There’s a common sentiment that the best entrepreneurs are the people who find a simple solution to a problem that many are experiencing. This can certainly be said of beauty product founder Renae Williams, whose line of hair care products were created due to a problem she faced, as well as a number of other consumers. In this way, Renae has become not only an entrepreneur by necessity, but also an accidental influencer for the way she has leveraged her social media presence within the natural hair community.
Renae is the creator of CoCoBella Natural, a hydrating haircare product line that caters to those with thirsty curls. Renae big chopped and developed the brand after experiencing illness and hair loss due to the presence of chemicals in hair products. And she is not alone in her struggle.
The recent news of thousands of Black Women in the U.S suing companies that sell chemical relaxers, charging that they bring risks of certain cancers, has been a wake up call to the hair industry, and consumers in general. This is not just specific to the United States, either. In the UK, activist organization Level Up have been campaigning to force beauty giant L’Oreal to stop using harmful chemicals in products marketed toward Black women.
Within this context, it is not only inspiring, but necessary to see Black women entrepreneurs like Renae step up to the plate and show the industry how you make products with healthy ingredients that cater to consumers in a way that is not harmful or exploitative.
As a solopreneur since CoCoBella Natural’s launch in 2019, Renae has achieved some pretty monumental milestones:
- Earned her first $10,000 in sales within the business’s first three months of operation
- Profited $80,000+ within the first year
- Shipped to every continental U.S. state
Renae’s organic ascension within the natural hair community’s social media spaces underscores her authentic connection and commitment to empowering women with textured hair. Her flagship 3-step QUENCH Complete Curl Care System, coupled with her insightful ebook, “Keep it Simple Sis: The Journey to Healthy Hair Care and Healthy Self-Esteem,” exemplifies her dedication to holistic beauty and self-confidence.
We had the opportunity to speak with Renae about CocoBella Natural, her own personal story, and how she wants her customers to feel after using the products knowing that the founder can personally relate to their struggles with hair.
Before we get into the details about your successful hair care brand, we’d love to know more about your relationship with hair products in general – what major issues have you had throughout your life, and what did you see was missing from the market?
For years, I struggled with finding hair products that truly worked for my textured hair. I faced issues like dryness, frizz, and breakage, often exacerbated by harsh chemicals in many mainstream products. What was missing from the market was a focus on natural, nourishing ingredients that respected and enhanced the unique needs of curly and coily hair.
I wanted products that would hydrate, define, and strengthen my curls without compromising their health. This gap in the market inspired me to create CoCoBella Natural, a brand that fills that void with products specifically designed for textured hair.
It has often been said that the best entrepreneurs are those who solve a problem that many people have. What problem would you say you are solving with your company?
CoCoBella Natural addresses the need for high-quality, natural hair care solutions for textured hair. Many products on the market were either too harsh or didn’t cater to the specific needs of curly and coily hair types. Our products solve this problem by offering gentle, effective solutions that provide hydration, definition, and strength without harmful ingredients. We aim to empower individuals to embrace and care for their natural curls with confidence.
How did the idea for CoCoBella come about, and how is it different to competitors?
The idea for CoCoBella Natural came from my personal journey with hair loss and frustration with the lack of effective, natural options. After experiencing illness and the damaging effects of chemicals in products, I wanted to create something different. Our products stand out because they are crafted with nutrient-rich, plant-based ingredients like quinoa, aloe vera, and marshmallow root, and are free from parabens, sulfates, and silicones. Unlike many competitors, we focus on both hair health and sustainability, ensuring that our products are as good for the environment as they are for your hair.
You have been called the “accidental influencer” in the natural hair space. Can you tell us more about this label and what it means to you?
Being called the “accidental influencer” in the natural hair space is an interesting label for me. For me, the focus has always been on sharing my journey and helping others, not seeking popularity. After experiencing hair loss and undergoing a big chop, I wanted to rebuild my confidence and find products that truly worked for textured hair.
My goal was never to become an influencer but to create a brand that empowers others to embrace their natural beauty. CoCoBella Natural’s tagline, “More than just a pretty face with curly hair,” reflects our mission to go beyond surface-level beauty. We aim to uplift and support individuals in their own hair journeys, providing products that enhance their natural curls while fostering self-confidence and pride. It’s about making a meaningful impact, not just gaining followers.
Why do you think it has taken the hair care industry so long to cater to all types of hair, especially thirsty curls? And what does that say about those in positions of power and with decision-making abilities in the industry?
The delay in catering to all hair types, especially curly and coily textures, reflects a broader issue of inclusivity within the beauty industry. Historically, decision-makers have often overlooked the diverse needs of textured hair, focusing instead on mainstream, straight hair types. This gap highlights the need for more diverse voices in positions of power to ensure that all hair types are represented and catered to. The industry is gradually evolving, but there’s still much work to be done to truly embrace and celebrate every hair texture.
As a solo-preneur, how have you worked to grow the business since launching in 2019, and how did the pandemic affect your sales (if at all?).
Growing CoCoBella Natural since its launch in 2019 has been both challenging and rewarding. Initially, I dedicated a lot of time to building a strong brand presence through social media and community engagement. The pandemic, while presenting its own set of challenges, also accelerated the shift toward e-commerce, which expanded our reach and helped us connect with more customers online.
To manage this growth effectively, I made the decision to expand our social media and PR team. This strategic move allows me to focus now on what I’m most passionate about: product development. By delegating the tasks of social media management and public relations, I can concentrate on creating high-quality products that continue to meet our customers’ needs and maintain the high standards of CoCoBella Natural.
What are the most popular items in your line, and what kind of feedback have you been getting from your customers?
Our most popular items are the Quench Moisturizing Cleanser, Triple Threat Conditioning Treatment, and Intense Hydration Curl Crème. Customers rave about how these products provide exceptional moisture, definition, and softness. They particularly appreciate the lightweight, non-greasy feel and the natural ingredients that cater to their specific hair needs. Feedback consistently highlights the transformative effects on curl health and the luxurious experience of using our products.
As a mission-based beauty brand, what is your message to the industry as well as to consumers?
My message to the industry is that inclusivity and sustainability should be at the forefront of beauty. We need to celebrate and cater to all hair types with products that respect both our health and the environment. To consumers, I want to emphasize that embracing your natural beauty is empowering. CoCoBella Natural is here to support your journey with products that nurture and enhance your unique curls.
What do you want customers to feel after using a CoCoBella product?
After using a CoCoBella product, I want customers to feel confident and joyful about their natural hair. Our goal is to provide not just great hair care but also a sense of pride in embracing and celebrating their curls. Each product is designed to deliver exceptional results while making the hair care experience enjoyable and luxurious.
Get your CocoBella Natural product by heading over to the website, and follow CocoBella Natural on Instagram, Facebook, and subscribe to Renae William’s Youtube Channel for more hair care content!
