Doctor, UG student launch homemade hair, skincare line

Inspired by their beauty journey, a medical doctor and a University of Guyana (UG) student are diving into the beauty industry with the launch of their homemade line of skin and hair care brand “Daughters of Zion Natural Hair and Skincare”. The two minds behind this venture are Dr Amanda Fredericks and Stephanie Noble, a final year Tourism student at UG.

The line – which has been years in the making – consists of hair shampoos, conditioners, moisturisers, skin scrubs, and even beard oil for the men, just to name a few.
“Daughter’s of Zion Natural Hair and Skincare” is a beauty line for everyone. Its products can be used by anyone, no matter their hair texture. “The products you are seeing now are for people of African descent with natural hair and we wanted to move away from that. We have customers that are of Indian, African… descent. It is mixed. We are catering to various hair types and even relaxed and chemically treated hair. We are trying to create a diverse line of products,” Dr Fredericks shared.
As for Noble, she explained that she was tired of using the commercial products because of the harsh chemicals they contain. In this regard, the young woman said that she and her business partner begun making natural hair products for themselves.

“We used to make these products and use them on ourselves. The reason why we decided to start making natural products was that we were a bit tired of the commercial products and the chemicals that they contain. They were just not working with our hair. So, with research, we started to make products for ourselves. Even before we met, it was something destined to happen because she [Fredericks] used to make some products on her own and I use to make some. This was something that we had in common.”
The company, which prides itself on the use of natural ingredients, was officially launched in September 2020, and according to Noble “sales have been really awesome.” She added, “Marketing is good, but we still have some work to do. No business has marketing as perfection. You always have to work on marketing and getting the product out there and building confidence in it.”
Dr Fredericks confessed, “Making the products is a happy time for us; it is a joy. The office is at my home. She [Noble] would come over and we would make the diffident products and sterilise the bottles. And we would do everything to keep them of good quality. We have a place where we store them and as we get the orders, we would pack them and distribute.”
The company was able to hire its first employee last year. “It is really blossoming. People are really looking into the business,” the doctor added. In the early days of doing business, the company was more focused on providing hair and skin care products for women. But as time went by, it launched a line for men.
“We have a men’s line. We have not forgotten about the men. A lot of men were coming to us saying this is what is happening with me. They wanted something for themselves. We have to give the customer what the customer wants. So, we went back to the drawing table and created a men’s line,” an elated Fredericks said. That line consists of beard shampoo, beard conditioner, and beard oil.
Noble related that they have received positive feedback since the addition of these products. “We have been getting great reviews. Dealing with men and their beards; it is kind of like their baby now. It is like women and their hair. They said that have been receiving less shedding with the beard, it is much softer. So, men are now pampering themselves. It is a pleasure to see that men are taking care of themselves.”
Given the rapid pace at which the company has taken off, with some 100 orders, its owners project that they will acquire their own store within the next five years. But not only that, they are already considering offering home-based cosmetology services like facials and haircare to their loyal customers, a few of whom have alopecia and seborrheic dermatitis.
According to the duo, although their advice to upcoming entrepreneurs might sound cliché, it is something that has worked for them. Their advice is to work on your idea and do research on the business venture you wish to explore. Apart from this, they pointed out that having start-up capital is very important.
“Put aside money to invest in your business. Save your money; money management is important. Also, get persons to invest in your business.”
“You have hidden support groups. You might think persons are not watching but they do care. They are just waiting on you to pop something out to say ‘I need one of those’, or ‘I like what you are doing’. And you would find that your customers are the people you see every day, and they would recommend you to other people,” Noble added.
Though faced with some challenges in the beginning, the company is currently building its website which will feature payment options via Visa cards and GTT Mobile Money. Delivery services will also be available. In closing, the entrepreneurs emphasised that their mission is to create a company that allows men and women to feel comfortable in their own skin.
“We want to create a company where women can feel comfortable walking without makeup, wearing their natural hair in its natural state, and feel comfortable with their complexion. Our products gave you that ability to redeem yourself back to your authentic state. So you can be flawless walking around. We want to bring back that positivity and confidence that is lacking in men and women.”
To view the full catalogue of “Daughters of Zion Hair and Skincare” email [email protected] or call +592 647 9852.