Meet Tomekia Murphy | Owner of Matabele Essentials organic hair products

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tomekia Murphy and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tomekia, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My business was created from my own personal hair journey. I was losing my hair and I tried many different products but nothing worked. I started researching different ingredients and trying to make my own product, there were a lot of trial and errors in the process however, I was determined to figure it out. I finally made a product that was working for me. My close friends and family saw my hair results and they asked what products I was using and I explained that I made my own products so that asked that I made products for them and this is how my organic hair products business was born.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I graduated from Southern University A&M College in Baton Rouge, LA and I recall my professors educating me and pushing entrepreneurship. They ingrained the importance of entrepreneurship and higher education. It has taken many years for me to truly understand that lesson. Entrepreneurship is not easy, I have had many failures and set backs however my determination and fearlessness has allowed me to continue to pursue my goals.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Houston is a multi-cultural city with many places to go. I would definitely take newcomers of Houston to Turkey Leg Hut, it is a vibe, they have excite food, drinks and music, it is also a good place to connect and meet new people. Turkey Leg Hut is located on a street that has many Black Owned Businesses as well so we could walk and shop at other stores in the area. Whenever I travel to new places, I enjoy getting a history lesson on that city so I would take my friends to the Historical Freedmen town (Fourth Ward) in Houston, we would also visit the Buffalo Soldiers Museum. Houston is known theaters district and the many museums. More than two million people visits the Houston Theater District annually. There is a lot to see and do in Houston so we would a fun filled week of discovering my favorite city together.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to shoutout my family and close friends who supports me and my business. I have a special shoutout to my dear friend Melissa Sanders who pushed me to get out my comfort zone and my sister Nakesia Murphy who always believed in me. I am also grateful for all my customers.

Website: www.matabeleessentials.org

Instagram: @matabeleessentials