Today we’d like to introduce you to Sonya Hernandez.
Hi Sonya, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am the brand owner of a professional grade vegan hair growth product line known as Recover Restore Gro. My journey to becoming a brand owner began while working closely with hair loss clients in a mastectomy office in the California region. During the last 22 years of my career as a Cosmetologist, I discovered that many products that encourage hair growth can contain harmful ingredients that over time can have adverse effects. I am here to provide a plant based option in the clean beauty industry that not only encourage healthy hair growth but more importantly that are safe to use. In February 2020 after researching many natural ingredients and formulations I found a chemist and manufacturer to make my dream a reality.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’ve learned that things that really matter are going to require hard work. I did not come from a foundation of investments or hand outs. I used my own personal savings to build my seat at the table. Launching my brand with little to no exposure required me to have patience, endurance and true grit. I launched my brand in February 2020 in the heart of the global pandemic. This posed many unexpected challenges unique to the pandemic such as prolonged packaging shortages, unfortunate shipping delays and decreased capital for small business owners. Most small business funding and grants did not include businesses like mines that started after 2019. It was either sink or swim. Added to this, salons were closed for weeks at a time limiting contact with my clients and potential new clients. I learned to pivot by thinking outside of the box by connecting with my clients using video conferencing apps, all forms of social media, and virtual pop up markets. It has not been a road paved of gold but rather one I’m building brick by brick. Rising above uncertainty has given me a greater appreciation for the ladder of entrepreneurship.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Recover Restore Gro LLC?
My biggest moment was in the Summer of 2021 when I was emailed by Amazon to become a registered Brand and make my products visible to the world on a wider scale. I currently utilize this platform to go live on Amazons’ social selling platform to connect with customers and provide relative product information. In addition to this, through my official website I provide ongoing education for my clients by guiding them with education on how to use our products effectively. I set up zoom consults and hair plans to guide my clients as their virtual hairstylist by creating personalized plans to assist them restoring their hair health. I truly believe that healthy hair is a part of your lifestyle. I have been able to offer my clients this ongoing support so they can be successful.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Within the next 5-10 years, I see wellness products becoming not an option but a necessity for the consumer. People have become more concerned about their overall health and wellness. I see the importance to stay visible and active in the virtual world. The consumer today wants to know who and why they are buying from you. Ecommerce has become one of the most convenient ways to shop as we have observed over the last few years and it is now a new norm for businesses to be able to provide this convenience as option for consumers. In the next 5-10 years I am looking for ways to use innovation in my small business to stand out amongst the masses. I want to build a team and provide more employment opportunities as we grow and continue to expand.
Pricing:
- Sulfate free Shampoo 16.50
- Silicone Free Conditioner 16.95
- Leave-In Treatment 16.95
- Root Growth Elixir 16.95
- Hair Repair Mask 25.00
Contact Info:
- Email: sonyahernandez@recoverrestoregro.com
- Website: recoverrestoregro.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recover_restore_gro/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/recoverrestoregro
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7o-LD-W_rwg3No-QeKAKDg
- Other: https://www.amazon.com/stores/RecoverRestoreGro/page/40CD7CA0-D716-4C86-A412-7545285B286A?ref_=ast_bln
Image Credits
Alejandra Pereyra Photos Frances Camille Photography
