February 2021 | Page 21

CityState : Business

strength and beauty in the word . I have been called “ Marabou ” by a few of my close friends and I wanted something from my roots to bring out what I am offering to the public . I also like how the name matches the hibiscus aesthetic ; it ’ s like a marriage of my culture . The hibiscus flower is used for remedies and as a hair elixir , and it also represents an act of love .
Q + A >>

Hair Helper

Revitalize your hair care routine , one strand at a time , with Marabou Hair Nutrients . By Edelinda Baptista
Marie Lynchie Estime is a nurse , Community College of Rhode Island graduate and owner of the hair care product line , Marabou Hair Nutrients . The twenty-four-year-old launched the business in the summer of 2019 , followed by a website in 2020 that made Marabou hair growth and strengthening oil accessible to locals and customers in countries as far as Canada and the United Kingdom . Here ’ s how Estime launched the business .
Where is your hometown ? Port Au Prince , Haiti .
What inspired the creation of this hair care product line ? After trying other products and not sticking to one thing , it was difficult to find something that worked for my hair texture . I used one product and lost my curl pattern . I needed something to bring my coils back . I failed a couple times until I finally came up with the right recipe . After two months of using the oil on my scalp and getting my yearly trim , I could see the difference . My hair got stronger , thicker and shinier . All of my friends liked it , so I decided to put it out there for the public .
On the Marabou website , I read that the product ’ s name means “ exoticism , strength , beauty and elegance .” What else inspired you to choose this name ? “ Marabou ” is a term used to empower women in Haiti . There is
What are the main ingredients and how is it made ? Carrots , avocados and love are my main ingredients . First , I infuse the oil with herbs and flowers like hibiscus , chamomile , peppermint and others , then boil it with my carrots and avocados .
What are the ultimate effects of the product ? The product nourishes the hair roots to bring out strong and healthy hair . If we want a plant to grow and flourish , we feed the roots . I use the same concept for hair . My product is loaded with vitamins and nutrients to focus on hair health .
Does anyone else help you with the business ? This business is my baby . I struggle juggling full-time school , work and upholding a standard for my business . Every great thing has a group of warriors helping . The Rhode Island Black Business Association has been my backbone . I ’ ve received tons of help from them and it ’ s like a family to me . I have a few “ Marabous ” involved in the business , who are my close friends . They encourage me to get up every day and work on what I love . I don ’ t have a specific person who helps me with the business ; I have an army of “ Marabou .”
Can this work on most , if not all , types of hair ? Yes , and as for hair that produces oil , just a small amount is enough .
Are you thinking about adding any other products to the line ? Yes , I currently have my whipped shea butter as a second product , which can be used for both skin and hair . I am also working on formulating more natural products .
What are some hair care tips you have for the winter ? Oil your scalp , moisturize with water . Sleep with a satin or silk bonnet , or a scarf . Remember to trim [ your ends ].
Order handmade , vegan products from Marabou Hair Nutrients online at marabouhairnutrients . com . �
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