In this empowering interview, we speak with Katrina Scott, the visionary founder of Shades of Melanin Hair, a 100% Black woman-owned, online-based hair and wig company. Katrina’s entrepreneurial journey began in 2019 with zero capital, driven by a single mission: to create generational wealth and a lasting legacy for her daughters. Overcoming countless challenges, from website development to gaining celebrity endorsements, Katrina has built a thriving business that not only empowers Black women but also gives back to the community. As she continues to grow her brand, Katrina’s story serves as a powerful reminder that with resilience, determination, and a vision for the future, generational wealth is within reach.
Fancy: You started Shades of Melanin Hair in 2019 with zero capital. Can you share the challenges you faced during the initial stages and how you overcame them?
Katrina: I faced many challenges. I had no idea how to create my website, and my website wasn’t getting any attention to my website because I was not familiar with SEO, traffic conversion, or anything. Even worse, I didn’t know how to even price the hair bundles. I learned how to test the hair from my daughters. My younger daughter was the expert queen on knowing good from bad hair. So, we had that part down to a T. Regarding my website, I reached out to about two people who had the same website I used and asked for help. They said they would help me, but when the time came for it, they didn’t answer my call. And me being me, I don’t ask twice. I just keep it moving and find another avenue. So, I played with the website and got it to at least operate if someone wanted to order. It didn’t look the best, but I made it work. Over time, I mastered my website setup, and people started asking, “Girl, who did your website?”. I was happy to say, “Me!”. As for understanding how to price my products, I simply googled and YouTubed it. So, the ones who followed my business when I started back in 2019 often inbox me and say, I see so much growth and to keep going. It makes me proud because I did my own website with no handouts. And as far as the fake ones who acted like they would help, it’s no hard feeling; I just keep my distance.
Fancy: You’ve mentioned that your daughters inspire you to build an empire and create generational wealth. How do they influence your business decisions and vision?
Katrina: My daughters are a big influence in the business. I was a single mom for the majority of my daughters’ lives. Having all daughters was hard because you couldn’t do for one and not all. So, when they started middle school, they wanted their hair done like the other girls, and I couldn’t afford it. Then, I learned how to do quick weaves by watching other people, and my daughters would tell me about the best inexpensive beauty supply hair that their friends would use. So, on paydays, I would put money aside each pay period until I had enough to buy hair for two of my daughters because my younger daughter was in elementary school wearing ponytails. I did this each month so they could have new hairstyles, and after the third try, I had the quick weaves down to a science. So, going through all of this, my daughters grew an interest in hair, weaves, and coloring hair, amongst other things. The vision of starting Shades of Melanin Hair was perfect. My younger daughter is the master at hair extensions, though. I foresee her as the co-owner of the business.
Fancy: In your second year, several celebrities took notice of your brand. How did these endorsements come about, and how did they impact your business growth?
Katrina: I was able to catch their attention with the celebrities myself. Knowing I may not get a response, I would inbox celebrities I wanted to wear my brand, but I tried anyway. I did get a few responses back, and they were happy to wear my product and tag me without a second thought. My first celebrity actress client was Ciera Payton, who starred in BET’s The Oval. The following were Stephanie Charles, who starred in Tyler Perry’s BET shows “The Ruthless” and “The Paynes” and Academy Award-winning Octavia Spencer, who wore our wigs in the second season of her Apple TV series, Truth Be Told Season 2. Gospel singer Jekalyn Carr also wore our hair a couple of times. These queens wearing our hair and tagging us brought us more followers and people to know us. Because no one really knew about Shades of Melanin Hair. It also let people know we were authentic.
Fancy: You hinted at a new business collaboration with a celebrity coming soon in 2025. Can you provide more details about this partnership and what customers can anticipate?
Katrina: Well, this collaboration was unexpectedly presented to me by a celeb actress who had worn our curly line before and loved the hair. She was still using the hair she wore after first receiving it three years ago. Customers can anticipate seeing this actress on our page several times. I can’t say about the project that is coming with it. Just keep following us, and stay tuned.
Fancy: You successfully pivoted to an e-commerce model during the pandemic, leading to global recognition. What strategies did you implement to achieve this, and what challenges did you encounter?
Katrina: Well, you know I did a lot of promotional sales, whether it was 10% off, free shipping, etc., to make sales during the pandemic. I made what I thought were good sales, but you know I also work.
Fancy: As a 100% Black woman-owned business, how do you see Shades of Melanin Hair contributing to the empowerment of Black women and the broader community?
Katrina: Shades of Melanin Hair is a give-back business. Being that I, the owner and founder, struggled in life and have a heart that knows that help being needed and appreciated are major factors. I give to single moms with wig giveaways. Sometimes, I pay for single moms’ groceries if I’m in line behind them and see them struggling. I give back to a cancer organization of my choice each year. My daughters and I come out of our own pockets and gather food and supplies for the homeless in Houston. We go downtown Houston by ourselves during the holidays and hand it out. No police transport, no cameras out because this is what we do from the heart, and it’s not for show. As long as God knows, then that’s all that matters. I don’t feel I have to prove anything to anyone or say, “Look what I did today.” I believe people who have to announce everything they do for someone or every accomplishment have self-esteem issues and need reassurance. But that’s just my opinion.
Fancy: How would you describe your swagher? What makes Katrina, Katrina?
Katrina: Girl, listen. Katrina works a full-time corporate job and runs a successful full-time business. If anyone says it can’t be done, they are a hater. LOL! I ship orders in the mornings before work, evenings when I come home, and weekends. I taught my daughter and husband how to pack orders, print labels, drop off, or schedule a pickup. I deal with emails, financing, and events and create my own content. It is me, chile, lol- a “make it happen” woman. Many don’t know I work because of how my business runs. And the ones who know I work ask if I will ever quit. The answer to that is that my corporate job pays very well, and my family needs the healthcare it provides. My business has to consistently bring in at least three times my salary for me to stop working for someone. I don’t do well in the off-season when business is slow. I need guaranteed money coming in. I don’t want to drain my savings for real-life emergencies. I’m not a woman who has to wear and have all this name-brand and expensive stuff or seek attention. I don’t see any value or generational wealth in that. I rather buy my mom a house than waste money like that.
Fancy: Looking ahead, what are your goals for Shades of Melanin Hair, and how do you plan to expand or evolve the brand in the coming years?
Katrina: My goal is to expand to be a go-to for cancer patients and survivors of the Black community, to be able to buy hair from us that matches their hair, and to be reimbursed by their insurance provider. The wigs given to Black women undergoing treatments do not match their hair texture, and I want to change that.
Stay connected with Katrina and Shades of Melanin Hair on Instagram at @shadesofmelaninhair.
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