Navy Blue Elastic Natural Hair Headband from La Petite Boutique De Bandeaux
Handmade products are all the rage these days as department stores lower the quality of their products and raise their prices. As the average consumer grows weary and skeptical of mass-market goods, small time entrepreneurs, such as those seen on www.Etsy.com., are growing in popularity. The high quality and indisputable uniqueness of handmade products makes them unbeatable. And with several small-time entrepreneurs offering products that cater to personal needs, it’s no wonder so many consumers are turning to Etsy.com. Consumers not only enjoy the uniqueness of handmade products, but the satisfaction knowing they are supporting families.
The curly community is making its way into online shopping sites, offering amazing products for girls with natural curls and specific needs. So many women started hand crafting their products in their very own home and expanded since then. Using Etsy.com, these women created a high rising business for themselves, taking on the role as “Curlpreneurs,” or entrepreneurs with a curly twist.
Chanel from the Bronx, New York City, is one of these curlpreneurs. Her specialty is hand-crafting hair accessories for thick and curly hair. La Petite Boutique De Bandeaux, her shop, offers exquisite hair accessories. From beaded headbands to gorgeous bridal bows, these hair accessories have amazing detail and make great gifts.
Chanel began making her own hair accessories in the summer of 2008 when she found that hair accessories on the market were too slight to hold her hair. She decided to try her hand at making hair accessories that were catered to her own big hair. Using materials like satin, which are healthier for the hair, Chanel hand made accessories that were big enough to offer control and not be hidden. Her friends took notice of her handmade beauties and began requesting their own. In 2009, Chanel discovered www.Etsy.com, and Boutique de Bandeaux became an official business.
“It was love at first sight!” Says Chanel about Etsy.com. “It took a lot of work and a lot of sleepless nights, but business started to pick up slowly as word began to spread among naturalistas all over the world. It’s so exciting to know that my work is being worn by curly girls in Canada, Australia, Ireland, Spain, Brazil, and Tanzania.” And with muses like Erykah Badu, Leela James, Esperanza Spalding, and Solange Knowles, Chanel is sure to be making hair accessories for ages yet. “I’m pleased to say this upcoming year I have plans to expand the line to include designs specifically geared toward naturals with locks and TWAs.”
Chanel gives a considerable amount of credit to the natural hair community, which not only serves as her inspiration, but also keeps her business thriving. “They were completely supportive of my endeavor from day one. If you plan to create a product for women with curls, I believe one of your main priorities should be to open a dialogue with your target audience to find out what their needs and wants are.”
