How Founding Curlkalon Hair Led This SHEeo To A Seven-Figure Business
With the rise of more and more black women breaking away from traditional 9-5s to become their own bosses, the CEO is getting a revamp as the SHEeo. In the Meet The SHEeo series, we talk to melanated mavens leveling up and glowing up, all while redefining what it means to be a boss.
In 2014, Shavone Riggins was in search of a protective style that matched her naturally textured hair. As a mom of six, it was important for her to have a good quality product that was both time-saving and convenient without sacrificing the look and style. She decided to take matters into her own hands, and within a year she launched her crochet curl brand Curlkalon— a natural-looking synthetic hair that delivers "effortless curls in a box" to women looking for textured hair protective style solutions. As the first brand of its kind, Curkalon quickly amassed a large following and seven-figure sales within months of its release. In December 2018, the company was acquired by True Glory Brands.
In this week's feature, meet Shavone Riggins of Curlkalon.
Courtesy of Shavone Riggins
Brand: Founder of Curlkalon Hair/SHE Everyday
Location: Atlanta, GA
Year Founded: 2014
# of Employees: 10+
30-Second Pitch: "Curlkalon Hair answers the call of delivering 'effortless curls in a box' all around the world to women looking for textured hair protective style solutions. In becoming the first company to market, I like to think I revolutionized the once tedious process of creating crochet curls at home into a high quality time-saving solution without any sacrifice of look and style. As a mom of six, I recognized the need for convenience in protective styling and how it could meet the look of naturally textured hair while struggling with my own natural hair routine 2014. I thoroughly enjoy helping women find effective and time-saving solutions by taking the stress out of protective styling, business and life."
What inspired you to start your brand?
My inspiration for Curlkalon came about in 2014 after 11 years of being natural and wanting to find a natural-looking protective style that matched my texture of hair. Upon coming across the crochet braid method, I was pleased on having the look I desired.
What was your a-ha moment that brought your idea into reality?
My a-ha moment happened in the kitchen at my stove as I was cooking up curls that there has to be a better way. My light bulb came on and I knew I had to build the brand. I hit the pavement running with my talent and skills as a digital marketing designer in creating everything from the curl prototype, the logo, the website to the product design.
Who is your ideal customer?
Curlkalon's ideal customer is a woman who is looking for a quality textured hair solution and wants to add a time-saving ease to her daily hair routine with a "effortless curl" protective style that lasts 6-8 weeks.
What makes your business different?
Curlkalon is different in the hair space because we're the first crochet curl brand to the niche market of synthetic hair with use of high quality fibers that gives a true showing of textured hair as that of African-American women. Plus, we have a great story behind the brand!
What obstacles did you have to overcome while launching and growing your brand? How were you able to overcome them?
One of the first obstacles I faced with launching Curlkalon was keeping up with the fast growth. Upon launching Curlkalon in May 2015 on Mother's Day to mid-2016, I found myself as the Founder and CEO of a seven-figure brand. The next obstacle was staffing the brand to keep up with the demand. In which, I grew the team to a 12-member team from executive level, customer service, along with shipping and warehousing.
What was the defining moment in your entrepreneurial journey?
The defining moment in my entrepreneurial journey was when I was able to employ others and see their lives expand into being able to buy a home, purchase that new car, and have health insurance, on top of seeing women all across the world confidently rocking Curlkalon with smiles and joy from ear-to-ear.
Where do you see your company in 5-10 years?
I see Curlkalon as a community brand that will continue to meet the need of women who are looking for a quality textured hair solution and wants to add a time-saving ease to her daily hair routine with a "effortless curl" protective style. Alongside helping women
Where have you seen the biggest return on investment? (i.e. marketing, ads, vending, social media)
Curlkalon's biggest return is on marketing. In knowing our idea customer, we're able to deliver them awareness through ads, influencer marketing, and partnerships.
Biggest lesson you’ve learned in business?
The biggest lesson in business I've learned is knowing when to pivot. As a CEO of a new and growing brand comes with the wearing of many hats, you can find yourself in a loop of what you know that works and be stuck there. However, things change; the market changes, numbers change, and honestly you change too. There comes a true point of evaluation that needs to take place so that key changes can be made at pivotal points.
Anything else you would like for people to know, or take away from your entrepreneurial story?
In December 2018, I released my title as CEO with an acquisition of Curlkalon to True Glory Brands. I knew that I wanted Curlkalon to make it to greater heights and my vision had evolved to being more supportive to my brand with carrying my founder title with works on expanding the brand's audience with communications, education and strategic marketing.
Follow Shavonne on social media: @curlkalon and @shavone_riggins.
Exclusive: Gabrielle Union On Radical Transparency, Being Diagnosed With Perimenopause And Embracing What’s Next
Whenever Gabrielle Union graces the movie screen, she immediately commands attention. From her unforgettable scenes in films like Bring It On and Two Can Play That Game to her most recent film, in which she stars and produces Netflix’s The Perfect Find, there’s no denying that she is that girl.
