Hi Kimberly, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I cut off my permed hair and went natural in March of 2014. My permed hair was ridiculously unhealthy and not growing. It was hard to rock a TWA (teeny weeny afro), so I utilized a lot of protective styles like braids, wigs, etc. I was ashamed of my hair at first, but once I had the patience and it started to grow, I fell in love. My natural hair became apart of my identity. Shortly after, my peers started asking me questions about natural hair, and it drove me to start a YouTube channel. As my following started to increase and I got older, I started to wonder how hair products were made. I always liked chemistry, and I was curious as to what was behind the long list of ingredients on my favorite products. I decided to major in chemical engineering at Virginia Tech, and I was set on learning about making hair products. After one semester of chemistry classes, I started planning what products I wanted to make and what ingredients I wanted to include. I actually started formulating, making my logo and labels, and spreading the word. I created an ambassador/tester program for naturals to test my products, and I got great feedback! I finally launched and I was met with overwhelming support. So now I’m just continuing to get the word out there.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Formulating was definitely the hardest part. Playing around with ingredients and seeing what works and doesn’t work costs money and time. Testing the shelf life of my products was also a big thing because any product that includes water is subject to molding, so you have to make sure you use the right type of preservative. Besides that, things like the labels not coming out as I’d like or wondering if people will even buy was definitely an obstacle.
As you know, we’re big fans of Natural Kuru. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about the brand?
Natural Kuru specializes in all organic ingredients and having affordable options to take care of your hair. On my website, there are full detailed descriptions of the ingredients in each product and what purpose they serve. I also include the pH! I offer mini sizes of my products so new customers can dip their toe into my business, and it also works as a portable/to go size! I’m most proud of seeing the results of my customers and how much their hair has grown. Especially being a black-owned business, I feel the need to represent my community and provide affordable options. I also bring awareness to overlooked ingredients like chebe powder in hopes of making it to your hair product essentials.
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is that my community can have to opportunity to take care of their hair no matter their financial status. We’re already under a lot of stress due to social issues and more, so taking care of our hair should not be added to that list of problems. Also, I aspire to bring more awareness about natural hair. We deserve more than just a shelf at Target. We deserve our go-to store for all things natural hair, and that’s where I dream of taking my business to.
Pricing:
- Kuru’s Chebe Hair Growth Pudding 2 oz = $5.99
- Kuru’s Sealant Butter 2 oz = $6.99
- Kuru’s Sealant Butter 8 oz = $13.99
- Kuru’s Hydration & Detangle Spray 1 oz = $2.99 / 8 oz = $7.99
Contact Info:
- Email: naturalkuru@gmail.com
- Website: naturalkuru.square.site
- Instagram: @naturalkuru / @_kimberlays_
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/c/NaturalKuru
Image Credits
Kimberly Ikediobi Mikayla Dolo-Pittman Cherisse Bradley Shaniya Overton Bryce Daniels Nala Miller Eddie Galvan Darian Green – Photographer
