Exploring Life & Business with Simone Girard of First of its Kind

To begin, I am an only child that has been raised by a single parent with a chronic disease. Born in Tampa, Florida I am a native Floridian. Since 12/13 years old, I’ve been my mother’s caretaker. Even now, as a young adult my mother relies on me to help with simple daily tasks. I graduated from High School 2nd in my class, held a number of leadership positions, and got a law passed in the state of Florida by the age of 18. I graduated from the University of Florida in 2018 and immediately after, I found myself with a case of serious post-graduate depression. As an independent child, I learned to take control of my situations as best I could. I feared failure and that’s exactly what I was faced with upon leaving UF. Fast forward to March 2019, when a close friend, confidant, and sorority sister unexpectedly passed away. Her passing, in addition to other life blows, resulted in my hair falling out. At 23 years old you don’t expect this to happen, but it did. When I realized enough was enough, on August 1, 2019, I started to create my own hair products. More specifically, I wanted to create my own hair growth oil as well as other hair growth solutions. I did not want to use any ingredients that I couldn’t pronounce and wanted my products to be as natural and organic as possible. So that also meant no preservatives. When friends and family saw my results, the word quickly spread. I DID NOT expect for this to become a business, but First of its Kind was officially born in 2020. Creating the products that I do, takes a lot of research, trial & error, and discipline. There are very few hair product lines that are black-owned, created by all natural ingredients, made for all hair types, and or make products fresh to order. First of its Kind was created to exemplify that what you put in and on your body matters. I like to keep this motto in not only the brand but also my life. It goes beyond your diet, but it is also a mindset in addition to an energy.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, not smooth at all. An obvious struggle has been Covid-19 and just 2020 to be frank. At the start of creating this business, the faint thought of a pandemic occurring just didn’t exist. When we went into lockdown, business picked up because people didn’t have anything better to do but shop online. But with more orders and a shortage of almost all of my ingredients and even packaging, this just made things a lot more difficult. I had too many items on back-order, out of stock, or even just discontinued. So, First of its Kind absolutely had to rebrand as a way to cope. Now, as we get later into the year, sales are very slow. Yes, support has grown, but this pandemic has done a great deal of damage and still is for the time being.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
My business is called First of its Kind. First of its Kind was created to exemplify that what you put in and on your body matters. I create handmade, homemade all natural hair and skincare products. Our specialty is in Hair Care and natural ways to promote Hair Growth/Re-growth. None of our products contain preservatives, silicones, parabens, petroleum, artificial ingredients, artificial fragrances, artificial colors or dyes. I like to say that each product is “Nothing but Natural.” I even grow the aloe that I use in the shampoo and leave-in conditioner, in my backyard. All ingredients are 100% pure and do not have any additives that would make one question what they are putting on their hair and body. First of its Kind is truly known for its Hair Growth Oil. The Hair Growth Oil is what I created that grew my bald spots back and has shown to create rapid growth with almost all who have growth as their goal.

What sets Firs of its Kind apart from other brands is that our products do not discriminate. They are made for all hair and skin types and are shown to have universal results. Whatever you identify as, First of its Kind will give you the same results across the board. Each product is made when ordered so that each customer gets a FRESH product that is shipped within the week it is made. Meaning that each customer gets a fresh product made just for them. Sent straight to their home. I am most proud of our brand’s ability to continue to adapt to provide fresh products without compromising ingredients that truly work. I am very proud that this brand is truly inclusive and how it won’t jeopardize it’s image just for a dollar. I want your readers to know that First of its Kind will continue to provide authentic, fresh, and effective hair and skin care products. Although it is small now, this business will continue to operate the same no matter the climate. First of its Kind currently ships within the US, including Hawaii and Alaska, products are made every Sunday and Monday and packages go out every Monday and Tuesday. I plan to add more products and just want to continue to help anyone on their journey to healthy living.

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I see the hair and beauty industry continuing to expand in the next 5-10 years. I see there continuing to be businesses who fail and businesses who succeed. I feel there will be a shift from major brands to small, quant brands like First of its Kind. I see there being a shift into more businesses that can provide a real story and don’t seem to be run by a board of white men. I also see First of its Kind continuing to grow; however, to maintain the brand’s integrity, there may be a shift in how easily accessible the products will be. All items will always be affordable, but to distribute on a mass/commercial level will only work if the brand can do it the same way it is in its infancy. I am a believer in quality over quantity and I think when people let the money control every aspect of their business, the vision begins to get lost in the sauce.