In a world where societal standards once dictated that little Black girls couldn’t embrace their natural hair in public, Dawn Myers, creator of The Mint by Richualist, embarked on a journey to revolutionize the hair care industry for women of color. As a young law student, Myers experienced a transformative moment when she decided to embrace her natural hair, marking a pivotal shift towards self-acceptance and empowerment. This personal revelation ignited her passion to make such a transformation accessible to all women of color.
Recognizing the complexities and time-consuming nature of styling highly textured hair, Myers set out to engineer innovative technology that would streamline the process. The result? The Mint, the latest breakthrough product from Richualist, designed to cater to curly to coily hair textures ranging from 3A to 4C.
How The Mint Works
At the core of The Mint’s technology lies the concept of “healthy heat,” which gently warms liquid hair products between 130 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal penetration and efficacy. Not only does this innovative approach maximize the benefits of hair products, but it also minimizes waste, with customers using significantly less product compared to traditional styling methods.
The Mint doesn’t stop there. With six versatile attachments tailored to detangle and style any hair texture, it offers unparalleled versatility and convenience. Moreover, it’s poised to revolutionize styling routines by cutting down the time spent on hair care by nearly half—a welcome relief for women who often face numerous challenges in managing their hair.
Bumps In the Road
Myers’ journey to creating The Mint was not without its obstacles. Amidst her entrepreneurial pursuits, she faced a daunting health scare when diagnosed with stage three colorectal cancer. Despite undergoing rigorous treatments, including chemotherapy and radiation, Myers remained steadfast in her commitment to realizing her vision.
Her resilience and determination are evident in her unwavering dedication to bringing The Mint to fruition, even amidst personal sacrifices. From selling her home to fund early prototypes to liquidating her retirement savings, Myers demonstrated an unwavering commitment to her cause.
Investment
However, her efforts did not go unnoticed. In 2022, Myers secured $1 million in funding, enabling her to propel the development and manufacturing of The Mint forward. Leveraging this investment, she forged strategic partnerships to amplify her impact and bridge the hair care gap for Black women.
Myers’ journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of perseverance and passion. Through her tireless dedication, she has not only revolutionized the hair care industry but also empowered women of color to embrace their natural beauty with confidence and pride. As The Mint continues to make waves in the beauty world, it stands as a symbol of empowerment and inclusivity—a testament to Myers’ enduring legacy of innovation and advocacy.
My Take on The Mint
As a bald man, this is not the product for me. That’s not to say it doesn’t have merit, I just wouldn’t use it. I admire Dawn’s perserverence and wish her well on her journey.
Do Sharks Like Mints?
I don’t think Kevin will make an offer for this for the same reason I won’t use it. I don’t think Mark or Robert will bid either. That leaves Emma and Lori. Lori will probably think it’s “too niche” and bow out. That leaves Emma, who is a black woman. Emma looks like she straightens her hair though, so does that mean she’ll go out too? We’ll have to wait and see.
Entrepreneur, auteur, raconteur. Rob Merlino is a blogger and writer who enjoys the Shark Tank TV show and Hot Dogs. A father of five who freelances in a variety of publications, Rob has a stable of websites including Shark Tank Blog, Hot Dog Stories, Rob Merlino.com and more.
Speak Your Mind