Another beloved Black-owned haircare brand is facing a critical moment. Kim Lewis, the CEO and founder of CurlMix, has launched an urgent community campaign, #ProtectCurlMix, to help sustain her business. Lewis revealed that the company needs to secure 20,000 orders within the next 60 days to avoid closing its doors by December 31st.
Challenges Beyond COVID-19
In a candid video shared on Instagram, Lewis opened up about the immense difficulties the company has faced. “This has been the most difficult year in business. This year in business was harder than COVID,” she stated, citing rising tariffs, taxes, and ingredient costs, alongside slowing shipping times as major hurdles. These external pressures have significantly impacted operations.
The strain has also affected the team, with Lewis explaining, “Our team went from a size 40 to 14.” This reduction in staff has led to longer response times and delays in customer service, as remaining employees are taking on multiple roles. Lewis expressed her commitment to her team and the legacy of CurlMix, which was founded in Southside Chicago and also employs local workers.
A Community Investment
CurlMix is offering a special $100 bundle featuring 10 full-sized products, including flaxseed gels, leave-in conditioners, and curl creams designed for textured hair, as a way for the community to directly support the business. Donations are also being accepted.
The company first gained national attention with its appearance on ABC’s “Shark Tank” in 2019. At the time, the founders chose to reject a $400,000 offer for a 20% stake, opting instead to raise $1.2 million while giving up only a 10% stake. They continued to offer equity to community investors, raising an additional $3.6 million in 2021. However, these past successful crowdfunding efforts are no longer enough to sustain current operations.
A Plea for One Last Push
“You guys invested in CurlMix, you bought equity in our company, and I want to continue to show up for you,” Lewis stated passionately in her video. “So I’m not giving up… If we get 20,000 orders in the next 60 days, we can stay alive and thrive. We will have turned the business around, and we should be self-sufficient after that. I just need help one last time.”
How can you support CurlMix? Visit their website to learn more about the #ProtectCurlMix campaign and consider making a purchase or donation. What are your thoughts on this community-driven effort to save a Black-owned business? Share in the comments!
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