We had the good fortune of connecting with April Stewart and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi April, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I started my business out of pure need. I have always had little Flare ups of eczema and rosacea as a pre teen/teen and it was manageable. However as an adult it just hit me and I was left scrambling for help. I went to the doctor who gave me steroids and creams shampoo and though it calmed my symptoms my hair was breaking and still falling out. So out of desperation I started researching cosmetic proportions herbs and extracts to help my skin and my hair. I started with my Intense mint Scalp infusion oil… The first product I ever made to address eczema and dermatitis. It’s a soothing oil to stop itching address dryness of the dermis and roots of hair. This was so important to me because I needed a oil that my skin was actually going to absorb and benefit from. So I made it pure with carrier oils anti inflammatory ingredients that are certified organic and cruelty free. My products mean so much to me for the simple reason that it’s my first child. This is something I created from the ground up not something I’m rebranding. I wanted a product that would help people with scalp/ hair issues like mine because I knew I wasn’t alone. I also wanted to make sure I didn’t add fragrance sulfates and parabens to my products because they are bad for your skin especially when your skin is already sensitive. The thought behind creating my business is still to make clean products that are plant based that are packed with ingredients to sooth and heal the scalp while providing Manageability moisture and growth to the hair with natural ingredients.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I feel what sets me apart is that I made this company with natural products to help myself. I worked , researched , and had many trials and errors before I made the products I offer today. This company is more than a hair care line it’s my first child. I started with one product – hair oil then I made Co wash and now I have over 10 products and I am continuing to grow. I formulate products that are made for sensitive skin brittle hair breakage irritation curl definition and all around manageability because those were all the things I needed when I started to care for my hair. I know what it feels like to have your scalp sore or on fire or to have flakes that won’t go away. To be embarrassed to go out in public because you don’t want people to stare at you. I know what’s it’s like to have your hair breaking off and feel helpless on how to address the problem to part your hair and see short pieces of hair that look like someone took a bite out of your hair while you were sleep because otherwise there is no other explanation lol. I have been through everything I am addressing. I work with labs that make sure all my products are stable and have a suitable shelf like etc but this is personal hair care. I think that makes me stand apart.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Massage Envy for sure !! Then I would say HASH – best breakfast spot ever !!! Santa Monica – Lobster Mani and pedi Newport Beach Stay at Lowe’s relax by the pool Or the standard in DTLA ! Love the rooftop Lounge and great food drinks

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I know that I would have walked away from this a long time ago of it was not for close friends and family that have encouraged me through the years to keep going. When starting a business success is not over night and takes a lot of hard work that can be taxing. But my biggest motivation came to me when I became a mother .One of the most important things to me as a mother Is to leave a legacy for my child. I have this awesome little person that looks at me like her shero and that is exactly what I want to be to her. I want to show strength and consistency for my child I want to be the example of perseverance gumption and success for her so she can have another reason to hold her head up high and be proud of her mom for creating a legacy for her and a product that truly works which is why even now through these tough times I am continually supported. My products are made with so much love and so much thought into being beneficial because My goal is longevity so that the next formulator for BROUNLIKEME is Nova Davis – my daughter..

Website: www.blmhaircare.com
Instagram: Officially_blmhaircare
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/brounlikemenaturalhair/

Image Credits
Shanna Cobb photography
Makeup by Sierra Moore

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