Today we’d like to introduce you to Rochelle Ivory.
Hi Rochelle, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Grew up in Compton, CA. I’ve had a career in healthcare for over 15 years. During the pandemic, I was moved to start a side business. I’ve always been someone to wear my hair in different hairstyles and protective styles. But what was always consistent was doing my edges or baby hair. I got the idea to create an edge brush line when I was styling my 2-year-old daughter’s hair (at the time) and I was using a toothbrush or some flimsy $1 brush from the local beauty supply. I thought this brush can be so much more. Can do so much more.. it can create a vibe. So I drew it in a piece of paper and got to work.
Today we’ve sold over 20,000 brushes, are in local beauty supply stores, on Amazon and are garnering major retail interest.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s definitely has been a smooth road. I didn’t know where to start to make a physical product. And I didn’t know anyone who had.. to be given the blueprint. I was Googling left and right. Some of the struggles were trying to get a prototype made, trying to find a manufacturer, and understanding that process. And then most of all, funding! To this day I’m pretty much self-funded.
As you know, we’re big fans of On The Edge Baby Hair. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
On The Edge baby Hair is on a mission to create functional, and protective, edge styling tools that inspire creativity while feeling connected to the culture. Our edge brushes have a patented design that offers three tools in one! All the edge brushes on the market today are the same. Or our queens are using toothbrushes to style their edges. On the Edge Baby Hair is doing away with the old edge brushes. Our product solves an unmet need for our customers. Black women that need an edge styling tool that is functional and protective. A tool that maximizes hair health so they can achieve the style and performance they want without causing more damage to their hair. And most importantly a tool that inspires their creativity while feeling connected to their culture. Our brushes come in beautiful colors and patterns that look equally as good on your vanity.
I’m most proud that we launched during the pandemic with little-to-no funding and we are still growing strong.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
People can support us by following our journey on Instagram: OTE_Babyhair. A follow and share can go a long way. My email is [email protected] if anyone wants to collaborate. And of course, visit the website to shop www.ontheedgebabyhair.com.
Pricing:
- Brushes range from $6.99 – $10.99
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ontheedgebabyhair.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/OTE_Babyhair
- Facebook: https://www.Facebook.com/OTEBabyhair
- Twitter: https://www.Twitter.com/OTE_Babyhair
Image Credits
Photographer Anne Marie Clark
