Tell us about your business

MaQlar Hair Care is an early-stage startup with both US and international customers on a mission to transform hair care by providing affordable, natural products that empower individuals to be their best selves.  The company was born out of personal hair growth struggles and a vision to address hair loss issues holistically, connecting individuals back to Mother Earth.

The best-selling products are the MaQlar moringa, MaQlar butter (adult and kids), and MaQlar hibiscus mask.  We aim to reconnect humans with Mother Earth and their natural roots at MaQlar. We accomplish this through our internationally sourced, highly potent line of herbal hair care ingredients. Through a scientific method backed by research and trials, we address the root causes of hair problems and improve hair health, density, longevity, and uniqueness for each individual.

The complete MaQlar Hair Care product line is designed to address postpartum hair loss, receding hairlines, excessive hair shedding, split ends, stunted hair growth, alopecia, severely damaged hair, hair regrowth, stunted hair growth and balding spots with children, patches in men beards, baldness, dandruff, maintaining and strengthening hair follicles and scalp when in braids, weaves, dreadlocks, and tap-ins.

MaQlar has been in business since April 2023.  My favorite thing about MaQlar Hair Care is our clients’ incredible diversity and resilience.  Each day, I am inspired by the stories of our customers—from all walks of life, who are dedicated to celebrating their natural beauty and embracing their unique hair textures.  Seeing how our products empower them to feel confident and beautiful is incredibly rewarding.  Their trust and loyalty motivate me to continually innovate and improve, ensuring that MaQlar Hair Care meets their needs and exceeds their expectations.

How did your business get started?

MaQlar started a decade ago in Ghana – West Africa where I mixed products to use on my customers who had weak and damaged hair.  I came to the USA in March 2022 heavily pregnant (9 months 6 days).  After I gave birth, I had postpartum hair loss which affected my confidence.  I was always covering my hair with scarves and wigs and also hiding away from my husband because of my receding hairline.  I wanted an organic product that would not only grow my hair back but also not irritate my sensitive skin.  This led to the birth of MaQlar Hair Care.  As I saw positive results with my hair loss issues, I formulated some free samples to give out and the feedback was very positive.  I told my husband, Larry, and he encouraged me to keep pursuing it and he supported me 100%.  I was referred to the Dave & Patsy Rommel Center for Entrepreneurship by a haircare client and professor at Salisbury University.  I met Bryan Bourdeau, assistant director at the Center.  Bryan understood my vision and saw the potential in what I wanted to achieve.  The Center provided me with a garage space in their incubation program and a specific plan on how to achieve my vision.  During the 12-month incubation, MaQlar experienced over 6,000% increase in new customer acquisition and over 2,000% growth in sales and grew the product line from 3 to 11.  We started selling via word of mouth and progressed to ecommerce strategies including our website on Shopify, www.maqlarhaircare.com.  From free samples to now selling and shipping products across the US and several countries.

What are some of your long-term goals for your business?

As I look ahead to my inevitable exit from the Rommel Center, I want to keep this business local with a manufacturing facility and distribution.  MaQlar’s long-term goals focus on becoming a leading brand in the natural hair care industry, renowned for our commitment to quality, innovation, and inclusivity.  We aim to expand our product line to cater to diverse hair types and needs, including cancer survivors, ensuring every customer can find solutions that work for them.  Our vision includes establishing a strong international presence while maintaining our dedication to sustainability and ethical practices.  We also aspire to create a supportive community through MaQlar HairDucation initiatives and partnerships, empowering our customers with the science, knowledge, and confidence to embrace and care for their natural hair.  Most importantly, to grow the business and be in a position to provide employment opportunities to mothers, immigrants, and youths like me.

How has MCE and the Women’s Business Center helped you?

I was introduced to Lisa Twilley of the Women’s Business Center at MCE by the Rommel Center.  MCE provides marketing strategy consultation for clients of the Center and they played an instrumental role in helping me develop my go-to-market strategy for launching my business.  MCE also is a great networking partner connecting me to lots of women in business on the Eastern Shore with their conference events.

What advice would you give to someone who is starting a new business?

If you want to start a business, ‘GO FOR GOLD’.  As a woman of color, an immigrant, and a mother of two, it isn’t easy but trust me, it’s worth it.  Balancing family and business is challenging, so prioritize time management.  A large number of businesses are started based on personal struggles.  It’s essential to leverage your unique perspective to identify niche markets and authentically connect with your audience – don’t hesitate to share your authentic story to build trust and loyalty with customers and investors.  Build a strong support network by seeking out mentors who can provide valuable insights and opportunities.  Utilize available resources (i.e., Rommel Center, MCE) that can best connect you to the larger entrepreneurial ecosystem and help accelerate your business launch and growth.