Today we’d like to introduce you to Stacy Wilson.
Stacy, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Traveling has always been a dream of mine. So 12 years after graduating from SMU and a long stint of living and working in South LA at a Non-profit for parenting teens, I up and decided I was moving to China. I needed and was ready for change and just like that, as if my mind had finally aligned with my faith, I found a position with a strong company who took a liking to me and after two quick interviews. Two months later, I was on my way to China to train for my new adventure.
I didn’t know it yet but, Urbanaire Gypsy was coming into form the moment I moved to Guangzhou in 2013. Being one of very few people in my new city Guangzhou with kinky curly hair, I was encouraged by a friend, to think outside of the box in creating my own hair products. Also as a solution to my hectic work schedule and the amount of traveling, I was doing at the time, I needed to lighten my load literally and figuratively, to what could neatly fit into two suitcases and what would make doing my natural hair easier and faster. So I decided to create a line of multi-purpose all natural hair and body products to help maximize luggage space and to be more effective and efficient in doing my hair.
At the end of my contract in China, I debated moving to South Africa or back to America, I made a deal with myself that if I were to move back to the US, it would only be for something more adventurous that would still provide an avenue for travel with no financial ceiling. So, I packed up my two suitcases and moved back to Dallas in 2016, so I immediately started my own business.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has definitely not always been a smooth road. I guess you can say that running my own business has made me into a professional juggler. There are so many parts that attribute to it running smoothly. With that being said, there are many moments of awkwardness for me as I’m growing into these various roles that my business requires. I truly live for the day that I’m able to assemble a passionate purpose filled team with different skill sets other than my own. However, until then I’m dedicated to being perfectly okay with the awkwardness of expanding within myself to meet these demands, solo. This requires me to tap into places of my personality that I didn’t even know existed. Making professional growth and personal growth two in the same.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Urbanaire Gypsy – what should we know?
Urbanaire Gypsy’s products adhere to a minimalist philosophy. Our product line includes multipurpose hair and body care products using renewable plant resources for individuals who care about their time, money and quality ingredients. Multi-purpose products eliminate some of the unnecessary steps when washing and styling hair. Instead of four products to wash, condition, moisturize and style how about one or two products that does all four things. In addition to maintaining good health, UG products are created to encourage a positive, uplifted mood, giving overall enhanced self-confidence and self-love by simply promoting natural solutions for natural beauty.
I’m happy to say that all of the retail stores and salons that carry the products have the option of having an UG in-store promoter visit at least once a month to engage their customers through free hair consultations to educate the consumer about the benefits of the products. We also do in-store hair demonstrations allowing the customer to try our different products before they buy. We feel this helps eliminate buyer’s remorse… We want customers to know that we’re there to help them make purchases that lead to their accomplishing or maintaining their hair and body health goals.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
There are three things that come to mind when I think of the success of Urbanaire Gypsy. First, praying, meditating and fasting helps when making important decisions. All three has helped me to find favor, clarity, solutions, and direction. UG was created into a business with this method and has continued to take shape with this same practice. Also, staying true to our name has provided a leverage of success. “Urbanaire” means to forecast trends. We take pride in being an indie brand. This keeps us relevant in a niche’ market through researching and imagining beyond new and improved for our consumers. Lastly, revisiting why Urbanaire Gypsy was created in the first place helps with not deviating from UG’s vision of success. This helps with exploring what has provided success in order to continue to build from the UG core.
Pricing:
- Shampoos 6.99-32.99
- Conditioners 6.99-32.99
- Styling Aids 6.99-32.99
- Skin care 8.99-25.99
Contact Info:
- Address: Mailing AddressJe: 3526 Lakeview Pkwy. Rowlett, Texas 75088
Retail Locations DFW: Jenny’s Beauty Supply, Ann’s Health Food Store, Beauty R Us, Pan African Connection, Millennium 2016, The Dock’s Book Shop, Be Lounge
New Orleans Location: Serreen Beauty Supply
DC, Maryland, Virginia Locations: Beauty 4 U - Website: www.urbanairegypsy
- Phone: 1-800-477-7839
- Email: Stacy@urbanairegypsy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/urbanairegypsy/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/urbanairegypsy/
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/urbanairegypsy/
Image Credit:
Sean Nicholas Photography seannicholasphoto.com
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