Honey Mag

It’s six o’clock in the morning and after spending 20 minutes trying to comb out your curly hair you finally give up! You’ve come to the conclusion that your curly tresses actually have a mind of their own and they are going to do what they want to do. In the hustle and bustle of life, it is always refreshing when you can find hair products that are easy, effective, and long lasting. Wendi Levy and Kim Etheredge, the creative geniuses behind Mixed Chicks, gave us the inside scoop on how they turned a personal need into a hair empire.

HoneyMag: What was your inspiration for starting Mixed Chicks?
Wendi: Mixed Chicks was created due to a personal need.

HoneyMag: I know you are both from mixed backgrounds so do people ever assume that your line is mostly for mixed race people? Who is the line for?
W: Yes people do assume that. The line is for curly hair. Whether you’re black, white, asian, mediterranean or any glorious combination of the above just like our bottle says. It works on weaved and permed hair as well.

HoneyMag: What were some of the first steps you took in the beginning to get started?
W: Finding key ingredients in favorite existing products and learning about the ingredients was important. We had to find a lab/chemist to help us create the product and choosing bottles and caps that were available in small quantities for small orders since we were new was important. We made samples and packs and gave them out to any and every curly haired person we knew.

HoneyMag: How does it feel to know that women like Tracee Ellis Ross and Ciara have raved about your products?
Kim: It feels great to know that women who are so successful in their own right like our product. Their kind words help our business grow. So you can imagine when Halle Berry mentioned us in 3 separate publications we couldn’t have been happier. But we’re thrilled that our friends, family and women, men and children all over the world are using our products and spreading the word. It feels good to know that not only did we meet our needs but we were able to meet the needs of others.

HoneyMag: Where do you see the company a year from now?
K: We’re in the process of adding new products to our line so we’re looking forward to expanding our clientele base as well as our business.

HoneyMag: What was your first job ever?
W: Famous Chocolate chip Cookie Company
K: ABC television studios (The Home Show)

HoneyMag: What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
K: “Mean what you say and say what you mean”

HoneyMag: How do you balance work life and personal time?
K: They really go hand in hand. One benefit of working for ourselves is that we’re able to bring our children to work.

HoneyMag: What are five things you can’t live without?
K: My daughter, my blackberry, a comfortable pair of jeans, a pair of heels and mixed chicks leave-in conditioner.
W: My daughter, sunny days, the ocean, lotion & mixed chicks leave-in!

HoneyMag: OK so the job market is pretty scary right now. I think many of us know the basics but can you give us five tips of personal success armor that people need to wear to their next job interview? What will REALLY make someone stand out?
K:
1. Confidence- always look the person you’re meeting with in the eyes and smile.
2. Neatness- first impressions last, so being neatly dressed and groomed is important.
3. Be prepared- Know who you are meeting with, maybe find out if you know someone in common.
4. Ask questions- the job may be of interest but after a few questions it may not even be a good fit for you so there is no reason to waste your time continuing with the interview.
5. Of course you must have fabulous hair- Using Mixed Chicks will give you the courage to fulfill all of the above mentioned tips!!!!!!

W:
1. Be Punctual
2. Dress appropriately for the position you are seeking.
3. Familiarize yourself with the Company by doing a little internet research.
4. Be confident, smile & have a firm handshake.
5. Be sure you breath is fresh!

HoneyMag: What do you like about HoneyMag?
I love the name! (I wanted to name my daughter Honey but my husband said absolutely not it may lead her into the wrong industry if you know what I mean). I also love to see a magazine filled with a variety of shades of beautiful honey colored people.

HoneyMag: Where can people find out more about your work?
K: You can visit us at www.mixedchicks.net follow us on twitter.com/mixedchicks or join our facebook group “Mixed Chicks crew”