Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiahna Manderson-Rose.
Tiahna, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
After completing my degree in Hospitality and Tourism in Montego Bay, Jamaica, where I was born and raised, I envisioned myself working as a Hotelier but that quickly changed when I migrated to the United States in 2015. Being an immigrant in the United States can be quite stressful and complicated to adjust to. I have always considered myself a leader and a great one among my peers.
I enlisted in the United States Army, where I worked as a Logistician. Unfortunately, my career in the Army came to an unexpected end quicker than anticipated because I injured my knees. I became frantic of the idea that I will have to transition back to civilian life, not knowing how this would affect the status of my finances. This may sound odd to most people, but I woke up one morning and decided to start making wigs. I knew nothing about hair nor the construction of wigs, but I knew this is what I wanted to do.
I have had and still have unlimited sleepless nights, just learning the techniques of making wigs. I knew nothing about starting a business. What I do know is that with my personality and my go-getter attitude, I would give this brand my all. I would watch an unlimited amount of YouTube videos and I would stalk those well-known wig makers profiles to catch up and be in the know. I knew I did not want to be labelled as another hairdresser or wig-maker but I wanted to make a difference. Opulent Allure By Tiahna was birthed May 30, 2019 and caters to all women. I make customized wigs varying in length, color and texture.
Transitioning from the military was very difficult which I am still adjusting and I faced what I would imagine all new entrepreneurs face- getting your brand out there. My inventory consisted of an array of products such as 3D mink lashes, bonnets and hairpieces. However, I realized very quickly that I was losing the real focus of why I started and that is making wigs. I revamped the whole approach to my business in January 2020. I have grown to love hair and I have realized that we as women and even men neglect our crown-our hair. I am proud to say I now carry my brand of hair products. Allure Drops (growth oil), Slick Edges (edge control) and Silk N’ Shine Serum (hair serum). These products can be used in all hair types and can be enjoyed by men, women and kids.
Great, 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?
Smooth road? It has not been smooth. The wig industry and or hair industry is very competitive. Almost every other profile on social media is selling hair. It was hard to find what sets me apart. As a new company, nobody believes in you; one, because I do not have a high amount of followers on my social media and two because no one knows the brand. I have struggled to get my brand known. I am a mom and unfortunately, I do not have the luxury of getting up to travel somewhere to attend events or to promote my business like other entrepreneurs. At this moment, I depend solely on Instagram and Facebook.
I have struggled to find my niche market. When I just started Opulent Allure By Tiahna, I wanted to cater to my Jamaican people. Still, over time, I have realized that because the United States dollar has so much value over the Jamaican dollar, I do not get the support from Jamaicans as I would want to. My culture is very different. We like to see and feel the products that we are investing in. Because my business is an online business, it is hard convincing people to purchase my product just by pictures.
Another struggle that I face is keeping up with my clients who support my business to send reviews of the product that they buy. I explain to them that word of mouth is my biggest marketing tool so I always want their honest review of the product. I must say this is a big accomplishment because this is getting better. I do everything by myself for my business from the marketing to the website to wearing the products. So I must admit that I have had my fair share of struggles along the way.
Please tell us about your business.
Opulent Allure By Tiahna is my 2nd baby -my daughter is my first. I make wigs, sell hair pieces and I just started my hair care line March 2. All wigs are machine stitched, so my clients can expect a lifespan of 2-3 years with the proper care and maintenance. My wigs are made with quality hair varying from Brazilian to Peruvian hair. The lengths vary from 10″-30″ and the type of hair varies from straight to curly to kinky hair. I provide services such as wigs reconstruction and wig maintenance. I also know for slaying my own products, I mean I am brand.
My hair care line consists of the Allure Drops (growth oil) which is made with black seed oil, Jamaican castor oil. Lavender oil and avocado oil, Slick Edges (edge control) which is made with castor oil and wheat protein and Silk N’ Shine which is infused with olive oil. The awesome thing about my products is that it can be used in all hair types, natural or permed. Men, women and kids can enjoy these products.
On my website, I provide hair accessories such as wig grips, edge combs and clips. I am most proud of the opportunity that I have to make each client feel beautiful. I am very versatile and I use that to my advantage to get on a personal level with my clients so that I can effectively cater to their needs. I am still working to implement in my brand to cater to women who suffer from alopecia, who lost hair from chemotherapy and who needs a little self motivation.
What sets me apart from everyone is that I am Jamaican, haha, customer service is very important. I ensure that from start to finish, my customers receive the best hospitality there is. I want all my clients to feel like an individual and not just another woman wearing wigs hence my tagline, “Every woman deserves a crown”.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Growing up in Jamaica was fun. My favorite memory from childhood was fantasizing with my friends on how many houses I would own by a specific age, fantasizing about how rich I would become by age 21, hahaha I am now 29- 30 in a few weeks. Little did I know I would own my own business and now see what it is like to work hard for what you want because my parents made it so easy for me.
Pricing:
- Allure Drops (growth oil) 1 oz- $15.00
- Allure Drops (growth oil) 2oz-$22.50
- Slick Edges (edge control)- $14.00
- Silk N Shine (hair serum/oil)- $12.00
- Wigs: Pricing varies according to length and style.
Contact Info:
- Website: opulentallurebytiahna.com
- Phone: 3603366004
- Email: opulentallure.tiahna@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/opulentallure_bytiahna/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/opulentallurebytiahna/
- Other: YOUTUBE- m.youtube.com/channel/UC5YUVOP-LdDcRdEoLvsycaA?view_as=subscriber%3Fsub_confirmation%3D1
Suggest a story: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
