Many of us have dreams in life of what we want to do or become, but few follow their dreams. However, Takiya Saunders decided to make her dreams a reality. Her love for healthy hair led her to start her natural hair journey (NHJ) on July 30, 2010. But that’s not all…after starting her NHJ she gave life to her dream of developing her own hair care line. I had the pleasure of working with Takiya and wanted to share her insight on being an Entrepreneur…
Q: What were you doing prior to starting your hair care line?
Takiya Saunders - Natural Hair Stylist and Founder of Nafretiri
Takiya: I’ve been a licensed cosmetologist for the last 10 years; however, I worked full time in Corporate America at Fidelity Investments prior to starting my hair care line.
Q: What made you decide to start your company Nafretiri and how did you decide on a name?
Takiya: I’ve always had a passion for hair since the early age of 9 years old. While pursuing my cosmetology license I decided that in the future I’d like to start a haircare product line. After a couple of years of research, plenty of prayers, a company layoff, and a few friends and clients who believed in me, I decided to go for it.
Nafretiri is actually a name my daughter picked out. We were looking for a unique name that had a powerful meaning.
Q: What does Nafretiri mean?
Takiya: The name Nafretiri is an Egyptian name meaning “Beautiful Creation.” My product line is for natural hair. I feel that our natural hair is God’s beautiful creation. We should celebrate it and learn to embrace, love, and take care of it as such. Although media and society has taught us to believe otherwise, our hair is beautiful. Our hair is Nafretiri.
Q: What products do you offer for purchase?
Takiya:
Nafretiri- Organic Deep conditioner which is a thick creamy blend of 100% natural essential oils, Pro Vitamin B5, Pure honey, and plant proteins. Regular weekly applications of this deep treatment will stimulate growth, moisturize and nourish your hair.
Nafretiri- Mistifier leave-in treatment
Ingredients: Rose water based solution, vegetable glycerin, and pro vitamin b5
Use daily as a leave-in treatment. It promotes growth, shine, and manageability.
It is great as a detangler and very moisturizing.
Nafretiri- Curlee Creme
Ingredients: Coconut oil, Coconut butter, Shea butter, Burdoc
Curlee Crème is a hair cream that brings out your curl pattern, fights frizz, and adds
shine and moisture.
Nafretiri - Natural Hair Products
Q: Do you offer any services as well?
Takiya: Yes, I offer the following services:
- Transition services – Consist of styling and making it easy to grow from
relax to natural. - Natural hair styling – Consist of twists, cornrows, twist outs, braid
outs, bantu knots, and blow out/press out. - Steam treatments and deep treatments
- Weaving – Consist of healthy hair weaving sew-ins using braidless methods
Q: What advice would you give to someone looking to start their own business?
Takiya: The first advice to up and coming entrepreneurs is:
- Let your dream and your passions live. If you don’t let it live then it’s going to die and you’ll never know how great it could have been.
- Find a mentor and/or like-minded people and a great support system.
- Know who those people are and aren’t.
- Don’t share your goals with everyone because some people are dream killers or naysayers.
- Protect your vision as if it’s your unborn child or something you hold near and dear.
- Believe in yourself and be a risk taker.
Q: What is your website or contact information for those interested in using your services or purchasing your hair products?
Takiya: My website will launch in early November. Right now I can be contacted on Facebook – Takiya Saunders, Phone: 919-862-4654 and by email: takiya75@gmail.com
Thanks so much for sharing with us Takiya. I love your conditioner so I can’t wait to try your Curlee crème! We wish you much success with your product line and your salon services.
