By Staff
What inspired you to become an entrepreneur?
“Pretty strands” is owned and operated by a black woman, myself Courtney Bradshaw. I created my haircare line out of the need for my daughter developing eczema. Especially because there was no specialist that had any answers. So I took my expertise as cosmetologist and created my own hair oils, which healed the scalp and grew the hair back. As time went on clients wanted it and so I would gift it to them, then it became popular so I started to sell it globally. Then I found that there was a need for an entire system of haircare products so I created a leave in conditioner, which lead to shampoo, deep conditioner, vitamins and hair butter. These products are all made with clean ingredients, nothing harmful to skin or that will lead to health problems.
Tell us about your products.
With Pretty Strands, each product was developed with love and chemistry. They believe in versatility and diversity. So this means you can use our products if you wear your hair curly, straight, color treated, or even extensions. All of the ‘Pretty Strands’ products contain the best natural ingredients which will not only hydrate your hair, but will pump in the necessary nutrients to strengthen your hair and grow those inches! Some of the natural ingredients include : coconut oil, olive oil, almond oil and castor Oil , olea europaea (extra virgin olive) oil, nigella sativa (black cumin) seed oil, and anthemis nobilis (chamomile) flower extract, grapeseed oil, aloe vera juice, babassu oil, shea butter and even rice water! These natural ingredients are essential for The Pretty Strands restorative hair treatment because it helps detangles hair, smoothes strands, boosts shine, and strengthens hair but also builds a barrier for any future damage.
How does your product compare to others on the market?
My products compare to other products because this was created by a licensed cosmetologist, I have been doing hair for over 20 years and have worked with thousands of clients. So I personally know the need for my clients and can help them personally with the ingredients I include in my products. I’m Actually in the science lab creating these products myself , I’m literally hands on with my products and understand every ingredients that goes in the product .
How has Covid 19 impacted your business?
This process has been bittersweet, I lost a lot of people, money and revenue. It was hard having to adapt to new way of life but it gave me the chance for me to focus and allow my business to thrive. This allowed me to only focus on my product line because my salon was closed because of COVID guidelines which also gave customers time to learn their hair more , because they didn’t have access to the salon. So they also found to appreciate my hair care products even more.
What has been the most challenging aspect of being an entrepreneur?
The hardest let about being an entrepreneur is having to figure it all out , because when one problem starts the next one begins in constantly having to put out fires. Especially because there’s no manual to running your own business, no one telling you what to do. Ofcourse you can educative yourself on how to tuna. Haines and get help from mentors but regardless you’ll always have problems tht you’ll have to conquer alone. However compared to having a regular job I wouldn’t trade it for the world because I have the freedom and flexibility to do what I want every day.
What advice do you have for someone who seeks to become an entrepreneur?
My advice is the follow your passion because you can always do whatever to make money but when times get hard the only motivation that’ll push you to continue will be your passion for what you truly love.
Where would you like to see your business in the next five years?
In the next 5 years I envision my hair care products will be in the market globally and I’ll be able to employ people from my own community.I also want to be able to open up warehouses as I expand my product and soon begin to help others thorough mentorship and training classes on how to begin their entrepreneurship journeys.
About Courtney Bradshaw
Courtney Bradshaw is the creator of Pretty Strands Hair Products. She is a mother of 4, licensed cosmetologist, and innovator. Pretty Strands Hair oil, the first born baby of the line, was birthed from a need. Her daughter, who was a toddler at the time, suffered from a severe case of eczema. The eczema not only affected her skin, but her scalp as well. All of the products she used made the problem worse. Not being able to find relief from existing products, Courtney was often disappointed.Not realizing that her background of being a cosmetologist and the love for science had already prepared her for the creation of her very own products. She began her journey. Creating an amazing blend of oils that help heal her daughter’s scalp and hair. When her family and friends witnessed the miraculous results, she was forced to share this oil with others. She is now living her life with the purpose of helping people with their hair issues with the best quality hair care products. She’s helping people have the Pretty strands they always wanted.