Haircare is one of the fastest growing industries within the cosmetic world, and CEO Syndie is the face behind the successful black owned brand Maraboo Cosmetics. Raised in Haiti, her passion for haircare was inspired by mixing up fruits, and different foods to put into her hair. Five years later, Syndie has taken pride in her company to offer customers natural haircare products to help them achieve healthy hair. We had the opportunity to chat with Syndie about her journey, success and impact as a haircare business owner. Check out the full interview below.

Tell us about yourself and your business.

I am Syndie, and I wear many hats. I am a wife, a mother of three beautiful small humans, a mental health nurse and of course the Founder and CEO of Maraboo Cosmetics. I started Maraboo 5 years ago. Around that time, I was in the transition to start wearing my hair natural. A decision that happened due to excessive itchiness, and sensitivity to my scalp. After trying out several brands out there that stated non-chemicals on the labels; my scalp was still on fire and bleeding. I decided to research safe ingredients, and how they interact with each other to create a product to give me relief, and I came up with my own scalp soother. hints: Herbatomic Growth Oil.

What made you want to start a haircare line?

Growing up in Haiti, I was always passionate about my hair, being healthy and long hair for that matter. I always mixed products with ingredients such as fruits, foods in the kitchen to put in my hair. After I created the Herbatomic Growth Oil, I saw how it helped not only soothing my scalp but to grow my hair so rapidly. I started giving it out to family members and friends. They love it, and I realized that if I could help my family with something I created, I can also reach out to other women with similar problems and make a difference in their lives.

Have you always wanted to be in the beauty business?

To be honest, I knew I wanted to help people. I wanted to empower women to be the best version of themselves. I guess that is why I became a mental health nurse in the first place. The more I touched people's lives after they use my growth oil, the more I want to put myself out there and reach as many women as I can. Honestly, the business part came later. However, I know one thing; I want every single woman to know they are beautiful no matter the kinks, the curls and waves. I will use my platform to boost their self confidence, educate them about healthy habits and provide safe, healthy products to help achieve that goal.

Have you received any positive testimonies of your products? If so, what was the most touching one?

Oh yes, several. Quite frankly in the business world; that is what keeps you going especially when you are facing several challenges. Some of my clients are using my products not only on their hair, but using them to relieve dry skin, eczema etc. knowing that something I made is resolving real problems to people is very inspiring to me. But among all of them, this one made me cry. I met this conservative elderly Haitian woman at church. I say all that to emphasize how my elders can be stuck in their way. She has/had this bald spot in the middle of her head. I approached her, and asked questions about the bald spot. She was very candid and honest about how she has used all kind of oils available on the market, and went to several dermatologists to help grow back her hair. I offered her my oil, she stated;

" I don't need it because I know nothing will help."

I told her that I will bring her the first bottle free of charge and let see what happen. 4 weeks later, my beautiful lady had her head full of hair everywhere. You can imagine how happy I was, but not as happy as she was. Her face, her sweet wishes for my business and overall my well-being, I melted with gratitude. I was blessed to come into her life at the right time. I am still waiting for her to put the review online, but she doesn't know how to lol.

What is one of the most challenging about running a small business?

Besides being a part of a market that is beyond competitive, the most challenging part for me is to find ways to become an expert in everything you had no clue about before while taking care of small children.

What is some advice you can give to a small business owner that you wish you heard when you started Maraboo Cosmetics?

Stay consistent, do not get discouraged. Grow, learn with your business. Mistakes are part of the learning process. block the noise and absolutely do not compare yourself to others that already made it. Use them as examples, but do not let them intimidate you. You know the value of your products, find your audience and speak to them constantly. Invest in yourself and don't hesitate to seek help and guidance. Find a mentor, and now is the most lucrative time to seek a therapist because you will need it.

List (3) interesting facts about Maraboo Cosmetics that many may not know.

Strong beautiful black women are referred to as " Maraboo" in Haiti hints- The name. We are a home-based business, and everything is made from scratch in my kitchen Our products are safe for the whole family to use.

What are some of your best sellers on the website?

Our pioneer product " Herbatomic Growth Oil" still remains a favorite because of the proven success rate among our clients. the Tress'Envie Butter is right behind it due to its ability to keep moisture to the hair. Overall our Strength and Moisture Collection is guaranteed to grow and maintain Healthy Hair.

We love to ask this question because we are Rare Radar! What makes Maraboo Cosmetics rare?

Maraboo Cosmetics is rare because it was created out of love for helping people. As a psych registered nurse, I see the overall health of my customers and not solely their hair. That is why I pride myself always saying: At Maraboo, we are not only selling you a hair product. We are helping you build a lifestyle. We are truly 100 % chemical free, 100 % organic. We are accessible to our customers. For every life we touch, we want: Healthier Hair, Healthier you!

Meet Syndie the Brain's and Beauty behind the Cosmetic Brand 'Maraboo'