Off-screen, she uses that power for good by sharing her trials and tribulations with other women in hopes of helping those who may be going through the same things or preventing them from experiencing them altogether. Recently, the Flawless by Gabrielle Union founder partnered with Clearblue to speak at the launch of their Menopause Stage Indicator, where she also shared her experience with being perimenopausal.
In a xoNecoleexclusive, the iconic actress opens up about embracing this season of her life, new projects, and overall being a “bad motherfucker.” Gabrielle reveals that she was 37 years old when she was diagnosed with perimenopause and is still going through it at 51 years old. Mayo Clinic says perimenopause “refers to the time during which your body makes the natural transition to menopause, marking the end of the reproductive years.”
“I haven't crossed over the next phase just yet, but I think part of it is when you hear any form of menopause, you automatically think of your mother or grandmother. It feels like an old-person thing, but for me, I was 37 and like not understanding what that really meant for me. And I don't think we focus so much on the word menopause without understanding that perimenopause is just the time before menopause,” she tells us.
Gabrielle Union
Photo by Brian Thomas
"But you can experience a lot of the same things during that period that people talk about, that they experienced during menopause. So you could get a hot flash, you could get the weight gain, the hair loss, depression, anxiety, like all of it, mental health challenges, all of that can come, you know, at any stage of the menopausal journey and like for me, I've been in perimenopause like 13, 14 years. When you know, most doctors are like, ‘Oh, but it's usually about ten years, and I'm like, ‘Uhh, I’m still going (laughs).’”
Conversations about perimenopause, fibroids, and all the things that are associated with women’s bodies have often been considered taboo and thus not discussed publicly. However, times are changing, and thanks to the Gabrielle’s and the Tia Mowry’s, more women are having an authentic discourse about women’s health. These open discussions lead to the creation of more safe spaces and support for one another.
“I want to be in community with folks. I don't ever want to feel like I'm on an island about anything. So, if I can help create community where we are lacking, I want to be a part of that,” she says. “So, it's like there's no harm in talking about it. You know what I mean? Like, I was a bad motherfucker before perimenopause. I’m a bad motherfucker now, and I'll be a bad motherfucker after menopause. Know what I’m saying? None of that has to change. How I’m a bad motherfucker, I welcome that part of the change. I'm just getting better and stronger and more intelligent, more wise, more patient, more compassionate, more empathetic. All of that is very, very welcomed, and none of it should be scary.”
The Being Mary Jane star hasn’t been shy about her stance on therapy. If you don’t know, here’s a hint: she’s all for it, and she encourages others to try it as well. She likens therapy to dating by suggesting that you keep looking for the right therapist to match your needs. Two other essential keys to her growth are radical transparency and radical acceptance (though she admits she is still working on the latter).
"I was a bad motherfucker before perimenopause. I’m a bad motherfucker now, and I'll be a bad motherfucker after menopause. Know what I’m saying? None of that has to change. How I’m a bad motherfucker, I welcome that part of the change."
Gabrielle Union and Kaavia Union-Wade
Photo by Monica Schipper/Getty Images
“I hope that a.) you recognize that you're not alone. Seek out help and know that it's okay to be honest about what the hell is happening in your life. That's the only way that you know you can get help, and that's also the only other way that people know that you are in need if there's something going on,” she says, “because we have all these big, very wild, high expectations of people, but if they don't know what they're actually dealing with, they're always going to be failing, and you will always be disappointed. So how about just tell the truth, be transparent, and let people know where you are. So they can be of service, they can be compassionate.”
Gabrielle’s transparency is what makes her so relatable, and has so many people root for her. Whether through her TV and film projects, her memoirs, or her social media, the actress has a knack for making you feel like she’s your homegirl. Scrolling through her Instagram, you see the special moments with her family, exciting new business ventures, and jaw-dropping fashion moments. Throughout her life and career, we’ve seen her evolve in a multitude of ways. From producing films to starting a haircare line to marriage and motherhood, her journey is a story of courage and triumph. And right now, in this season, she’s asking, “What’s next?”
“This is a season of discovery and change. In a billion ways,” says the NAACP Image Award winner. “The notion of like, ‘Oh, so and so changed. They got brand new.’ I want you to be brand new. I want me to be brand new. I want us to be always constantly growing, evolving. Having more clarity, moving with different purpose, like, and all of that is for me very, very welcomed."
"I want you to be brand new. I want me to be brand new. I want us to be always constantly growing, evolving. Having more clarity, moving with different purpose, like, and all of that is for me very, very welcomed."
She continues, “So I'm just trying to figure out what's next. You know what I mean? I'm jumping into what's next. I'm excited going into what's next and new. I'm just sort of embracing all of what life has to offer.”
