THE WHAT? CurlMix founder and CEO Kim Lewis has launched the #ProtectCurlMix campaign, calling on her community to help sustain the Black-owned textured haircare brand as it faces potential closure by the end of 2025.
THE DETAILS Lewis revealed on Instagram that CurlMix needs 20,000 orders within 60 days to remain in operation, citing a challenging year marked by rising tariffs, ingredient costs, and supply chain delays. The Chicago-based company, which has reduced its staff from 40 to 14 employees, is offering a $100 bundle of 10 full-sized haircare products—including flaxseed gels, curl creams, and leave-in conditioners—to generate the necessary revenue.
CurlMix gained national recognition after appearing on Shark Tank in 2019, where Lewis and her husband rejected a $400,000 offer to retain community ownership. They went on to raise $1.2 million in equity funding, followed by an additional $3.6 million in a 2021 crowdfunding round. Despite prior community investment, CurlMix is now relying on direct consumer orders to stay afloat.
THE WHY? CurlMix’s financial challenges reflect broader pressures facing independent beauty brands, particularly those led by diverse founders navigating inflation, supply chain volatility, and limited access to capital. The campaign underscores how small, values-driven brands are leveraging community support as traditional funding routes tighten.
Source: Black Enterprise
