True Hair Company Becomes a Go-To for Celebrities
Karen Mitchell turned a simple idea into an eight-figure empire. Her brand, True Hair Company, has become a trusted source for luxury hair extensions and wigs.
A-list celebrities like Rihanna, Lizzo, Demi Moore, and Beyoncé proudly wear her products. Top stylists in Hollywood often reach out for True Hair’s high-quality, ethically sourced pieces.
But Mitchell didn’t start with a million-dollar budget. What began as a side hustle quickly grew into a beauty brand changing the Black hair industry.
A Vision Rooted in Heritage and Hustle
Born in Jamaica and raised in Brooklyn, Mitchell’s love for hair started early. She saw a gap in the market for Black women seeking premium hair options.
“I started True Indian Hair in 2004 while working my 9-to-5,” Mitchell told BLACK ENTERPRISE. It began as a way to earn extra money but soon matched her fashion industry salary.
When she lost her job in 2006, she made a bold move. With just $15,000 in savings, she opened her first store in Brooklyn. It was a risky decision, but one she believed in deeply.
Overcoming Financial Struggles and Building Demand
Launching a hair business isn’t cheap. Stocking bundles, wigs, and frontals can cost thousands upfront. Mitchell quickly learned how to stretch every dollar.
In the early days, she flipped her inventory to build up stock. “I would sell and use the profits to buy twice as much,” she shared.
Despite limited resources, her product’s demand was high. “There was no other store in Brooklyn selling raw Indian hair back then,” she recalled.
Creating a Brand Known for Quality and Care
What sets True Hair Company apart is its focus on quality. The brand works directly with a factory in India to hand-select raw hair.
Each bundle is inspected again in New York before reaching customers. Mitchell’s attention to detail means a return rate under 3%, a rare feat in the beauty industry.
She believes wearing her own products keeps her connected to her clients. “I look at every piece as if it’s going into my head,” Mitchell explained.
Building Celebrity Clientele Through Trusted Relationships
True Hair’s reputation opened doors with celebrity stylists and brands. Names like Yusef for Rihanna, Tokyo Stylez for Cardi B, and Tym Wallace for Taraji P. Henson trust her products.
“We’ve been blessed with amazing stylists who trust our quality,” Mitchell said. Working with New York Fashion Week designers like LaQuan Smith has also raised the brand’s profile.
Strong relationships and consistent service have turned one-time clients into loyal brand supporters.
Uplifting Black Women Entrepreneurs and Giving Back
Mitchell’s journey isn’t just about profits. She launched the nonprofit True Strength to offer beauty makeovers for women experiencing hair loss from cancer.
The mogul also shares business advice with aspiring entrepreneurs. “Start by knowing your audience,” she advises. Social media, she says, is a powerful and free marketing tool.
She urges business owners to cut wasteful expenses and hire smart. “Your team must add value,” she reminds emerging leaders.
Plans to Expand and Inspire a New Generation
Today, Mitchell operates a flagship store in Manhattan and runs a thriving online business. Future plans include new locations in Atlanta, New Jersey, Houston, Miami, Washington D.C., and London.
She’s also preparing to launch a haircare line and explore franchise opportunities. Mitchell hopes to inspire other Black women to bet on themselves too.
“True Indian Hair was a side hustle that turned into something special,” she reflected. And she’s only getting started.
