Today we’d like to introduce you to Nia Surles.
Nia, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started Vonaé as a way to give the community healthier options for effective self-care. A lot of times, we get lost in the “hustle” of our day-to-day lives and need a moment to slow down, relax, and love on ourselves. Vonaé gives you that moment while allowing your body to detox and take a break from harmful parabens.
The idea of Vonaé came about during my time as a natural hair specialist. I noticed many of my clients complaining of similar issues of scalp inflammation and dryness. With a bit of research, I learned that their issues could stem from their choice of hair care. Over 70% of hair care products on the market contain parabens that can cause tumors, pcos, infertility, and other illnesses. It only takes 26 seconds for anything that is topically applied to be absorbed into the bloodstream. From there, it stays stored in the blood and organs for five years. About 90% of the people in the United States have parabens in their bodies. Majority of us have been or know someone that has been affected by breast cancer. Recent studies show that parabens increase the risk of breast cancer, especially amongst black women. I wanted to take action and do something that would serve as a healthier option minus the health risk. This is when I decided to craft my own products, made purely from plants. When my clients were coming back, excited about the health and growth of their hair, I knew that Vonaé was it.
As a first-time entrepreneur, I had no clue on how to start or run a company. I was able to gain guidance through different programs such as Bank of America’s Women’s Entrepreneurship at Cornell and Operation Hope. Bank of America’s program allowed me to learn important skills on how to manage my business while earning a certificate in business. Operation Hope partnered me with a mentor who helped me build a strong foundation for Vonaé with a 5-year business plan and pitch deck. They also referred me to other free community resources such as SCORE and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), that gives you your own personal business coach to assist you with your entrepreneurial journey. These programs helped me to focus and gain direction on what was necessary for my company’s growth.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has absolutely not been a smooth road. Everything will not be perfect. I quickly learned that going through these challenges were all a part of the process of learning how to better manage a business. Through the trials, I focused on what I could do in the future to be better prepared for a similar situation or how to avoid it. Since I am one of the first in my family to take on this entrepreneurial journey, everything is new and fresh to me. Running a company is more than just putting a product out there for sale or providing a service. You have to create leads, content, funnels, generate positive public relations, and so much more. You learn that it honestly does cost money to make money. To reach your target through marketing and advertising it costs money, which a lot of startups do not have. This is why I highly suggest finding and utilizing those resources in your community that will help you get on the right track. Having that support makes a world of a difference for an upcoming entrepreneur.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Vonaé is a clean beauty brand that modernizes the ancient techniques of ayurveda and botanical extracts for healthy hair and skin. Our products are intentionally crafted with beneficial, plant-based ingredients to give a detoxing self-care moment. We specialize in whipped butters, hair elixirs, and ayurvedic treatments made from healing herbs and cold-pressed oils. Our products are proudly vegan, ethically sourced, ph-balanced, and cruelty-free. Vonaé was founded with the mission to empower others with self-love and confidence. Along with providing healthy products, Vonaé offers Vonaé Self Care Moments where we team up with local small businesses to provide a healthy self-care experience to someone in need. We always see the monetary value of giving, but those little self-care moments can mean so much more by helping to alleviate stress and restore confidence. When you’re confident you’re able to face those challenges, you’re putting forth more effort and bringing out the best you. That’s what Vonaé aims to do.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
If you are looking for a mentor or trying to build a supportive network, do not be hesitant to get out there and find different programs and resources within the community. Search for entrepreneur groups on Facebook or Google. These groups are where other like-minded entrepreneurs come together and share resources such as grants or accelerator programs that help get your startup going. I have found that being a part of these communities and programs helps me to keep my mind focused on progressing my business every day, whether it’s doing something big or small. Each step counts. If you have any questions about anything, these groups make as a great go-to source because someone will always help guide you.
Not everyone is going to be able to see that vision that you have for your business. Not everyone is going to give you that positive energy and support that you need while going through the ups and downs of your journey. This is why I think it is important to have your own mentor or someone that you trust that has experience with building a business and can give you encouragement. I was blessed to be able to connect with Sherrie Simmons from Operation Hope, who helped push me with Vonaé. Not only did she provide sound advice and feedback, she connected me to other resources that I did not know about that were free for me to use within the community. If you’re starting up your business or need some direction, give Operation Hope a try.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.vonaehair.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/vonaehair
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/vonaehair
Image Credits
Aisha Drayton
