Today we’d like to introduce you to Meya Wright.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Meya. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I grew up in Omaha, Nebraska. A lot of people look at me crazy because they have NO IDEA where that is. Lol! It is located in the Midwest. There have been many successful people who came from there and all I can say is, “I AM NEXT!”
I have always been intrigued with our hair! I always wondered why our hair had such a bad reputation when there are cultures who admire what we can do with it. Although, I was a victim of perms, I was not allowed to really touch my hair. Soon, as I became of age, my mom allowed me to start doing my hair. As I look back, I came up with some pretty interesting styles! lol
I have always been interested in natural hairstyles. I never was a big fan of hair sprays, gels and sculpted styles that surpassed 2 weeks. When I was in the 9th grade, I started braiding hair on the neighbor down the street who had straight textured hair. Every time, she would go to school they always asked who did her hair. Next thing you know, my clientele started building up!
I was on and off with doing hair. In 2010, I was introuduced to Dreadlocks. I had no idea what I was doing but after doing continous research I realized the beauty of locs. The down fall was the products that were available. I went through the gels, waxes, and grease. Nothing worked! Everyone came back saying that their hair was dry, their retwist did not last, their hair was brittle and seemed to be thinning. In 2012, I walked away from my day job and decided to take on doing hair full time, working from home. In the process, I started creating my Organic Moisturizing Loc & Twist Butter. After countless batches and many heads being moisturized, I finally mastered my consistency of my Loc & Twist Butter in 2016.
Many clients inquired about the after care of their locs. After providing them with a few different brands they still came across the same issues. After doing countless research again, I came across the organic ingredients that would help resolve their issues. July 2017, I started with just the moisturizing mist spray. Clients fell in LOVE with it! So, I countinued to proceed with creating an oil for those who had issues with dry scalp.
When I moved to Houston, TX in 2016, I decided to become a full-time Loctician, specializing only in dreadlocks. I realized that there are not enough honest, educated Locticians and I believe that with me stepping up I will make a major impact in the natural hair community.
January 2018, I finally decided to launched NaptRoyal, an Organic Moisturizing Maintenance Kit.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My journey has NOT been smooth! I will say that with any avenue that you take on with being an Entrepreneur you seriously have to have A LOT OF FAITH! You will have people close to you say that they will ride with you until the wheels fall off, but they don’t make it past the first hump. Many people will doubt your capabilities and you have to be mentally be prepared for it.
When I walked away from my day job in 2012, I had a talk with myself. I told myself, “If we are going to do this you better put in 1000%. If you can put in 40 hours to a company that doesn’t appreciate your value, you can put those same hours in and feel more accomplished with self.” When you rely on yourself you have no one else to blame if you fail. When you work at your job you have people to point at. Being an Entrepreneur you have yourself to point at.
I have been homeless. I have slept in my car. I traveled from home to home and state to state doing hair because I didn’t have a home. I used to catch the bus to appointments or my clients took me to my next destination. I have house hopped. Slept on floors and sofas. I have lived with people who were in abusive situations. I have lived with people who did not have the cleanliest households. I have had my car repo’d. I have had an eviction on my record. I have had threats of the cops being notified because I had a rental that I could no longer afford. I have had people run my money dry for more personal gain. Promises that were never kept. The, “If it was’nt for me” arguments. I ended up in a city where my business partner had to take care of me for 6 months living off a decent income that he could only manage for himself. I was flat broke. I didnt even have a cellphone so I would walk an hour to the Library just to get wifi or I would be at Barnes & Nobel until they closed. When I got to Texas, I stayed with an ex that was verbally abusive. When I left there I stayed with a close friend of mine and my cousin. My close friend had no furniture, so I slept on her floor. I use to sleep on my cousin’s balcony on the porch in his recliner because his sofa was not comfortable. I can honestly say, “I HAVE BEEN THROUGH THE TRENCHES!”
All these incidents have made me a stronger and goal driven person. I don’t turn my nose up to walking, bus or train. I utilize ALL my resources now. I encourage and motivate so many people because of which each story I tell them their mind is blown.
God has been truly on my side through all my journey and I would not take ANYTHING back! God will test you until you have broken down to your last, but that is all a test of how you are going to overcome it. I have become emotionless because they will control your moves. Your mind has to always be clear to make sure you take the proper steps. That is why it is truly important of who you surround yourself with because your closest people can be toxic.
Please tell us about NaptRoyal.
I am a Loctician. I specialize in Dreadlocks, but I have been braiding hair for 19 years now. I have branded myself as N.U.B.M, Naturally Unique by Meya, but I have been called Ms. Fix It. I have been known to create naturally unique masterpieces crafted from the soul. Healthy hair is my main mission. I transition lost hopes into reassurances.
I am most proud of my brand because now I have created an organic product that triggers just about every area of peoples issues with their hair. That is just with only three products! I am in the process of creating a shampoo and I still have my natural hair care line that I am in the process of creating as well. Everything that I do and I associate my name with, I have created myself. Every dollar I earn I reinvest it into myself. I have yet to ask anyone for financial help. Not because of a pride issue but more so to prove to myself that hard work and dedication can provide phenomenal rewards. I hand make my product, package and deliver.
What sets me apart from others? I am unique. I am myself. I am transparent. I support and encourage EVERYONE because you never know what someone’s words can do or just a simple gesture can change someone’s perspective on life. Everything I do is organic. From my personality, my journey all the way down to my products. You will always get the rawest form from me!
There’s a wealth of academic research that suggests that lack of mentors and networking opportunities for women has materially affected the number of women in leadership roles. Smart organizations and industry leaders are working to change this, but in the meantime, do you have any advice for finding a mentor and building a network?
I would recommend attending networking events. Starting with people who are in the same field that you are in so you guys can be inspired by each other. I always say you take your business to the next level when you are surrounded by people like you. You will notice certain things that other people are doing and not doing and you will eventually incorporate that in what you do to make you stand out.
When I went to different events that pertained to what I enjoy, it really encouraged me to get more creative. I hear a lot of what people would like to see and would like to try. It makes me go back and evaluate my business and see what I can add to it.
Never compare yourself to the next person or their business. Never feel as though you are in competition with someone who does the same thing you do. God crafted your lane for you and people will be inspired by you. Make sure your personality stands out! That is what really sells, “YOU!”
I like having Entrepreneurial friends because we all can relate more. From losing everything and having to start completely over. Hearing the inspiring stories of the struggles they had to go through to get to where they are today, make you appreciate your journey even more. You feel comfortable when you have people to relate to because you no longer feel alone. Talking to people who are not entrepreneurs will deter you away from certain things based on their fears and doubts. You can have many mentors and when you build that bond with your Entrepreneurial friends you will realize you are each others mentor.
You will find your own personal mentor, you dont have to physically meet them. You can see them on social media or on YouTube. Technically, with the internet, the way it is, it is not hard to be inspired by someone.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.Naptroyal.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: NaptRoyal
- Facebook: 1NaptRoyal
Image Credit:
Anthony Dwayne, M.U.A.: Shaundra “Lundy” Webster
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