glo GIRL

Age: 17

By Stacie Ball | Photo by Mollie Shutt

Curly hair can be a blessing or a curse, especially when many products contain harmful ingredients and can cause damage. Having curly hair of her own, Janae Andrews wished to change this. She was driven to develop a chemical-free product to enhance and rebuild her natural curl pattern. At the young age of 17, she has accomplished just that and wants to share her product with others who dream of having ravishing, healthy curls.

How did you come up with the idea for Banah Hair Care?

I came up with the idea of having an all-natural product to enhance my natural curl pattern after experiencing heat damage from straightening my own curly hair. Another reason I created Banah was to give other girls the confidence to wear their hair natural and embrace their natural beauty. I did not feel confident having curly hair at a young age, so I want to help others by rebuilding their confidence and self-esteem.

Tell me a little about the product you have created?

Banah is an all-natural, handmade product that rebuilds, reconstructs and restores your natural curl pattern. It stimulates growth and helps to enhance your curl pattern with the use of all-natural products and no chemicals.

What women in your life have contributed to your success?

My mother, Natasha Andrews, is the main woman who has contributed to my success by motivating, pushing, and never giving up on me, no matter how hard this journey has been. Stephanie Taylor has helped me get connected in the community to help promote my product. Veronica Townes, owner of Optimistics Hair Salon, opened her salon to me so clients can experience my product. Megan Elizabeth Sutton, my mentor through the Farnsworth Fund, is helping to guide me and direct me on how to successfully get Banah in production.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I see my product being on the market to CosmoProf and SalonCentric, so other professionals can purchase and use Banah as a system for their clients. Their clients can rely solely on Banah, rather than chemicals, to give them the perm effects but strictly on their natural curl pattern.

What qualities do you think are the most important for a young woman to have in order to be successful in life and relationships?

Great qualities to have are drive, ambition, commitment, hard work, perseverance and the ability to search for the resources needed to grow a business. To develop a great support system, it is important to be a woman of your word, work as a team, and support one another. Lastly, it is important to be teachable, open to learning and take constructive criticism to be the best business owner you can be.

Learn more about Banah Hair Care online: https://www.banahhaircare.com/ a