For years, Nia Imani captivated audiences as a natural haircare influencer on YouTube, collaborating with industry giants like Mielle Organics, The Mane Choice, and Shea Moisture. But with over 125,000 subscribers on YouTube, she knew it was time to harness her expertise for her own brand.
Introducing Imania Beauty, where luxury meets natural. Nia created a High Maintenance Elixir, a multipurpose hair and scalp oil infused with a blend of broad-spectrum CBD and natural ingredients, meticulously formulated to stimulate hair growth, soothe the scalp, and lock in moisture.
Using her knowledge of digital marketing through influencing, Nia has built a large following on Instagram and a dedicated email list. Since the launch of her Elixr, Nia has launched other streams of income including a hair extensions line and a hair salon located in the Atlanta area.
With a mission to “give your hair a break,” Nia aims to redefine the haircare experience, making it relaxing and enjoyable for everyone. As Nia leads the charge, she paves the way for other Black women to pursue their dreams in beauty entrepreneurism.
2:00 - Rapid fire questions
11:50 - Discovering hair care products for you
12:50 - Evolution of hair care products
13:20 - Natural hair care peers on YouTube
14:15 - Concept behind Nia's YouTube channel
15:40 - Feedback from subscribers
16:50 - From a hobby to a job: monetizing YouTube
18:50 - Balancing YouTube and school
20:00 - Goals with YouTube
21:15 - Knowing your purpose among your peers
23:35 - 35th St. Builders sponsorship
24:35 - Entrepreneurial journey
27:35 - Ingredients for the elixir
29:00 - Working with women with scalp conditions
29:35 - Finding the perfect ingredients
31:05 - Covid-19 pandemic and the beauty industry
32:15 - Funding Imania Beauty
34:00 - From testing to shelves: a product timeline
35:00 - Launch plan for Imania Beauty
38:00 - Advice for building a brand
39:30 - Expanding Imania Beauty
42:00 - Imania Beauty and vertical integration
44:00 - Views on Nia’s competitors in the beauty industry
45:30 - Pros and cons of entrepreneurship
48:00 - Pitching to venture capital firms/accessibility
50:40 - Next steps for Imania Beauty
51:25 - Social media contact info
Show notes:
https://imaniabeauty.com/pages/shop-now
https://www.instagram.com/imaniabeauty/
Today's Sponsor:
Ready to build your next app? 35th Street Builders can help you do that. Click here to schedule a free consultation - https://www.3sb.io/