Lexi P. – The Teen Who Made Black Girls Embrace Their Curls

Lexi P. has achieved so much success and name at the age of 17 that many, double her age, would struggle to get. A hair care entrepreneur, motivational speaker, author, and independent publisher, she is the brain behind Curlanistas brand. Lexi launched her line of Curlanistas products in 2018 when she realized the need to empower other young girls, especially Black girls, who had curly hair like her. She was determined to end the harassment Black girls faced for their curly hair. However, her journey to success did not come without hard work, a focused mind, and dedication.

Bullying in School

Lexi says that she has always noticed that black women in America were portrayed as ugly, dark-skinned women on television. Moreover, Black women are among the most hated in the country because of the complexion of their skin and curly hair. “Even I was bullied in school for my curly hair. Initially, such bullying crashed my confidence in myself,” she told WomELLE in an exclusive interview, adding, “but my mother always stood for me. She told me to love myself and not listen to what others say. This had a very positive impact on me, and I started thinking differently.”

Lexi watched a lot of television, Facebook, and TikTok to learn about different hair care products and how he could use them to cure her damaged hair. She even wrote a book at the age of 11 on hair care! At the same time, she talked about damaging her natural hair by sneaking to straighten it with hot tools. She thought that the bullies would leave her alone if she had straight hair. Through these unfortunate experiences, Lexi was inspired to create her hair care line with the hope of helping other girls who experienced similar situations.  

Launch of Curlanistas

Soon, she launched her hair care products under the brand name 'Curlanistas' in February 2018. However, Lexi did a soft launch at the world-famous Bronner Brothers Convention in Atlanta in late 2017. She said, "I started Curlanistas as a movement to go with my first book, 'Curly Girls Love Your Curls.'” She came up with the name and everything associated with the brand. In the beginning, her mother tried to steer her away from the brand's name because Curlanistas is not a real word, but she wanted that name, and she is glad that she retained it. She wanted to develop her brand to help girls like her with big curly hair.

The struggle to learn to love herself was the inspiration behind the name. Elaborating why she chose “Curlanistas" as her brand name, Lexi told WomELLE, “You know how the term fashionistas are used for people who love fashion? I wanted Curlanistas to be for girls who love their curls. I wanted girls to embrace who they are, love their hair, and feel empowered to wear their hair, big, bold, and proud hair." She adds that she has been saying that the hair of Black women is natural and healthy, and they should allow it to remain as it is instead of trying to straighten it. 

Today, her products are sold from Sally Beauty stores across America. One can also order the products from her website.

Curlanista Boss Network

Following the resounding success of Curlanistas, Lexi took the next step by creating the Curlanista Boss Network in August 2021. She received many messages from girls saying they wanted to be brand ambassadors of her product. She says she couldn't think of a better way to share and inspire my lessons of being a young boss than by launching the Curlanista Boss network.

"I’m so excited to meet and inspire other girls to set goals and knock them out.”

Curlaninsta Boss Network has already signed up over 100 girls, and Lexi plans to enroll at least 1,000 girls in the 6–16-year age group and teach them business-building skills. Some of the girls and their parents have told her how much this program had helped them with their self-esteem, Lexi claims, adding that some of the girls look up to her and feel connected because they are around the same age.

“I tell them to love and take care of their hair. Our hair is Black girl magic! Today, many people talk about Black women, which shows the kind of impact we have in American society.”

Greatest Achievements

Aside from launching the Curlanistas brand, Lexi believes her greatest achievement has been empowering young girls, especially Black girls, to love their natural hair. Black girls experience difficult times. They are bullied in school and hated by society for their complexion and hair. She tells them to love their natural hair and embrace curls. One cannot and should not change what is natural, she said. 

Lexi now wants to empower young girls so that they too can launch their businesses and be their boss. She wants to share her experience with them and tell them the secret tips of her successful business, experiences, and how to do business. “I wish someone had done this for me too," she says.

Future Plans

According to Lexi, being successful in business at a young age feels amazing. However, she wants to achieve more. She is aware that she is capable of doing better and is determined to work for it. She is keen to expand her brand. Moreover, she is also passionate about modeling and acting. "I am working on these and want to make it big in these fields, too," she asserted. "I want to be someone people would want to look up to."  

Message to Young Girls

Her message to young girls is to keep going irrespective of all obstacles. She says keep going, and if you have a dream, pursue it with all your heart. Research, use social media, and utilize your resources to be successful. Don’t ever give up. And also, don’t compare yourself with anybody. You are unique. Always love yourself, she signs off.