MADE Maven Special Women's Issue April 2018 | Page 41

MADEINC
range to create any look that they desire, regardless of their style preference. Curly
to straight, then back again from one day to the next without chemicals. I wanted
to create a range that anyone could use and that was focused on performance and
results. It wasn’t about being natural. It was about being smart. The result was The
Doux.
MADE: You’ve been in the haircare industry for more than two decades. How’d you
get your start?
MS: I became a licensed Cosmetologist while still in high school. I also had the good
fortune to work with some of the most talented professionals in the industry from a
young age.
MADE: Besides the genius visual branding, what sets The Doux apart from other
natural hair care brands?
MS: I’ve been a natural hair stylist for decades, so it’s been easy to connect with
the needs and challenges of my consumer on the daily basis. Our products are
formulated according to salon performance standards. I wanted to make sure The
Doux represented the same quality and results I’m accustomed to as a professional.
Authenticity and integrity is a big deal for us. What we use in the salon is the same
product you’ll find available online and in select Target stores.
MADE: What inspired you to produce a natural hair care brand in addition to
styling?
MS: I’ve always felt that there was an element of expertise missing
from the textured hair industry. I wanted to bring a more professional
approach to the world of textured hair, both through with my salon
experience, and by the way people felt about their hair when they
encountered my products.
MADE: In your opinion, what role does music (specifically hip hop)
play in relation to hair?
MS: I started my creative journey in the late 80’s
submerged in hip hop culture, so my influences
just tend to come out in my work. I know it can
be misinterpreted as like a gimmick, but what
you see is an authentic extension of who I am as
an artist. I’ve listened to the music of artists like
A Tribe Called Quest, the late J Dilla, The Roots,
Bahamadia, Common, Outkast, and De La Soul
since the 90’s, so in a strange way, it feels as
though we've grown up together.
MADE: What challenges did you face when
upstarting the brand?
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