We had the good fortune of connecting with Stephanie Bookman and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Stephanie, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My thought process behind starting my own business was one of service. I wanted to provide a service to the community that I have not yet seen offered in the method I deliver. I provide All Natural Dreadlock Maintenance, with the cornerstone of that being Fresh Aloe Retwists. The benefits of an all natural alternative to the gels and pomades that are broadcasted in the dreadlock world, have truly changed the health of my clients’ crowns for the better.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
The All Natural Experience that I contribute to the Dreadlock Community has one hundred percent changed the landscape of haircare. I am doing my best to push away the harsh, alcohol-filled gels that are marketed to be used for retwists, and the shampoos that strip your locs and scalp of the nutrients that they need. By using an all natural shampoo, your scalp can maintain its natural pH balance all while still allowing your hair to be cleansed and clarified. My Fresh Aloe Retwists then restore moisture, reduce inflammation of the scalp, dandruff and other scalp conditions. The vitamins that are present in the Aloe Vera plant are too numerous to deny their healing and growth-aiding abilities. It’s literally a hair game-changer!
I got to where I am today by noticing a gap in the Loc Community, and deciding to fill it. It was an instantaneous decision. After seeing the hair damage from excess gel and beeswax usage, I knew that I needed to offer a service that would be more beneficial for the client.
I want the world to know that being “all natural” in regards to your haircare regimen, doesn’t mean extremely expensive or extremely time-consuming. It simply means to watch what you put on your crown, the same way you watch what you put in your body. My brand is here to teach you that there are plant-based alternatives to almost everything that we put in our dreadlocks.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am originally from New York City, so I’d be the one being toured around the city!l Lol. I’m a killer for a great southern meal though so I’ve been on the lookout for as many soul food restaurants as I can! So far, I really enjoy going to Phil and Derek’s for their live shows and great food. Lost and Found is on my list of go-to’s for great drinks and amazing lamb chops. Also, visiting the museum district, as I like to call it, is definitely a favorite pastime of mine. The Museum of Fine Arts recently had an exhibition highlighting New Yorkers.. so I clearly took that as yet another sign that Houston is meant for me 🙂
I look forward to meeting more people, adding more value, and building a beautiful group of clientele.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would love to dedicate my shoutout to my land of Ayiti (Haiti), and to my ancestors. I base the foundation of my life, my legacy and my business on embodying the strength and power that the support and knowledge from my elders have provided me. I apply that to my business by being honorable with my word, caring and attentive with my actions, and open to sharing the haircare information that I have learned throughout the years.
Instagram: @dreadlock.revival
Image Credits
Jerald Braddock, Jr.