Today we’d like to introduce you to Clendie Ulysse.
Clendie, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
It all started five years ago. It was my first year in college and I started having issues with my hair being relaxed. I would get headaches and burn marks; it had gotten to the point that I would complain all the time to my friends until my friend Lucy, known as LuElegance Broward hairstylist, said “Hey why don’t you go natural?”. I was not ready for the change, but I took the risk. I took the step and chopped it off.
During the process of growing my hair, I tried every product and my hair was not growing. My hair would be so dry, brittle and damaged. And I decided to just create my own products (oils and leave-in conditioners). So, on my first day trying out my products I went to work, and my manager told me “Ooh, your hair finally looks tamed”. I was shocked and furious like “really?”. So, I went home, and I prayed cause I wanted to go off, but I needed my job. Later, I had a dream about my business fast-forwarding four years now. And the words I heard that stuck with me were “The love of God is not tamed so the love of your hair shouldn’t be either.” But what pushed me to put my products out was people asking me to create oils for them and them asking me different ways to grow their hair.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It was a bumpy ride for me. I say that because two and a half years ago, my mom was diagnosed with kidney failure. It was very scary for me and my twin because we thought we were going to lose our mom. She’s literally the only parent we have. I decided to put my business on pause and not pursue it. It was hard for me and my twin sister taking care of her, juggling school and work. And when things got better, I decided to not put it off. Along the way I had to understand a lot, especially learning how to provide great customer service, ways to grow and expand, and attracting customers. I’m still learning. And I can’t say this bumpy ride is not worth it.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Lion of Judah Hair Care – what should we know?
Lion of Judah Hair Care is a black-owned business that sells natural hair products. I sell, promote, do YouTube and give tips on ways to take care of your hair. I’m proud of my consistency and how my product changes people’s perspective. I say that because of reviews and stories I get from customers about how they used other products or went to the doctor and the doctor prescribed medicine and the medicine didn’t work. For them to stumble upon my business and pretty much take a gamble on my oil and see tremendous results is extraordinary! What sets me apart from others is the fact that I really don’t care for the money. I have a mission and that mission is for people to love their hair. Our hair is our crown; it represents us. It shouldn’t be tamed for the likeness of others. And we should not feel insecure about our hair but embrace each angle, length & texture. We all are beautiful, and we are made in God’s image.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I have mentors and it starts off with my family and friends for being so supportive. I would like to mention a few names. My twin sister Clendia for always being supportive and pushing me to go for it. Sherwin Hora for starting ‘DARE2JUMP’, an entrepreneur workshop. Lorgina, a longtime friend who advised me on different ways to have my business stand out. My cousin Mommie B for taking the time out of her day to talk, help and give me advice all while having faith in me. Lucy (LuElegance) for always promoting LOJHC hair growth oil and using it on her clients. Cassandra (AllflavsEatery) for encouraging me and telling me not to give up. And my mother for being strong and always letting me try my products on her hair. I have a team that helps and supports my business and I’m so grateful for them.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lionofjudahhaircare.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lionofjudah_haircare/
- Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/lionofjudahhai1
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