Richualist made it into amika's Rooted in Growth Program! We are ecstatic to grow alongside such an amazing group of women founders who just happen to lead some of my favorite brands in the textured hair space.
I am often asked whether programs like this one are worth it, and the answer is a resounding yes IF you leverage them intentionally. Here are some of things we plan to do during the program to build the right relationships and unlock the right guidance for the company:
1) Content. Content Content Content. These programs are such great opportunities to collaborate with dynamic operators and seed your respective brands with interesting, insightful sound bites. Also, these spaces tend to be well curated and create an awesome backdrop for BTS footage.
2) Expertise and manpower. We don't have all the money we need to operate the way we would like. No one does. How do we get around that? By leveraging resources and supporters to fill in the gaps. Get clear on the overlap between the granting org's areas of deep expertise (take a look at their socials, peruse their 10-K if available, search their recent press mentions, search leadership on LinkedIn, etc.) and your company's needs. Make a hit list of 3 things you absolutely want to get from the program and don't stop pressing until you get the value you need.
3) Mutually beneficial Mentorship. Endeavor to create a really strong relationship with one or two members of the granting organization. Lead with value and offer what you can to THEM as well. We often think that emerging brands don't have anything to offer larger organizations, but that is never the case. Figure out what you can offer, deliver value to the granting organization, and enjoy the strengthened relationships that result.
4) Lastly, network laterally. I love the structure of this program because there are only 4 founders participating. I'm a little bit of an introvert and large groups can be overwhelming. This smaller format is PERFECT for me to go deep with a smaller group of really talented women who are exactly where I am. Lead with value and offer a hand here, too, where you can. Some of my most valued founder relationships have come from programs just like this one and I am elated at the prospect of building more!
We can't wait for kick off. See you in Brooklyn amika, Gianne D., LaToya Stirrup, Hannah Diop, Jamilah Powell, and Chelsea Riggs
meet the winners of year 2 of amika’s rooted in growth grant + mentorship program! 👋
rooted in growth is our annual grant + mentorship program for emerging hair founders with an emphasis in the professional hair space!
🧡 Hannah Diop, Co-Founder + CEO of Sienna Naturals
🧡 Jamila Powell, Owner + Founder of Naturally Drenched
🧡 LaToya Stirrup Co-Founder of KAZMALEJE
🧡 Dawn Myers, Founder + CEO of Richualist
over the next four months, these four amazing founders will receive mentorship, exclusive networking opportunities, and $50,000 each in funding to help take their brands to the next level. Stay tuned and follow along as we share the brands' rooted in growth journey over the next 4 months!
#rootedingrowth #amika #mentorship
Co-Founder / CEO at Kazmaleje
2moSuper excited!! Congrats to my fellow cohort winners. Looking forward to growing together. Huge thanks to the amika team for this amazing opportunity.