Two components helped Victoria Roby found
The Natural Hair Market: love of Detroit, and love of her hair. The Natural Hair Market at 204 E. Grand River in Downtown Detroit sells all natural and organic hair and body products.
"Naturals have more fun," Roby, a natural herself, said. "And this store is like the African American version of Bath and Body Works."
Store products include soaps, bath soaks, shampoo, lip balm, candles and body butter made from organic and natural ingredients such as honey and coconut oil. Much like Madame CJ Walker, an African American hair care inventor and entrepreneur, Roby mixed together different ingredients such as shea butter, peppermint oil, beeswax and vitamin E oil to create the bath soak and lip balm that adorns the shelves at her store. Eventually Roby, 25, wants to blend products for customers on the spot, making just enough for their needs.
Roby holds a B.S. in marketing from Wayne State University and is pursuing a Masters in marketing from Walsh College. She is a loyal Detroiter and plans to open a second location in city and to hire local people to expand her business.
"I could have left Detroit after graduation, but, the best thing I’ve found in Detroit is myself; and I have this personal responsibility to employ people from Detroit," she said. "I want to carry products for people to buy and feel beautiful and encouraged."
Store Hours: The Natural Hair Market is open Monday-Thursday: 11 a.m. -- 6 p.m.; Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m. -- 8 p.m. For more information call 313-638-2551.
Source: Victoria Roby
Written By: Leah Johnson
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