A mother-daughter dream team Ruth and Leynna gifted the world with natural, chemical-free products. Their venture, SisRoot Shea has grown in the last few years and is welcomed with great warmth. Gauri D, interviewed them on the occasion of the International Mother’s Day. Here’s an overview of the same.
SisRoot’s journey began from a personal journey of transition from chemical to chemical-free products. Today, it offers phenomenal hair care and skincare products. Additionally, these products are designed to nourish the natural structure and texture of the hair and skin. Moreover, the products are sourced from natural ingredients, without any preservatives. People with skin conditions such as eczema, dry scalp, and folliculitis have also gained relief with SisRoot’s products.
In June 2020, SisRoot Shea officially developed into a mother-daughter duo, Ruth and Leynna. In addition, their range of products are suitable for all ages above 3. They are also suited to all skin types and hair types; Be it Afro, European, mixed, curly, coily, and thick hair textures. Let’s take a look at an exclusive interview with Ruth and Leynna. They talk about the growth of SisRoot, their relationship, and more.
What inspired you to start SisRoot? What makes it stand out in front of heavy competition in the beauty industry?
Ruth said: “SisRoot began its journey with a decision to transition from chemically straight hair back to its natural state. A blend of Shea butter and Jamaican castor oil was the first regular homemade product. It worked great for my hair and skin. I had to revise my hair regimen. My hair texture had begun to change as the salt and pepper set in with vengeance. I spent some time experimenting with various natural oils and butters and came up with a formulation that worked well for me.
Ruth further added, “I was encouraged by friends and family to provide hair care solutions to help with their journey. Due to the lack of good quality chemical-free hair and body products; Our products were welcomed with open hand. SisRoot supported my hair transition from processed to unprocessed hair. It was also ideal for healing and hydrating my son’s eczema prone skin.
Having experienced the benefits of shea butter based products; SisRoot expanded into a wider range of luxury body scrubs and body butters.”
What was the light bulb moment when you figured out your first product for SisRoot?
Leynna said: “I had been motivating my mum to believe in her craft, her products were really lovely. I thought it would be an excellent opportunity to practice my degree. I had just finished my masters in media and public relations. The company flourished within a few months and the feedback and response was overwhelming, to say the least.
We also thought it was perfect timing. Many women are choosing hair in its natural state and switching to vegan-friendly products. All our products are suitable for all skin and hair types. The first product that was born was the Ultra Hydration Hair Cream.”
How has working together evolved your relationship?
There are no days off sometimes, so we have learnt to balance our work and personal life. We work around our routines so we can have dedicated days/weekends to go over content etc. I think starting a mother-daughter business has been a blessing and overall there are no downfalls. It feels pretty rewarding as you are continuously creating new memories together. It has not only strengthened our personal bond, but has built on our individual confidence. There’s confidence that you can do anything once you put your mind to it. Mother-Daughter relationships are a great support system.
How do you plan and share your responsibilities?
Although we have different work styles we manage to complement each other’s strengths and weaknesses. We always have fun and create new things together. It is a blessing to be able to celebrate our success with each other. My mum has always been my best friend. Although she loves to tell me she is my mother and not my friend. (Luckily I know when to draw the line)
We always bounce our ideas off each other. We are never afraid to tell the other how we feel. We know it’s coming from a place of love. My mum makes all the products and I run the marketing and PR for the company.
There must be some moments of disagreement. How do you resolve such conflicts?
Moments of disagreement are rare among us. However, if there are any disagreements, we take the time to listen to each other and work it out. Most of the time the other person doesn’t necessarily see the vision until there’s an example or it’s tried out. Once the vision is clear, it is easy to understand where the idea is coming from. 9/10 we are always on the same page, which is great!
Who among you would you say is the creative half of the business?
I would say that we are both pretty creative. We are always coming up with new ideas on new products to add and branding strategies.
What is your common vision for the business in the future?
We’re an all-inclusive company that focuses on making the creamiest whipped shea butter cream we can. In every jar created, we put 110% effort to ensure we provide the best we can for our sisrooted family.
Do you have any Mother’s Day traditions? If yes, would you share it with us?
We don’t have any particular traditions. However, on Mother’s Day I will always make mum a full English breakfast. Spend some quality time together.