Look out for Gabrielle in the upcoming indie film Riff Raff, which is a crime comedy starring her and Jennifer Coolidge, and she will also produce The Idea of You, which stars Anne Hathaway.
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Feature image by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images
Being a sexual empath shapes the orgasmic experience into an emotionally charged journey. The intense connection with a partner's energy elevates the pleasure of orgasm but may also leave a lingering sense of emotional fatigue. Experiencing a mind-blowing orgasm involves not only the physical release but also absorbing and reflecting a partner's emotions.
"Sexual empaths are people whose energetic level intensifies during sexual activity. It dramatically affects the way they connect with others during sexual experiences because they can deeply connect with their partner's sexual energy," said Kasey King, LMFT.
The exchange of energies during orgasm may involve absorbing both the ecstasy and potential negative emotions, adding a layer of complexity to the post-orgasmic experience.
King is a marriage and sex therapist located in Fort Worth, TX. She owns a private practice, Lavender Healing Center, that offers relationship, sex therapy, and healing services to clients located in Texas and Mississippi. King spoke with xoNecole about what sex is like for a sexual empath, the impact of sexual empathy on orgasm, and navigating sex with a sexual empath.
What Sex is Like for a Sexual Empath?
Engaging in sex as a sexual empath can be emotionally intense, leading to a sense of depletion. The empathic experience extends beyond physical release, often requiring a period of emotional recharge to restore balance.
"Because of their ability to absorb and give energy, sex can be euphoric but also leave you feeling empty and not in a pleasing way," King explained.
For a sexual empath, managing the emotional aftermath is essential to maintaining their well-being and preserving the depth of connection in future intimate encounters.
"Common patterns after sex are not always the same. Aftercare can look different for sexual empaths. While some empaths feel a deeper connection, others can disconnect and shut down. As a sexual empath, it may be important to discuss your post-sex desires before sex so you aren't left feeling used, and the experience is not one-sided," King recommended.
The Impact of Sexual Empathy on Orgasm
The drained sensation experienced by a sexual empath after sex extends to their orgasmic encounters. While the orgasm itself is a powerful culmination of physical and emotional elements, the aftermath leaves the empath in need of a thoughtful recovery. Their intense emotions can lead to a sense of emotional and physical fatigue.
"The exchange of their energy during orgasm is not always beautiful. You can have a mind-blowing orgasm and absorb your partner's negative energy while they are now rejuvenated. It is important to be mindful of your sexual partner's stress and emotional availability while engaging in sexual activity to ensure you are getting what you need as well," King said.
King shared that orgasms differ from other sexual empaths and can be more intense with other sexual empaths.
"Since sexual empath's energies are highly sensitive, it is easier to pick up each other's cues regarding pleasure, resistance, and anxiety," she said." Orgasms with similar energies are also more powerful and meaningful for that reason. When a sexual empath has sex with a non-sexual empath, orgasms may still occur. However, it may look different because energy is not always shared and understood. Non-sexual empaths can still provide their [sexual empath] partners with an intense orgasm because they took the time to understand what their partner needs."
Unfortunately, if a non-sexual empath doesn't take the time to understand their partner's needs, then their needs go unmet. And when the needs of a sexual empath are unmet, emotional disconnection ensues, and it casts a shadow over the intimacy in the relationship.
"Since sexual empaths feel on a deeper level and can meet the needs of their partner easily, they push their needs aside. [Sexual empaths] may fall into the role of 'people pleaser' or unintentionally sexually submissive. As a 'people pleaser,' sexual empaths can also misread the sexual experience and be left feeling foolish and unfulfilled," King revealed.
Navigating Sex with a Sexual Empath
Navigating sex with a sexual empath as a non-empath involves fostering open communication and mutual understanding. Recognizing and respecting the empath's heightened sensitivity to emotions is crucial. Prioritize clear verbal and non-verbal communication to ensure both partners feel heard and connected. Establishing trust and creating a safe space for emotional expression contributes to a fulfilling and harmonious sexual experience, allowing the unique dynamics of the empathic connection to flourish.
"As a marriage and sex therapist, I first assess a couple's sexual connectedness, then discuss their individual meaning of sex, which often differs," said King.
"In relationships where one partner is a sexual empath, practical exercises can include explaining your sexual cues because the non-sexual empath can often misunderstand them. Also, mutually engaging in non-penetrative intercourse to learn each other's needs, desires, and kinks on a deeper level," she added.
King noted that being a sexual empath doesn't necessarily mean your energy is shared equally or with a deserving partner.
"Sexual empaths can get sucked in, which may complicate the relationship. Empaths give freely yet aren't always verbally expressive. To heighten your sexual experience and have an amazing orgasm, ensure pleasure is not only expressed but understood. Know that you are deserving to receive what you give."
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