Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ceata E. Lash, founder, and inventor of The PuffCuff LLC., located in Marietta, GA, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

The PuffCuff is a natural hair accessory that birthed the PUFFCUFF LLC. Based on the idea that women and men with thick textured hair can achieve stylish looks without tension, pain, or stressing the hair shaft. The PuffCuff Hair Clamp is a sanitary, durable, and affordable replacement for the elastic hairband. Since its inception in 2013, the brand has rounded out its offerings with hair tools specifically designed for the underrepresented majority (those with thick, curly, or textured hair), including styling accessories and a line of consumables. In addition to a sub-brand aimed directly at men and business ventures supporting PuffCuff's overall mission, www.thepcmale.com.

Tell us about yourself

When I decided to change my lifestyle and make the transition from relaxed to natural hair, I discovered that it was impossible to find accessories to accommodate the thickness and texture of my hair. Searching in stores and online, I realized that most accessories on the market are designed for straight, thin hair – NOT for my naturally thick, coarse hair! Existing products cinched my hair to its smallest point of resistance, creating "bunny tail hair" (not a good look for a grown woman), hair breakage, damage to the accessory, and pure frustration for me!
It was then that the concept of the PuffCuff was born, but I wouldn't let myself imagine that I could be the one to invent, manufacture and retail it myself. And then, inspiration moved in.

In the fall of 2011, I was blessed to have my 99-year-old grandmother come to live with my family and me. She had been diagnosed with congestive heart failure and was close to death. My grandmother was my heart, and I loved her dearly. In our quiet moments together I often wondered, "Did she do everything she wanted to in her long life? Did she pursue all her dreams?" The answer was a resounding and confident, "YES." She was at total peace in knowing her time was at hand. So I thought, 'Would I be at peace with how my life turned out if the Lord blessed me to live to her age?" Knowing I might not get 99 years, if I put this idea on the shelf and left it there, I might not have the same kind of peace my grandmother had when death was imminent. I decided I had to at least try. If I failed, it wouldn't be for lack of trying. So here I am! PuffCuff LLC was launched in August of 2013. The first PuffCuff was available for purchase in February of 2014.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Too many to count! In 2018, I was awarded the President's Innovation Award by Sally Beauty - one of our many gracious distributors. I became a Babson College BWEL Alumni and received two entrepreneurial certifications from Cornell University. In 2020, I was named a recipient of the New Voices + Barefoot Wine #WeStanForHer Grant. Also, in the Fall of 2021, I graduated Goldman Sachs 10K Small Business program. I felt honored to give a speech at my graduation ceremony at the Goldman Sachs headquarters in New York City.

It's really not about any single, big accomplishment. We work hard. And any reward that bolsters team morale and keeps urging the needle forward makes the team happy.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

There are many hats that I wear daily, and sometimes I have to know everything. A good business owner has foundational knowledge of every aspect of their business. When it is all said and done, everything falls back on me. And I have to be ready with solutions or be able to direct others to where they can find their desired solution.

Honestly, there is a lack of funding for people who look like me. There is only so much bootstrapping one can do as a small business owner before you quite literally need the funding to make your vision a reality. So finding the funding sources, we pitch quite different from those that will actually listen. This requires consistency, perseverance, and execution to prove we got what it takes to outlast other brands.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Think big because you can do big things, but don't obsess over the bigger picture. It will overwhelm you quickly.
  2. Do what you do best! Hire others to complete the rest.
  3. On the road to success, fill up with gas! Take care of yourself and do what fuels you! This is a marathon and not a race. Stay in it for the long haul.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Once you bring your idea to life, get the patents, trademarks, and legal team necessary to make your business or product impossible to duplicate. I hold the most patents (3 and 1 pending) for an African American woman in natural hair tools. I hope that changes soon! I wouldn't even mind the friendly competition.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://thepuffcuff.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePuffCuff
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepuffcuff/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThePuffCuff
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ceataelash/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.