A New Natural Hair Store In Town!

Hey ladies and gents! I have the distinct honor to tell you about a new store in town called Hairizon. This is a brand place that caters to those of us who want all natural products for our hair. The lovely ladies who co-own this store were kind enough to give Naturally Leslie an exclusive interview. If you are ever in the area, please stop by and show these ladies some support. If not, make sure to visit them online at www.ourharizon.com!

1. Tell Naturally Leslie readers who you are and a little about your new business venture,Hairizon.

Hairizon is a premiere natural hair care superstore founded by myself and co-owner Charia, and is located in Fuquay-Varina, NC. We sell on-line and at 601 E Broad Street in Fuquay-Varina. We are open Tuesday –Saturday from 10 am – 5pm.

Joi Stepney, co-owner of Hairizon, showing off the goods!

2. What was the driving force behind this idea?

When Charia and I decided to refrain from chemically straightening our hair, we surveyed our options of hair care products in mainstream beauty supply stores. Many products were chemically laden and catered more to people with relaxed hair. We then realized there was an urgent need for a beauty supply store that catered to natural hair care.

3. What types of products do you sell at your store?

We sell natural hair care products for all ethnicities and hair textures that are specifically formulated for those with natural hair and/or for those who are seeking natural-ingredients when purchasing hair care products. Our products have been specifically selected to avoid any unnecessary chemical additives and instead incorporate nature’s best essential oils, herbs, flowers and minerals to protect, strengthen, and promote healthy hair.Some of the brands we carry include Jason, Jane Carter, Mixed Chicks and Burt’s Bees.

4. How easy/hard was it to get started considering so many Black hair care supply stores are Asian-owned and operated?

Hairizon offers a specific service within a broad industry, a service that, Asian-owned operated stores are only beginning to tap into. For that reason, we have not been hit hard as many other black owned and operated beauty supply stores. However, there are also many Asian owned distribution companies. One distribution company in particular asked that we submit a picture with our vendor credentials! We believe this was done to ensure our ethnicity. Nevertheless, we did so at their request. We have yet to hear from them to date. There is definitely a monopoly in the beauty supply industry. With the help of loyal customers, we will continue to strive and thrive through the dominating stronghold.

5. What have been the greatest challenges/ greatest achievements in this journey?

The greatest challenge is that most well-known natural hair care producers require the retailer to have a physical, brick & mortar location. Being a startup, this can be quite a large expense. Leases in most urban areas run between $1500 - $2000 per month. Then, you have to take into consideration utilities, shelving and product.

6. Will you be doing any promotions in the near future?

The following promotions are going right now:

-Every month one lucky facebook fan receives free products. Become a fan at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/edit/?id=131483580200163#!/pages/Fuquay-Varina-NC/Hairizon/131483580200163

-Free shipping for $50 orders

-10% off all orders for a limited time (coupon code: CW9826CB1B)

-We are also in the process of creating the “Product Junkie” club. For $20, you get special discounts and secret sales for a year. You heard it here first! We are in the process of putting the best package together as possible for our customers.

7. For folks who do not live in the NC area, how can they support your business?

Our products can also be purchased online at www.ourhairizon.com.

8. Is there anything else you would like Naturally Leslie readers to know?

Customers and supporters can also sign up to receive our free monthly newsletter on our website www.ourhairizon.com and are encourage to become a member of our online forum at http://hairizon.onediscussion.net,and be a part of our online natural hair care community, where one may commune with fellow naturals, learn hair care tips, and much more!

Good luck ladies and thanks for sharing with all of us here at Naturally Leslie!