Vtessia founder Vicktesha Cunningham explains the birth of her brand and the motivation to help other women with postpartum hair loss
A natural-based product line born from frustration stemming from a viable solution, Vtessia Cosmetics uses sustainable plant-based hair care products to combat postpartum hair loss and other related symptoms. The founder, Vicktesha Cunningham, aims to help prevent women from encountering the same issues she once faced. Producing gentle skin and hair products, which are 100% natural and cruelty-free, Vtessia also aims to provide women (and men) with a range of effective solutions for common hair issues. The Vtessia Instagram account shows impressive before and afters from the founder and clients and positive reviews about the efficacy of the product range.
Please share your brand’s background story from the start until the present day
I birthed the idea of Vtessia in March 2020, after I had experienced postpartum alopecia when having my baby in 2019. Losing my hair had affected my confidence in ways I cannot describe. Everything I tried did not work, so as a cry for help, I started blending and experimenting with ingredients until I found the perfect solution to regrow my hair. I turned this solution into a brand because I wanted to help other women like me—the inspiration stemming from my pain to prevent other women from experiencing the same demoralising hair loss issue as I did.
What were the initial steps you took to start up your brand?
Before I started Vtessia, I conducted market research to find out if there were any demands. After that, I registered the brand name and sent the product off to be safely assessed.
What does the range include?
Hair Growth Oil (£13.99) is a natural infusion of 15 virgin cold pressed hair oils including argan, rosemary, black seed oil, safflower, almond, cedar wood and castor oil. It helps promote hair growth, strength, shine, tame frizz and reduce dandruff.
Replenishing Hydrating Hair Seal (£11.59) is a blend of shea butter, sweet almond oil and mango butter and helps make your hair feel softer, look shinier, and more manageable.
Restorative Hair Masque (£15.99) is infused with silk peptides, vegetable glycerin and hyaluronic acid to improve shine and balance moisture.
Beard Oil (£9.99) is formulated with 12 oils blended together to help soften and moisturise beard hair, and nourish the skin underneath.
All products are 100% natural, handmade, vegan and cruelty-free.
Has the pandemic given Vtessia any challenges?
Absolutely yes! I launched the business in March 2020, just at the start of the pandemic. It has been tough. That is why I had to learn very quickly how to sell online and network to increase brand awareness.
Do you see your brand expanding on other products into the future?
Most definitely, we aim to launch our skincare range in the future. I absolutely cannot wait to share it with the world.
Besides good hair care products, what else do you think is vital for maintaining healthy-looking hair and overall good hair health?
Diet, because it plays a vital role in keeping hair healthy. Our diet affects the growth, strength, and volume of our hair. Things that our hair loves are protein, zinc, omega fatty acids and vitamins.
What advice would you give other black entrepreneurs, particularly those starting haircare lines and products?
My advice would be to research to determine the demands for your idea. But most importantly, remember that people are not avatars; it is all about relating effectively to customers through your brand story.
www.vitessia.co.uk
Interview by Abiola Olanipekun
