Today we’d like to introduce you to Adassa Ramirez.
Hi Adassa, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
MicMas ReMiX started from a conversation with friends about no longer putting relaxers in our hair to straighten it. I started trimming my hair little by little as the relaxer grew out and I began using only natural oils in my hair such as olive oil, coconut oil, hemp tree oil, etc. From putting chemicals in my hair, there was this vicious cycle of growth and breakage. Once I stopped chemically processing my hair, the breakage stopped.
I noticed how much healthier my hair was and better it was growing. My family and friends also noticed the difference and wanted me to start making hair oil formulations for their hair, too. They soon began to see great results and suggested I start selling my oil formulation. This is how I began my small natural hair care business. For the name, I took both of my sons’ names, Michael and Mason, and combined it for MicMas ReMiX. This started my journey as an entrepreneur.
Initially, I started selling on Etsy and then soon after on Amazon. Once I established a steady clientele, I created a website to begin selling on my own platform. Through trial and error, I had to figure out marketing my brand which is challenging in a saturated market. I carved my niche as a Puerto Rican shutting down the “pelo malo/bad hair” mentality by helping to spread the message that “todo pelo es pelo bueno” and that the texture doesn’t determine whether it’s good or bad. To my surprise, Essence magazine heard about my products and included it in an article they did on porosity hair. From this exposure, it helped my small business take off.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t been a smooth road and as I mentioned before there were trials and errors. I spent a lot of money on advertising not fully understanding that it’s not a one size fits all option in terms of what platforms best serve your purpose with the type of audience reached. Another learning experience I had was giving my products away to social media influencers without realizing that there is also a method in maneuvering with taking that route for advertising. Not to mention, I had to learn (and still am learning) how to properly utilize social media to market my brand.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
MicMas ReMiX is a handcrafted organic, vegan natural hair care brand. Specializing in properly moisturizing coarse, coily and dreadlocked hair. while spreading the message that hair texture doesn’t determine whether it is good or bad, “todo pelo es pelo bueno”. In addition, apparel and accessories are sold celebrating natural hair.
What I am most proud of as a company is the opportunity to pay it forward. Through proceeds from sales, it has provided me the opportunity to participate in empowering functions such as UC Santa Barbara’s Redefining Beauty event. In addition, I have been able to give back to the community in Puerto Rico through Operation Backpack; donations and supplies for Hurricane Maria relief and supplies for people affected by the earthquakes in Puerto Rico; supplies for Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas; and raising funds, as well as contributing, towards the Earthship community center being built in Puerto Rico.
Most recently MicMas ReMiX has been contributing a portion of sales and helping to raise funds while also doing volunteer work for Mi Patria PR. This is a grassroots non-profit organization that is addressing the displacement of Puerto Rican communities by protecting and expanding affordable sustainable housing. In addition, they have been serving the needs of those affected by hurricane Fiona. In Puerto Rico, Act 22 has accelerated this displacement and the rapid gentrification that has been happening in Puerto Rico. In addition to volunteering, I am also an activist who has been fighting for the repeal of Act 22. Philanthropy is at the heart of MicMas ReMiX is a conscientiousness company that sets itself apart from other small hair care businesses with community work and self-love.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I can’t say enough: RESEARCH RESEARCH RESEARCH then RESEARCH some more. I was in the position where I had no menor and didn’t personally know any entrepreneurs to receive guidance. It’s very important to research the industry you want to start your business in, create a business plan and vision board to help put your business idea into action. Looking back, I should have done more research on marketing through social media and would have saved a lot more money if I was better informed on how to properly market my brand as someone without a marketing team. What has helped my small business tremendously is the free advertising I’ve received by media outlets, both big and small mentioning MicMas ReMiX in their articles.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.micmasremix.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/micmasremix
Image Credits
Mi Patria PR
Campamento Resistencia
