Creators, Dr. Tiffani Bailey Lash & Dr. Tashni - Ann Dubroy
The hair care industry is a booming business with sales exceeding the 1.7 billion mark annually. Most companies are owned by one of the big three in the cosmetic game: L’Oreal, Estee Lauder, and Softsheen Carlson. Whether you are a woman rocking a natural or dependent on chemical straightners, healthy hair care should always be a part of your daily routine. Enter Tea & Honey Blends, a brand new hair care line created by Dr. Tiffani Bailey Lash and Dr. Tashni – Ann Dubroy. These two women decided to take on the task to bring a refreshing and healthy outlook to products that are usually not created in the lab for African America hair. Black hair is far more sensitive than their white counterpart’s mane. Tea & Honey Blends is not only affordable but it caters to the needs of delicate strands, which includes shampoos, conditioners and finishing products. The dynamic duo have always had a fondness for hair care and once they finished college, turned their love of science and hair health into the line they launched late last year. See how Tea & Honey Blends went from idea to your next purchase!
1. Style & Substance: What was the inspiration for starting your line, Tea & Honey Blends?
Tashni-Ann: My interest in the beauty care industry was aroused as a child. I grew up watching my mom style hair, as she was a professional hair stylist. I always knew I would be involved in the beauty care industry in some capacity, so when I realized I had a knack for chemistry, I decided that cosmetic chemistry was a formidable path to pursue. Starting my own hair care line spawned from career talks with my business partner (schoolmate at that time), Tiffani. We attended numerous beauty related events. Soon the energy was contagious! Tiffani and I realized that we were equipped with the knowledge and talent to pursue something we were passionate about, so…we did.
Tiffani: I have always had a passion for hair and chemistry. Initially, I wanted to become a beautician. This is still one of the areas that I will revisit. But, while an undergraduate student, I conducted research during an internship on specialty chemicals in a product line. My choices for testing were blond or brunette bone straight hair tresses. To my dismay when the products were advertised it had women of color in their marketing material. At that point I knew my calling.
2. Style & Substance: What are some ingredients in hair care lines that may be too harsh for the woman that strives for healthy hair?
Tashni-Ann: I can list a plethora of ingredients that I would be leery of including in a formulation, but I think that more damage is done to hair because of below par hair regimens. A woman may have a great product at her disposal, but negligent hair care habits (such as excessive heat exposure from blow-drying or flat ironing) will negate any reparative effects that a good product can have.
Tiffani: There are several ingredients deemed harsh for hair tresses. Our goal is to strengthen the hair cuticle from shampoo even to the finished style. Our Hair Catalyst System works wonders!
3.Style & Substance: Were there any pitfalls and setbacks to starting your company?
Tashni-Ann: I would say there were challenges, rather than pitfalls; some anticipated, others not. Perhaps our biggest challenge was being full time mothers and wives while maintaining our careers AND launching Tea and Honey Blends LLC. So, we had to “pause” to get married and “pause” to give birth.
Tiffani: Tashni and I have funded the manufacturing, testing, advertising, and legal work solely. Therefore, it can be tough financing your dream.
4. Style & Substance: From concept to execution how long did it take for your idea to go from DREAM to REALITY and roll down the production line?
Tiffani: We decided to put our words into actions when we finished graduate school in 2007.
5. Style & Substance: Any advice for budding entrepreneurs who may have a great idea, but don’t know where to start?
Tashni-Ann: I’d say, write your goals down on paper and follow up with action items that you need to perform in order to accomplish each goal. The Internet is an extremely great source of information. There is a ton of information out there explaining how to start your own business. Also, finding a good mentor in the industry you are trying to penetrate is also a good place to start.
Tiffani: Start with a professional business card. You never know who will be able to help you along the way. Most importantly never give up on your dreams. I have had so many friends and relatives say ” I remember when you said that one day you will own your own hair product line back in high school”. I spoke it, I reached for it, and I achieved it. Never set limits or boundaries for the things that you can accomplish.
6. Style & Substance: What is the most rewarding part of being a business owner and creator of a new brand?
Tashni-Ann: I enjoy hearing our customer’s reviews. They love our products and THAT means so much to me!
Tiffani: Actually, hearing from customers about how the products help them achieve their desired style.
7. Style & Substance: What is your favorite product from the line?
Tashni-Ann: If I had to choose one, I would say the Curl Definer, I love the smell and when I wear my hair curly, it is perfect for maintaining a no-frizz curl.
Tiffani: My favorite product is the Silk Protein Leave-In Protein Conditioner. I enjoy wearing my hair flat with a bob cut. The Silk Protein Leave In Conditioner gives my hair-increased tensile strength. Which helps alleviate breakage.
Products from the line.
8. Style & Substance: In five years where do you see Tea & Honey Blends becoming and what will you do to make sure this line succeeds?
Tashni-Ann: Tea and Honey Blends aims to be an Innovation Leader within the beauty care industry. In order to be sustainable, we have to be introducing new products to the market, as consumer’s needs change. In 5 years, I envision a larger product portfolio and our company assuming a position as industry leader.
Tiffani: In 5 years we see Tea and Honey Blends being a household name. We would like to introduce additional product lines to the Tea and Honey Blends family of products.
Tea & Honey Blends is now available for purchase online. Click here.
