Today we’d like to introduce you to Donnet Bruce.
Donnet, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Over 5 years ago, I utilized my education in integrated marketing and experience transforming brands to create a platform for clients to both shop and learn while feeling empowered to properly care for their textured hair. Standard beauty supply stores have a reputation for being operated by employees that have little to no knowledge about the community that they serve. I believe that women with textured hair should be able to walk into a beauty supply store for hair care items and be met with encouragement, information, and assistance. After years of being frustrated by the lack of support in stores, I created Nubian Oasis as a virtual hair care hub. I have a deep-rooted passion and love for curating hair care products for women with textured hair. My vision was to create and foster a space where women can shop, learn about caring for their tresses, and discover new products to take their style to the next level.
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?
It definitely has not been an easy road. There have been moments of failures and disappointments, but there have been great learning lessons from those situations. I would say a struggle I had was overcoming imposter syndrome or not wholeheartedly believing I was enough. I’ve come to a point where I know and believe this way of thinking is actually untrue. When I took a step back and really evaluated my accomplishments and the impact my work has had on others; I realized I needed to give myself way more credit and quit limiting beliefs!
For young women reading this, please understand everything you need is already inside of you. Know and believe you are enough and meant to be a part of great things! Step into your dopeness!
Please tell us about Nubian Oasis/Oasis Haircare.
Right now, I’m most proud of launching my second hair brand and expanding my product portfolio. Oasis Haircare products aim to produce high quality/high-performing hair products. The first product in the line-up, the Nourishing Golden Oil has been doing amazing since the launch! I’m in the process of developing shampoo and conditioner and hair treatments in 2020! It’s really exciting to see products go from an idea, formulation, and to the final product.
My vision is to formulate and curate hair care products that cater to all textures. For the new hair care line, I intentionally use ingredients used in the Caribbean and from specific countries around the globe. For example, castor oil is widely used in Jamaica (my family’s home country) to moisturize, thicken, strengthen the hair. Or babassu oil is grown in South America and its lightweight texture helps strengthen your hair strands and prevent breakage and split ends. I also take pride in making women feel like royals when shopping. Seeing customers’ reactions after they use my Nourishing Golden Oil or extensions is satisfying. I understand how important healthy hair or new styles make women feel and I’m glad to be involved with the process!
What advice would you give to someone at the start of her career?
I would advise young women to make sure you are working in a career that genuinely brings joy rather than choosing a field for just a high-paying salary. The money will eventually come, so choose a job that fills you up on a daily. And I would also say, it’s totally fine (and actually normal) to change careers at some point in your journey – especially if you’re unhappy. Go after the jobs/businesses that bring you joy. Never lose sight of that!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.nubianoasis.com
- Instagram: @nubianoasis/ @oasishaircare
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nubianoasis/
Image Credit:
Cassandra Klepac
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