Where Are They Now? An Update From Our International Women’s Day Grant Recipients

On March 8, 2024, we donated 100% of the day’s global sales to 3 female entrepreneurs.

This year, we’re updating you on the direct impact of these donations we were able to make thanks to you, our community:

Laverne, NVLX Labs

Laverne, a loctician, entrepreneur and natural hair enthusiast, created NVLX Labs to offer an innovative line of cruelty free and vegan hair care for the interlocked community. Last year’s donation helped with producing the inaugural batch of “Locs Loading” shampoo, a proprietary formula designed specifically for interlocs.

Last year, you applied for the International Women’s Day donation hoping to use the funds towards producing your inaugural batch of “Locs Loading” shampoo. Could you share an update on how this initiative progressed?

The progress has been steady (but sometimes slow!). We just finalized production with our manufacturer, and our shampoo is officially available on our website and Amazon!

Over the past year, we went through extensive stability and compliance testing, MoCRA registration with the FDA, and created professional listings on Amazon. We recently launched a video to tease its release! The response has been overwhelmingly positive.

What impact have you noticed from reaching this goal, and how has it influenced your business overall?

Still to be determined, however we expect it to drive increased interest in the brand as well as increase our profits!

What are some other standout moments your business saw in the past year?

2024 was an amazing year for NVLX Labs! Our highlights include:

• Receiving our Leaping Bunny certification, identifying us as a cruelty free brand
• Receiving our Loc in Moisture Oil on Amazon 
• Receiving copyright and trademark for our logo, name and slogan 
• Features in Forbes, Oprah Daily, Parade, BeautyCon, the Boss Network and Daytime Chicago (Prime time TV!)
• Placing our first order for our Locs Loading Shampoo! 
• User testing for our Loc in Moisture Conditioner 
• Contributing to (and establishing ongoing relationships) with meaningful causes that align with our brands’ values (Perineal Health Equity, One Tree Planted, Under the Same Sun, and Ready, Set, Help)

Janine, Janine Theobald Photography

Janine Theobald is an Arkansas-based product and fashion photographer, and the owner of Sol Nox Studio, a rentable photography studio. With the donation, Janine invested in some of her most-wanted photography and studio equipment.

Last year, you applied for the International Women’s Day donation to invest in some of your most-wanted photography and studio equipment. Could you share an update on how this initiative progressed?

Thanks to your generous donation last year, I was able to upgrade my tripod with a high-quality tripod head and invest in some photography prop boxes to enhance my product photography.

What impact have you noticed from reaching this goal, and how has it influenced your business overall?

These new tools have significantly improved my workflow in the studio, making my shoots more efficient while also allowing me to be more creative with props in my clients’ photoshoots. 

The upgraded tripod head was especially valuable during a major two-week photoshoot with one of my largest clients. It made a huge difference in streamlining my process.

What advice would you give to women looking to launch or grow their own businesses?

Starting a business is definitely a challenge! My best advice is to stay consistent, manage your schedule carefully, and put yourself out there as much as possible. The early stages can be tough, but if you push through, things do get easier with time!

Willow, By Willow Florals

By Willow Florals is a Portland-based floral design studio offering locally-sourced modern floral arrangements for weddings and special events. Last year, Willow’s donation went toward hiring an SEO consultant to optimize her website and increase brand visibility.

This year, we’re collaborating on a project with Willow! Her signature floral arrangements—modern, structural, and locally sourced—will be paired with our Concrete Candle reusable vessels, showcasing their second life long after the candle burns. Keep an eye out on our Instagram!