Page 61
Ebony Bain
Perennial businesswoman Ebony Bain, is the founder of hair salon Braids and Beauty Boutique which specialises in braids and natural hair; Plan it Well; her business development consultancy which helps business start-ups and her natural hair care line, AfroCoils. Entrepreneurship was clearly in her DNA! A previously qualified fitness instructor, Ebony’s first business provided online subscription services in fitness and aerobics. Though the business proved unsuccessful in the long run, she took its end in her stride and only viewed the time and capital she had invested, as a learning curve.
Ebony had begun braiding hair aged 14, and although at the time her client list only included the children of her mother’s friends, it was a client list nonetheless.
She continued to braid hair even after acquiring her undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. Despite not having any long-standing plans of running her own salon, the Braids and Beauty Boutique came as a natural progression for Ebony. She revealed to WOTC that it was the business she enjoyed most because it came so naturally to her. Many of her clients whose hair she would do at just 14-years-old, still remained with her.
Ebony Bain sits down with WOTC to discuss why the industry had begun embracing natural beauty and what was next for her businesses.
WOTC: What has it been like for you to run this business during the pandemic?
Ebony: The first lockdown was crazy because I wasn't able to do anything and I’m a natural workaholic. However, it gave me time to put more effort into Afro Coils (her hair care line). Although it affected everyone, especially our mental health, I had to see the positive and work on what I could change and influence.
WOTC: What's plans do you have for the business for the rest of the year?
Ebony: So, Afro Coils at the moment are a range of oils and accessories. In a few months the moisturisers will come out, and just before Christmas the shampoos and conditioners will be released. That is my main plan with regards to Afro Coils - and gaining as much exposure and advancing as much as I can.
WOTC: Who do you look up to in the hair and beauty industry?
Ebony: Hair and beauty, especially for black people, has come such a long way and for the first time in my lifetime we are embracing our natural hair and beauty a lot more. We are understanding different hair textures and curl patterns a lot more. Afro Coils is a natural extension of that because now we have a better understanding of what affects hair growth, as well as hair loss and how to feed your hair. Afro Coils is a means of expanding the knowledge surrounding hair brands in the market. From growing up with limited brands such as Pink Moisture and Blue Magic that you had to use regardless of your hair texture, porosity level or what your hair needs, so I just want to expand on the knowledge and education of hair care now that we have the opportunity to embrace our natural hair.
WOTC: Tell us a bit more about you outside your work life?
Ebony: Outside of work I am a homebody and big on the family, which is so important for every aspect of my life including business. I have a son and many nephews, nieces and godchildren that I spend time with.
WOTC: Tell us a few tips that new budding business founders should know?
Ebony: The biggest tip is to believe in yourself as loads of us act like we do, but behind closed doors we are terrified of failure. Don't let the fear of failure overcome your desire to go into business. I am very confident, but I did suffer from imposter syndrome for many years no matter how many people believed in me. It wasn't until I was watching TV at home with my partner, and one of my clients came on a program as the professional advisor and the advice she was giving was the advice I gave to her verbatim. That was the light bulb moment that sparked the confidence to pursue my own business. The fear of failure and lack of belief in oneself hinders their aspirations, so my top tip would be that despite your fears, believe in yourself and go for it.
WOTC: How do you lead a team and manage people?
Ebony: I see myself as part of the team and I am very hands-on, working alongside the team every step of the way. I am not involved in every aspect, as delegation and teamwork are important. I have such a good team and they see the enthusiasm and effort I put in and that motivates them to work as I do. Even at this stage where I have created three businesses, I still do hair in my salon. I am still prepared to do the groundwork from sweeping the floor and doing hair – it makes us a family because we do it all together.
WOTC: Have you seen that doing that unified your team more and made people trust you more?
Ebony: We have one big extended family across the businesses. Everyone knows each other because that is how we relate and interact with each other. It means everyone is approachable and we help and cover for each other. The people from my first business are still with me to this day. A testament to the bond we have as a family.
WOTC: Do you think that Instagram has helped your businesses a lot?
Ebony: For Braids and Beauty Boutique, Instagram has been my single most effective form of advertising. Any company that has something creative or visual to showcase should be on Instagram. The ability to post an actual picture of your work for free should be utilised.
WOTC: What would you say to your 20-year-old self?
Ebony: I would go back to the advice of believing in yourself. People that knew me from my childhood would likely say they always knew I would start a business and be successful. Up until I had my son, I didn't see myself as a business owner but a corporate employee, even after going to university. I still saw myself in that light. I say stop wasting time and believe in yourself and pursue your dreams.
WOTC: How old are you now and what is it like juggling your business and your son?
Ebony: I am almost 40, and it's easier to juggle my business and son because my partner is a very hands-on dad, as well as the support of my family. Knowing where I am and why I am doing it makes all the difference. It's easier now that my son is a teenager. He is more self-reliant, which is easier than when he was younger despite having many businesses. I made time to be there for his extra-curricular activities to support his passions. It is very hard, but I have come to the realisation that I must embrace the duality of my life; a business owner and a parent.
WOTC: Your story will certainly inspire so many because you are a mother, but you have pushed to bring your vision to life, not to take away from motherhood but as an indication that you can do both. How do you take time for yourself?
Ebony: Self-care is important, and a lot of SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) don't take time for themselves. My partner and I have a gym membership and I use the sauna torelax. We go on a lot of spa breaks throughout the year. I need to schedule more self-care.
WOTC: What do you think the future of beauty looks like?
Ebony: The industry is always growing because beauty is so important for everyone, even those that don't make it a priority. Certain things are essential and because of that, the beauty industry will always thrive, but right now the dangers of chemicals have become more apparent. The industry is heading towards being more natural - so many amazing natural, sulphur free, vegan range products that are available now, that's giving people a different level of education. We are taking more care of what we put on our hair and taking caution to read the product descriptions. We are understanding disclaimers and warning signs so much more, and it's only a matter of time until the brands with harsh chemicals have to rebrand or go out of business.