Today we’d like to introduce you to Shavone Riggins.
Shavone, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
During my time as digital creator and marketer who endure countless hours of building successful brands, I constantly found myself in seek of finding ways to provide easy solutions to my natural hair as a mom that met and matched my texture. It was found in crochet braids! I was excited to rock a style that mimicked that of my natural hair, so blow-out crochet styles were my go-to.
I quickly learned that the straightened crochet was a look I could achieve with my own hair with about the same level of maintenance, so it was a no-go in comparison of time. My next attempt was to achieve a curly look with the same style, so I began the method of rolling and dipping my head into scolding cups of hot water just to achieve the perfect roller set curl. It was so worth the attempt because I learned the flexibility of synthetic fibers, however, it was not a success in the achieving a safe way to get the look. Therefore, I started the process of cooking the rolled curls on the stove to prevent the danger of burns all while saving a little more time – it was a success!
I truly started from a point of solving the two problems I faced as a busy mom: Less time in hair maintenance and more time in rocking effortless curls! As Curlkalon hair goes on to being four years old, I’ve be been so elated to see women all over the world rocking effortless curls with confidence!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
If anyone is searching for a smooth road, they are bound to quit before they even start! Growth is good, but it can also be challenging as a small business. I’ve experienced many ups and downs that literally kept my team working day and night to be sure we are meeting our promise and need of our customers. This experience propelled us into expanding our team, warehouse, and staffing. It’s to be understood that every roadblock you cross makes your successes that much sweeter.
I have recently taken on a new role as CCO (Chief Curl Officer) from CEO to expound upon all my creative ideas in business and thought leadership. I’m a go-getter with no shortage of creativity and online marketing skills. I turned Curlkalon into a 7-figure brand in under a year, in which was an impressive pace. However, after a rough 2017, I realized my company was better served with a larger hair company at the helm. I truly realized in order to continue growing Curlkalon I needed to empower my brand and fully embody the role I really enjoy by being back at the roots as CCO, brand ambassador, and leadership.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Curlkalon Hair – what should we know?
Once I had seen the gap in the hair extensions market, I took on the challenge to create Curlkalon Hair, which in which became the premier provider of synthetic textured crochet curls. Curlkalon Hair is safe, affordable and stress-free, premium textured pre-looped curls that blend seamlessly with the hair textures of women with natural hair. We offer solutions to women who are looking for low maintenance hair care options that is a cost-effective alternative to human hair. Curlkalon is meant to give every woman beautiful, bouncy and effortless hair that keeps her stylishly confident!
I’m most proud of showing other women that being an entrepreneur, though not easy, is doable. I love sharing my story of how I overcame many obstacles, failures and false starts and still managed to succeed. I’m excited to have my very first “Curlfriends and Conversations w/ founder Shavone Riggins” here in Downtown Atlanta on May 17 to impact as many women as possible in achieving their own success in business and hair protective styling. www.shavoneriggins.com
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Credit is always due no matter how small or how much! I had the opportunity to create a great team of women who pushed and fulfilled my visions into reality every step of the way in achieving great success! We were a powerhouse team of 6 that made history in the hair market.
Today I’m happy to see Curlkalon being power-housed by a team with fresh perspectives, thriving marketing, achievable sales goals, and most importantly blessing many more women rocking “Curls with Confidence”!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.curlkalon.com
- Email: shavone@curlkalon.com
- Instagram: @curlkalon
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