Today we’d like to introduce you to Latoya Francis.
Hi Latoya, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Well, as previously mentioned, my name is Latoya Francis and I’m the Founder and Owner of “Payton’s Mane.” The name “Payton’s Mane” is derived from from my daughters’ name Payton. I am always coming up with different ideas and ventures on a regular basis. So, it was no surprise to my family and friends once I presented the idea to them about starting the hair care line. Before, my daughter, who is now six years old, was born. I did a lot of research, even with my own natural hair on how to properly take care and maintain it. So, once Payton was born, it came naturally to care for it the same as I did my own, which worked out for her (maybe not so much my hands, lol) because her hair continued to grow thick, healthy, and long. I would get calls, text messages, DM’s, and even stopped at the grocery store. By people asking me what products I used on her hair or, what hair regimen I was doing. I would always explain it was never just one product or one thing. But, I would still promote all these different hair products that had a few ingredients here and there. That I felt was vital to the health of her hair.
All of this, as well as the pandemic (2020), played a huge role in my decision to start the constantly evolving hair care line Payton’s Mane. I realized a lot more people were doing their hair at home because they could not go into the salons or they just no longer could afford to pay someone else to do it. I brainstormed and put together all the natural ingredients I looked for in hair products and contacted a Chemist to formulate them for me. I explained that I wanted my products to be natural, sulfate, and paraben-free. I also wanted to make sure whatever I put in the products, it would be something I would use on “Payton’s Mane.” All of our products are handcrafted, so just know a lot of love went into each bottle.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, it has not been so smooth. I think the biggest struggle is promoting the products. But, most of the promotion has been through word of mouth. Our first product was the hair growth oil, which of course, everyone has that these days. So, people want to know what makes it different or why they should try it. Not only that, although the products can be very diverse. We all know, as Black Women, we do not play about our hair, lol. So, trying to get us to change to something new after being faithful to a specific brand for so long makes it tougher for those of us new in the game when it comes to launching a new product for your hair or anything beauty-related.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I currently work for the City of Atlanta as a Police Officer. I know, with the climate we’re in today and every day that is not the most respected Profession. But, I really love my career because I love interacting with different people in different walks of life. Coming in contact with different people on a day-to-day basis, contrary to popular belief, keeps me humble. I or even you can be in anyone’s shoes at any moment. I actually listen to everything that is being told to me when responding to different calls. Because sometimes, it’s not about them talking to someone. They just need a neutral person to hear their story.
That being said, I’m most proud of how no matter what my title says. I continue to treat the people I meet with the same respect that I expect, as well as the same respect I would want my family to have whenever they come in contact with law enforcement. I don’t care who it is. I even treat the ones living on the street with the same respect. To the point where if I go too long without seeing them, they are asking around for me and I love it. They definitely have a special place in my heart because they are like an extended family to me.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I am very big on taking risks. I feel as though it’s the only way you can be successful, which is getting you out of your comfort zone. By successful, I don’t necessarily mean financially because there are many ways you can accomplish success. I just mean by taking risks, you’re already eliminating a major bump in the road, which is fear and doubt.
Back in 2012, I moved to Atlanta not knowing anyone, no family, no friends, just (at the time) my boyfriend (who is now my husband) and me. By doing this, I feel like it was the best decision I could have made. It gave me room for growth and allowed for the “cord” to be cut. It also allowed me to continue to take more risks after that because I felt as if that was the biggest one. Moving away from home and now starting a hair care line.
Pricing:
- Hair growth roll on bottle $6.50
- Hair growth oil $15.00
- Hair Mist Spray $14.95
Contact Info:
- Email: paytonsmanellc@gmail.com
- Website: www.paytonsmane.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paytonsmane_haircare/?igshid=qk84g3yryyld
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PaytonManeLLC/
Image Credits
Tamia Smalls Daija Smalls
