Today we’d like to introduce you to Nia Surles.
Hi Nia, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started Vonaé as a way to give the community healthier options for effective self-care. A lot of times we get lost in the “hustle” of our day-to-day lives and need a moment to slow down, relax, and love on ourselves. Vonaé gives you that moment while allowing your body to detox and take a break from harmful parabens.
The idea of Vonaé came about during my time as a natural hair specialist. I noticed many of my clients complaining of similar issues of scalp inflammation and dryness. With a bit of research, I learned that what they were experiencing were reactions to the chemicals in their hair care. Over 70% of products on the market contain parabens that can lead to cancer, PCOS, infertility, and other illnesses. Recent studies show that parabens are increasing the risk of breast cancer, especially amongst black women. Many are unaware of the health-related risks that come from their choice of hair or skin care. This is when I decided to start creating my own products, made purely from plants. When my clients were coming back, excited about the health of their hair, I knew that Vonaé was it.
Since then, Vonaé has grown. The testimonies and referrals from our customers have tremendously helped spread the word. We also like to think that our dedication to giving our customers an uplifting, positive experience has enabled us to grow. Vonaé is led to provide a unique experience by empowering others with confidence through our healthy self-care. We pay special attention to detail and add a little razzle-dazzle to each package to make your order feel like a gift to yourself.
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?
With building a company, there will be struggles along the way, no matter what level you are on. I honestly started at the bottom. I am one of the first entrepreneurs in my family. I needed to learn how to market, advertise, and the regulations of the business industry. I had yet to learn how some people would start disliking you or not want to support you. I did not know that you would become under the scrutiny of the public with any movement you make, and it all affects your business—no matter what level you are on.
I was blessed to have the drive to overcome and work through these obstacles. I was blessed to have support from family members and peers who genuinely wanted to see me grow. I was able to get into numerous programs such as Operation Hope and Bank of America and Cornell University’s Women’s Entrepreneurship Certificate program. All of these helped give me the foundation to build Vonaé. I could grow inventory, learn what it meant to target my audience, and create a business plan and pitch deck that would give me the procedure to execute in expanding Vonaé.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Vonaé?
When you feel your best, it’s like you gain self-confidence. You’re able to give your best, doing everything with intention. That confidence can be brought out with self-care, simply loving yourself. Doing that with products that detox, de-stress, and nourish the body, gives you that confident, natural inner glow, letting your best self-shine through.
Vonae is a holistic-focused company that strives to empower you through healthy self-care. We modernized an ancient technique of herbs and botanical extracts to create healthy hair and skin care. We provide 100% plant-based shampoos, conditioners, hair oils, treatments, vegan facial soaps, clay masks, scrubs, and rose water toners. Our products are ethically sourced, cruelty-free, and ph balanced. Each of our orders is beautifully packaged with care, sending love and positive energy out to our customers.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memory is heading out to the beach with my family. We would always come together and make a big event of going to the beach. It’s something about the ocean water that soothes the spirit and releases negative energy. I felt that as a child and even now as an adult. My family now enjoys the same thing. Luckily, we live on the coast to have those moments together at any time.
Pricing:
- Chebe Butter $12.99
- Elixir Oil $15.99
- Black Shampoo $26.99
Contact Info:
- Website: www.vonaehair.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/vonaehair
- Facebook: facebook.com/vonaehair
- Youtube: youtube.com/vonaehair
Image Credits
Nia Surles
