If you could create your own fantasy board of directors, who would be on it? CO— connects you with thought leaders from across the business spectrum and asks them to help solve your biggest business challenges. In this edition, we ask an expert about how to foster social justice as an entrepreneur.
This edition of “Ask the Board” features Amylah Charles, Founder of CurlyCrownz Hair Care, a hair care company that makes sustainable products with minimal waste. Amylah Charles is also a graduate of NFTE, an organization that helps young entrepreneurs start businesses. She explains how small business owners can incorporate social justice into their ventures.
I consider myself an entertainer, activist, and young entrepreneur on the rise. In 2020, I launched my business, CurlyCrownz Hair Care. To this, I continue to serve my community through entrepreneurship and creativity. I am a firm believer in social justice and if you are too, here’s how you can incorporate it into your brand:
Identify and never forget your ‘why’
Your why is your reason and your purpose. I didn’t start CurlyCrownz Hair Care just to sell hair products to make money. For me, it goes beyond hair care. We are a social justice–oriented brand that aims to innovate media representation of minorities through media and marketing. Plus, we donate time and money to organizations that help people of color thrive.
Think about the activists that inspire you
As a young entrepreneur, I’ve always admired people like Pharrell, Nipsey Hussle, and Mahalia Jackson. These are all multifaceted individuals that challenged the idea of what an activist “should look like.” Much like myself, each of these individuals used their talents and business ventures to push their community forward and break down barriers. That truly inspired me and reaffirmed that I could make change in many different ways.
Network with community organizations
By networking and participating in community events, you further your intel on the community you are serving and foster a great environment for unity as we make strides toward change. I’ve worked with the NAACP, the Los Angeles Urban League, the National Congress of Black Women, National Council of Negro Women, Top Teens of America, and more.
Never forget you have a unique point of view and life experience that only you possess. You transform any space you walk into with your drive and intellect.
Amylah Charles, Founder of CurlyCrownz Hair Care
Stay encouraged
As entrepreneurs, we are no stranger to discouragement. We have to pivot sometimes, dust our shoulders off, and get back in the game. Change doesn't happen overnight, so do not give up when things don’t look how you had hoped right now. We have to build everything piece by piece. When you look up, you’ll realize you’ve impacted more people than you could have imagined. For example, I may not have 1,000 customers but there are two customers I will never forget.
I have a nine-year-old girl who just started taking care of her hair and enjoyed our products. Using our product made her excited about her new journey of taking care of her hair, which sometimes can be discouraging, especially when you grow up in a society that tells you your hair is rough, unruly, and unpresentable. Another one of my customers suffered from tension alopecia; she used our products and her hair grew back. She expressed her amazement and newfound confidence. I am truly enamored by opportunities I have gotten because I did not give up.
Remember you have the power to make change
I feel as people we often forget how unique we are. We can say to ourselves, “Oh, that’s already been done” or “How could I possibly have a significant impact?” Never forget you have a unique point of view and life experience that only you possess. You transform any space you walk into with your drive and intellect. You leave your unique fingerprint on every project your hand has graced. You are everything outside of the box people try to put you in. Little Amylah wouldn’t believe that she is now a Forbes Featured CEO of CurlyCrownz Hair Care who has combined her passion for social justice and hair care and transformed it into a movement: “It’s Bigger Than Hair.”
CO— aims to bring you inspiration from leading respected experts. However, before making any business decision, you should consult a professional who can advise you based on your individual situation.
CO—is committed to helping you start, run and grow your small business. Learn more about the benefits of small business membership in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, here.
