our supply chain to a local supplier for more control and awareness. Because we did not stop, did not complain or write off the rest of 2020, we are still able to officially launch SOSS® on October 4, 2020, and I could not be more excited!
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the So Organic, So Suave (SOSS®) story. Tell us more about the business.
SOSS® is premium grooming for the culture. Our comprehensive product suite of top-quality, all-natural beard care, hair care, and skincare essentials will elevate the grooming experience from aesthetic to use. Our organic, natural, and raw ingredients are sourced locally, and our products are manufactured with precision, care, and our customer top-of-mind. Each product, and everything we produce, features bold affirmations to repeatedly uplift and strengthen our customers as they continue to progress in life. SOSS® is built on honesty and transparency, with a specially designed customer experience that transfers these values from us to you. Our goal is to create an incredibly nourishing grooming experience that helps our customers look good, feel great, and love who they are even more!
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I really don’t believe in the definition of “luck” because in order for luck to take form, you still have to put in the work and be prepared for when an opportunity presents itself. Now, I do have an immense amount of faith, and I believe God has helped me overcome all the obstacles that I have faced, and has delivered me to where I am today. My faith has guided me on my life journey, through all of its twists and turns, as well as my journey with SOSS®, as we continue to charge forward. I’m at the point now where I don’t make a move without asking God first, and that’s in business and in life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sossd.co/
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sossd.co/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sossd.co/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/organicandsuave
Image Credit:
Christopher O’Quinn, Shaquille Frederick, Andrew Boyd, Dreymon Jones, Jordan Woods
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