Gwen Jimmere had just $32 in the bank! What would you do in that situation? You’d laugh if we suggested you start a business but that is what Gwen did and it was the best decision of her life.

Gwen had been laid off from her corporate gig, she was going through a grueling divorce and had a one and a half-year-old son.

All this was happening at the point when she stared Naturalicious from her basement in 2013.

7 years on and they just celebrated the company birthday in a brand new 4,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Detroit, they are getting ready to open their own branded salons and much more… It is clear Gwen has only just begun to unleash her full potential.

Naturalicious is not a fluke, Gwen has been extremely studious and careful with her growth, the new facility was a long time coming as the business ensured that it was the right thing to push forward their growth. They needed a space for, the production facilities and the shipping warehouse. They also needed space for Services to Enhance Potential (STEP), a non-profit that connects businesses with men and women with special needs who are looking for employment. Between Naturaliious and STEP there are 13 full-time staff members.

BlackBusiness.com elaborated more on the plans for the upcoming salon:

More than just hair care products

Coming up next is the opening of the Naturalicious Salon, something customers have been asking for for years. Naturalicious products have given customers the confidence and self-esteem they crave, and the convenience they need, as her products have saved over 70,000 customers more than 1.2 million minutes on their hair routine. And while their hair has become healthier and easier to maintain thanks to the products, Naturalicious customers are frequently asking for styling tips and tricks that keep hair healthier longer.

By opening the salon, Naturalicious Certified Stylists are able to give even more time back to women, educate them about their hair type and product ingredients, while providing a fun, one-of-a-kind atmosphere not found anywhere else. Launching with one location to start, it’s Gwen’s goal to expand as quickly as possible and continue spreading the Naturalicious message of confidence and convenience when it comes to beauty.

Gwen has so many accolades to her name! She was the first African American to receive a patent for a Hair Care product, through Naturalicious she has given thousands of dollars to Battered women’s shelters, she is a change maker in her community employing people above minimum wage and also a live speaker spreading wisdom and empowerment wherever she stands!

This is why we featured Gwen in our Black History Flashcards (available here). Gwen is Black History and we are proud to know her.

Learn more about the company at www.naturalicious.net

For press inquiries, contact Sara Spiegel at [email protected]