Swella Beauty is on a mission to revolutionize hair braiding for black women in the USA
Although over 13 million black women struggle to find reliable, quality braiding services, the industry has long lacked a one-size-fits-all solution. Swella Beauty fills this gap by providing a comprehensive one-stop shop for all things hair braiding.
By integrating patent-pending technology into efficient, streamlined processes, Swella Beauty is redefining what it means to deliver a premium salon experience.
Join us as we delve into the story behind Swella, the innovative technology behind its success, and its ambitious vision for the future of hair care.
What inspired you to start Swella Beauty and what gap in the market did you want to fill?
I was inspired to start Swella Beauty after years of being frustrated by the lack of affordable, quality care for textured hair. As someone who has been wearing braids for over 20 years, I’ve experienced first-hand how difficult it is to find reliable braiding services.
I realized there was a significant gap in the market for seamless, technology-enabled braiding services specifically tailored to Black and multiracial women. Swella was born out of a desire to fill that gap by providing consistent, professional braiding services while empowering women braiding entrepreneurs through innovative technology.
You mentioned that Swella Beauty is “technology-enabled.” How is technology integrated into your business model?
Technology is at the core of Swella Beauty’s business model. We developed the patented Unravl device that automates the braid removal process, significantly reducing time and effort for clients and stylists. This device will be integrated into our braiding wands to optimize productivity in the salon and improve the overall client experience.
Additionally, we are leveraging technology to streamline our booking and customer management systems to ensure a seamless experience from start to finish. As we grow, we plan to license Unravl under the Swella brand and develop a suite of tools, products and services that leverage technology to advance the braiding industry.
Can you explain in more detail Swella Beauty’s business model and the associated revenue generation?
Swella Beauty generates revenue from several sources. Our primary revenue comes from in-salon services where we provide premium braiding services with an average order value of $330 per appointment.
We also offer a $30 per month subscription that provides a discount on our entire menu and exclusive access to Swella braid removal/removal services. By integrating Unravl into our operations, we expect to increase revenue per location by 25% due to increased operational efficiency.
In the near future, we will license the Swella brand and our technology and generate additional revenue through royalties. This diversified approach ensures steady growth and allows us to continuously innovate and expand our offering.
How do you see the hair care and beauty industry evolving and how will Swella Beauty adapt to these changes?
The hair care and beauty industry is increasingly embracing personalization, convenience and technology integration. As consumers continue to demand more efficient and customized experiences, Swella Beauty is positioned to lead this evolution.
By using technology, we are not only making braiding services more accessible and efficient, but also setting new standards in the industry. We plan to stay ahead of trends by continually innovating our product offerings and expanding our franchise model to give more braiding entrepreneurs the opportunity to develop their skills.
Swella will adapt as the industry evolves by focusing on scalability, technology integration and expanding our reach to meet the growing demand for high-quality, standardized hair care services.
What are your future goals for Swella Beauty and where do you see the brand in the next 5 to 10 years?
I believe Swella Beauty will become the most sought-after hair brand for Black and multiracial women globally in the next 5-10 years. Our goals include expanding our brick-and-mortar braiding salons, fully integrating Unravl technology across all locations, and licensing our technology to build a network of digital franchises.
We want to revolutionize the braiding industry by setting new standards in quality, comfort and technology. We also plan to develop a comprehensive range of products and services tailored to the unique needs of textured hair.
Ultimately, I envision Swella as a brand that not only changes the haircare experience for people with textured hair, but also powers a new generation of braiding entrepreneurs.
by Tony O. Lawson
Are you interested in investing in black founders? If so, please fill out this short form.
Advertise
