Name: Sakina Devereaux
Title: C.E.O.
Business Name: Natural Love Hair and Body
What made you start your business?
In 2011 I returned to natural hair. I have 4 children, 3 of which are girls and my son had locs at the time. Natural hair at that time was a huge “new thing” and there were products left and right and with 5 different curl patterns was difficult! I found myself quickly becoming a product junkie. So, I started to research making products and formulated a hair product that can be used as a stylant, a leave-in, seals in moisture, as well as being able to be used on skin in place of lotion as body butter! Initially I was giving it away to friends and family for free but a friend of mine wanted to feature me in an online magazine in January 2013 so within one week I had a name, a logo, website, jars and Natural Love Hair and body was born! This year I brought my niece Courtney Mincey as a co-owner to help grow the business. We currently have 3 different sizes and 12 scents for men and women. The scents will get you to try it, the feel of it on your skin and hair will have you hooked. There is nothing like it anywhere!
How does it empower you as a Black Woman in the Beauty Field?
I feel empowered every time someone names something I created and made with my own hands a staple holy grail product. The fact that I created something that solved a problem for them that they have been unable to find in any other product still amazes me to this day. I love that I am helping other black women know that they too can create something amazing and give it to the world and change someone’s life. It is an amazing feeling to still have loyal customers after all these years and continue to gain new customers as time goes on. This Industry is extremely competitive and hard to last in so being able to still exist years later is not taken for granted.
What are 3 of your favorite beauty items you can’t live without?
1. My Hair and Body Butter in Lavender Vanilla
2. My facial skincare products from KweenK Aethstethics (Vitamin C toner and Clear Serum)
3. Perfume. I am a new perfume junky right now Gentle Fluidity is my favorite
Anything else our beauty readers should know about you?
I am a serial Entrepreneur and very proud of the businesses that I have built. In addition to Natural Love Hair and Body, I co-own Inclusive Solutions for Families which provides home and community services for individuals with Developmental Disabilities in Southwest Ohio. I am also a freelance makeup artist Sakina Riqui Makeup Artistry. I really enjoy traveling, good food and living my life to the fullest.
Website: Naturallovehandmade.com
IG: naturallovehandmade
Love the interview. She was all so honest