“The misconception is mixed-race hair is one-size-fits-all.”
Mixed Chicks
In This Article
Most people of mixed-race heritage will agree it’s a unique, layered experience.
The complexities of blending multiple cultures and ethnicities continues to be a topic explored in the media.
Mixed Chicks
Popular shows likeMixed-ishspotlight the realities of interracial relationships and the nuances of an individual’s multiracial identity.
Over the past 17 years, the brand has developed over a dozen highly-effective products for all curl types.
Thats always been the premise of our brand.
The brand reflects who Wendi and I are as women growing up in a blended world.
In Wendis case, it was being one out of essentially none (bi-racial people) in New Jersey.
For me, it was being one of many here in California.
It was about supporting, recognizing, and representing blended families and their textures."
Mass retailers confine us to one box.
As CEOs, its been one of our biggest challenges to date."
Our challenge is to get more shelf space for our aisle because we are limited.
Women today arent defining themselves by their skin color when they are shopping for their hair.
Women have blended textures, so they can use all brands.
Thats why I prefer to talk about curl texture instead of someones race."
Its still strikingly relevant today, and weve been in business for 17 years."
On Hair and Racial Identity
Kim:“Culture.
Culturally for us, especially Black women, hair texture, race, and skin color, define you.
As Wendi has stated, ‘Lets talk about texture.’
We should be talking about texture and what works best for your hair.
Were still waiting for the culture to catch up.”
On Experiences and Connections With Consumers
Wendi:“We are our brand.
We live it, breathe it, and see it.
Wendi: “Agreed.
Our staple is our Leave-In Conditioner.
Its still our best-selling product 17 years later.”
Weve all heard the common questions of: What are you?
What do you identify with?
Who do you look more like?
I think people are seeking relatability.
People have to find a way to make sense for them when its such a complex subject.”
Wendi: For me, I think its about positioning.
America isnt used to seeing people of color or women in positions of power.
Its a foreign concept.
They have a pattern of putting attention on aspects of their race or culture as opposed to their accomplishments.
Wendi:“They havent tackled it yet.”
We want to be judged for our character, morals, and what we can offer the world."
People are getting surprised every day when they take DNA tests and discover they arent just one thing.
Im hoping in the future it wont be a subject that requires constant analysis."
This year, we plan to stand firmer in who we are and what we believe."
Wendi:“Im excited to interact and engage with our customers while we continue to conduct business virtually.
