Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristian Franklin.
Hi Kristian, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
It’s hard to say when I started my interest in hair growth. I feel like I’ve always been interested. As a young girl (12 yo), I would tell people my hair didn’t grow past my shoulders because I was black and black hair doesn’t grow long. That’s all I was told, and that’s all I knew.
My high school was predominantly white. I didn’t have anyone that looked like me that wasn’t a part of my immediate family. I thought the black celebrities with long hair had access to things my family couldn’t afford. It took my college years for me to learn about black hair.
Going to college was the best thing for me. I met people that looked like me. That had afros, cornrows, weaves; you name it. I was learning so much about black hair. In college, my closest friend asked me if I was natural. That meant did I chemically straighten my hair using a relaxer. And at that time, I did. She said I should stop, and maybe my hair would grow. Low and behold, she was right. After quitting my relaxers, my hair started to grow. The real change was when I stopped using harsh chemicals in my daily routine. I stopped straightening my hair for a whole year. I stayed away from products that contained alcohol (a natural dehydrator). My hair took off. I couldn’t stop there.
I continue to be a part of the natural hair conversation. I learned about rice water, onion juice, essential oils, and how plant-based hair products allowed hair to grow longer and more robust. My hair started to really show off. My curls would pop in my photos, and my confidence skyrocketed. I would receive countless DMs and comments; people would stop me outside asking what I put in my hair.
At that point, I knew I couldn’t be the only one who wanted this information. I felt if I could help one person, then I would be happy. Then that became 5, then 10, then just my friends, and then friend’s of friends. Finally, I decided to start a business to help everyone grow their hair longer and more robust. Our hair is our crown, and for some of us, it’s an important part of our body.
Angelic Organics is a 100% plant-based hair care line. It is entirely natural and safe on all hair types. I’ve formulated each product myself to be sure it’s packed with the proper nutrients for hair. It’s not complicated because everyone’s hair is made up of the same components. That’s the best part. Everyone can benefit from my products. No one should feel they have bad hair when they just aren’t using the right products.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My journey has been humbling in the best way. I was afraid to put myself out there and start a business. I was worried no one would support it because I wasn’t a huge corporation. I was wrong. My friends and family have helped me in every way. Even strangers have found me and taken that leap of faith. It just shows that everyone is searching for the right products, and organic plant-based products have given the best results. My only challenge is I am a one-woman band. I hand make each product myself. I do the packaging, labeling, marketing, admin, and research on my own. It’s made me appreciate business owners a lot. It’s also allowed me to have this deep connection with my business. I don’t have children, but this feels like something similar–LOL! It’s a 24/7 job, and it’s taking all my money. I still wouldn’t change a thing. Helping women fall in love with their hair and grow their hair has been so rewarding.
As you know, we’re big fans of Angelic Organics. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I specialize in growing natural hair. I researched what all you need in your diet to grow your hair, and I bottled it. You use my products on your hair, and your hair follicles absorb the nutrients. It works every time. There are no chemicals. There is no masking or fake shine. You are using organic nutrients to feed your hair. Chemicals have long-term effects on our hair and scalp. It’s damaging, and it never solves the problem; it just prolongs it. My products work to give your hair its moisture, softness, length, strength, and shine back.
What sets me apart is my business is black-woman-owned. My products are formulated by me and hand-made. I use 0 chemicals, not even a preservative. You can rest assured that my products are safe for your hair and the environment. All of my products and ingredients are safe in the environment. It’s safe to go down the drain and right back in the ocean.
If there’s one thing I want people to know about Angelic Organics, it’s that it works. Big corporations use so many chemicals you really can’t trust them. Most shampoos are so stripping that you have to buy a conditioner. Then the conditioner only works for a little bit because it never actually solved the problem, and your hair is still dry and not growing. I encourage you to take that leap of faith and try going chemical-free. It seriously changed my life, and my hair continues to thank me.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
My most important lesson would be to ask for help. Starting a business is challenging. It’s okay to ask for help. You’re not expected to do everything on your own. Be open to receiving help from strangers. Having support along the way made this a lot easier than it would’ve been. I can’t thank my family and friends enough.
