Cherice Williams is not your typical beauty entrepreneur. She did not start with a passion for hair or cosmetics, nor did she have any formal training or experience in the industry. She was just a young woman who immigrated to the US from Jamaica in 2016, pursuing a degree in accounting and working as a waitress to pay her bills. She also had a personal problem: her hair was dry, brittle and thinning due to a hormonal disorder called PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome).
Instead of settling for the ineffective or expensive products on the market, Cherice decided to create her own solution. She researched and experimented with various natural ingredients, especially those from her native Jamaica, and came up with a hair serum that restored moisture, strength and growth to her hair. She named it Mega Gro Hair Serum, and it became the first product of her beauty brand, Blaq Luxury Hair Products.
From Surplus to Success
Cherice did not intend to sell her hair serum at first. She made it for her own use, and had some extra bottles lying around in her living room. She decided to launch a website and sell them online, hoping to make some extra cash. To her surprise, she received her first order at 3 am on January 19th, 2019. The customer was so satisfied that she made a second purchase, and soon more orders started coming in.
Cherice realized that there was a demand for her product, and that she had something unique to offer. She started promoting her brand on social media, reaching out to small pages for free shout outs. She also invested in professional labels, packaging and branding. She expanded her product line to include shampoos, conditioners, masks, oils and more, all made with natural ingredients and catering to different hair types and needs.
Overcoming Challenges and Breaking Barriers
Cherice’s journey was not without challenges. She had to balance her studies, her job as a waitress, and her growing business. She faced skepticism and criticism from some people who doubted her abilities or questioned her credibility. She also had to deal with the challenges of running an online business, such as shipping, inventory, customer service and marketing.
However, Cherice did not let these obstacles stop her. She persevered with faith, determination and hard work. She graduated from the University of the West Indies with a bachelor’s degree in accounting in 2020, but decided to pursue her beauty business full-time instead of working on Wall Street. She moved her headquarters from New York to Orlando, Florida, where she hired a team of employees and rented a warehouse. She also partnered with local salons and stores to distribute her products.
Cherice’s efforts paid off. In just three years, she turned her beauty brand into a seven-figure company, with thousands of loyal customers across the US and beyond. She also received recognition and praise from various media outlets, such as Hello Beautiful, Black Beauty & Hair and New York Times. She became an inspiration and a role model for many women, especially Black women and immigrants, who aspire to achieve their dreams.
A Vision for the Future
Cherice is not done yet. She has big plans for the future of Blaq Luxury Hair Products. She wants to expand her market reach, launch new products, collaborate with other brands and influencers, and give back to the community. She also wants to educate people about natural hair care and PCOS awareness.
Cherice’s story is one of courage, creativity and resilience. She turned her hair struggles into a million-dollar beauty brand by using tips from her job as a waitress. She is proof that anything is possible with faith, determination and hard work.
What an amazing story. Cherice is truly exceptional and a go-getter. At Rising Africa want to celebrate her today. Keep going higher and higher and redefining what is possible. You are truly a Rising African and an able role model for the new African. Rising Africa is a dynamic platform that highlights the remarkable achievements of Africans worldwide and provides up-to-date information on scholarships and sponsorships available to African youth. Our vision is to inspire and empower the next generation of African leaders by showcasing the diverse accomplishments and talents of Africans across different fields, including technology, business, arts and culture, and social activism.
Through our Success Stories portal, we celebrate Rising Africans of all ages and sectors who have risen above challenges and made impactful innovations. Our Wonder Kids section features young achievers aged 1-12, while the Super Teens category highlights those aged 13-19, and Young Achievers profiles those aged 20-30. We also have dedicated portals for Women in Africa and persons living with disabilities.
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At Rising Africa, we believe in the limitless potential of Africans to create a prosperous future for the continent. Join us in celebrating African excellence and building a brighter future for Africa.
References:
: https://blaqluxuryhair.com/pages/about-us-1
: https://hellobeautiful.com/3825355/blaq-luxury-hair-ceo-cherice-williams/
: https://www.blackbeautyandhair.com/blaq-luxury-hair-brand-story/
: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/12/15/business/blaq-luxury-hair-cherice-williams.html
