Today we’d like to introduce you to Kirsten Ortman
Hi Kirsten , thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Frustrated by overpriced and subpar hair extensions that barely lasted a few months, twin sisters, Kirsten Ortman and Chelsea Lovequist, both passionate extension enthusiasts since the age of 14, embarked on a mission to provide the highest quality, stylist-trusted, human hair extensions for any lifestyle. We are a testament to the sisters’ dedication to offering something better and doing better,
empowering stylists to own their careers behind the chair, and women to feel beautiful and confident with
every new strand. But it doesn’t end there. We aim to continue expanding our product range, to deepening our commitment to ethical sourcing, and find new ways to incorporate sustainable practices, all while maintaining the high quality our customers have known to trust.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
While we have celebrated tremendous success over the past seven years, our journey with Philocaly Hair Extensions has been far from easy. Like any business, we’ve faced numerous challenges that have ultimately strengthened us but also tested our resolve.
In the beginning, running the business on our own was particularly tough. We had to juggle multiple roles, often stepping into areas where we lacked expertise. It wasn’t until we started generating enough revenue that we could afford to hire specialists in accounting, shipping and receiving, graphic design, sales, and other essential functions. Entrepreneurs frequently find themselves bouncing from one task to another, managing crises with one hand while handling daily operations with the other. As seasoned business owners know, taking on too much for too long can be detrimental to both your mental and physical health and can negatively impact business productivity. Recognizing our strengths and weaknesses and delegating accordingly has been crucial. Today, we are fortunate to have an incredible team that allows us to focus on business strategy and growth.
The COVID-19 pandemic was an especially challenging period. With salons shut down and our business operating exclusively as B2B at the time, navigating those uncertain months was incredibly difficult.
Securing funding has been another significant hurdle. Our business is heavily inventory-driven, with high-cost inventory items. Post-COVID, managing supply and demand has been daunting. However, we’ve successfully partnered with business lenders to secure the capital needed to support our growth.
Maintaining a work-life balance is another ongoing challenge. Any experienced entrepreneur knows how easily work can consume your life. It’s all too common to start early in the morning and work late into the night, neglecting personal time, exercise, and even sleep. Ensuring a healthy balance between work and personal life remains an essential, yet challenging, goal.
In summary, while our journey has been marked by obstacles and learning experiences, these challenges have shaped us into the resilient and successful business we are today.
We’ve been impressed with Philocaly Hair Inc. , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
**Philocaly Hair: Transforming Beauty, Ethically and Sustainably**
At Philocaly Hair, we believe in the transformative power of beauty. Our philosophy is that beauty is more than skin deep—it’s a reflection of your true self. Hair, for us, is not just about genetics or what you see in the mirror; it’s a means of expressing your identity, stepping into the world with confidence, and feeling your best. We believe that every day can be a good hair day, and that our extensions, crafted from ethically sourced human hair with a clear and honest supply chain, can help you live your life without skipping a beat. Whether you’re a stylist behind the chair or someone wearing our hair, you can trust every strand to be of the highest quality, sustainable, and supportive of your journey.
We are renowned for designing hair extensions that stylists swear by and consumers love. Our extensions blend seamlessly at the root, provide full volume, and are built to last, making hair dreams a reality. Our commitment to ethical practices and environmental stewardship sets us apart. We ensure fair treatment for our hair donors and workers throughout the supply chain and continually seek ways to minimize our environmental footprint.
As the CEO of Philocaly Hair, I wear many hats, but my primary focus is on business development and growth strategies. My role involves staying ahead of trends in the hair extension community, such as the V Light Method, which we recently introduced and has become our most demanded extension education method to date. I also manage our team, ensuring they are empowered and working effectively. My twin sister and business partner focuses on marketing, working alongside her team to generate demand for our products. Together, we bring in the best products and market them to our audience effectively.
From the beginning, we have been dedicated to ethical practices and environmental stewardship, and this commitment is what I am most proud of. We ensure fair pay for our hair donors, maintain transparency across our supply chain, and are continually looking for ways to reduce our environmental footprint. While we acknowledge we are not perfect, we strive to make a positive difference in the world and meet the needs of present and future generations.
Our Actions:
1. Fair pay for hair donors.
2. Transparency across the supply chain.
3. A recycling program to reuse hair for oil spills.
4. Development of eco-friendly packaging.
What I want readers to know about our brand:
We provide extensions crafted from the finest quality Remy hair, ensuring smooth, silky, and long-lasting results. Each piece is sourced from a single donor in Asia, with intact, aligned cuticles for natural flow and movement, eliminating tangling and matting for star-worthy looks every time. Our broad range of shades and application methods guarantees a perfect match for your clients. We currently sell genius wefts, hand tied wefts, flat wefts, keratin tips, nano bead hair, invisible tape ins and clip in hair extensions. All of our hair is sold to salons only in exception to our clip in hair which is getting a huge makeover come fall.
Beyond our products, we offer courses on top extension methods and unique tips to enhance your skills and career. Join our Academy to elevate your services and thrive in the industry.
Philocaly Hair is for the love of people, our planet, and beauty. That is who we are.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
As a business owner, taking risks is an inherent part of the journey. Starting a business alone is a significant risk, as data indicates that many businesses do not make it past five or ten years. Despite these statistics, we took a leap of faith and started Philocaly Hair, driven by our passion and belief in the potential of our products.
One of the most substantial risks we took was the initial financial investment. We invested our savings into building the company, fully aware of the potential for financial loss. This investment included everything from sourcing high-quality materials to marketing our brand and hiring skilled team members. The financial risk was enormous, but we believed that with careful planning and a clear vision, we could create a successful and sustainable business.
Daily operations also involve a variety of risks. For instance, there is always the fear that competition could overshadow our efforts. The hair extension market is highly competitive, and staying ahead requires constant innovation and a deep understanding of market trends. We continuously invest in research and development to ensure our products meet the highest standards and stay relevant to our customers’ needs.
Supplier concerns are another significant risk. The quality of our products relies heavily on our suppliers. Any disruption in the supply chain, whether due to geopolitical issues, natural disasters, or other unforeseen circumstances, could impact our ability to deliver to our customers. To mitigate this, we have established strong relationships with multiple suppliers and maintain a flexible approach to sourcing materials.
Moreover, we are always at risk of market fluctuations. Consumer preferences can change rapidly, and economic downturns can affect our sales. To manage this, we have diversified our product line and continuously seek new market opportunities. We also prioritize building a loyal customer base through exceptional service and quality, which helps us navigate through tougher economic times.
Taking risks also means making tough decisions. For instance, we recently underwent a rebrand, which involved significant changes in our messaging and marketing strategies. This was a bold move, but it was necessary to align our brand with our evolving vision and to better connect with our target audience. The positive response we received validated our decision and demonstrated that taking calculated risks can lead to substantial rewards.
Ultimately, being a business owner means embracing uncertainty and being prepared to face challenges head-on. Every decision carries a degree of risk, but it is this willingness to take risks that drives growth and innovation. By carefully analyzing potential risks, planning strategically, and remaining adaptable, we have been able to navigate the complexities of the business world and continue to thrive.
Pricing:
- we don’t share pricing with end consumers as you must be a stylist to purchase
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.philocalyhair.com
- Instagram: @philocalyhair
