How did KAZMALEJE start?
KAZMALEJE is a company started by three sisters, LaToya, LaTasha and LaTrice Stirrup, who took it upon themselves to solve a problem they continued to face along their journey to reconnecting with their natural hair texture. Like many black women in America, their hair was chemically straightened at a relatively young age. Therefore, they were well versed in how to take care of chemically straightened hair. Then starting in 2008, each sister sequentially began what is called “the natural hair journey.” However, this process is not as simple as getting a haircut. It requires much trial and error (with a mix of bad hair days) to figure out the perfect combination when it comes to styling products, hairstyles and maintenance techniques. During this process, they became acquainted with a very common pain point for many with naturally curly, coily hair - the detangling process. Those with textured hair know the myriad of issues that come along with trying to detangle curly hair without excessive damage and/or disrupting the curl pattern. Having tried various wide tooth combs, the sisters were frustrated with the amount of hair that would come out during detangling and styling. Then one day the proverbial light bulb came on - what if they flipped the scenario and redesigned the comb to better work with curly, coily hair types? They created a rapid prototype using 3D printing technology, tested it against their combs that were purchased from various retail stores and found a huge difference in the amount of hair left in their prototype comb in comparison to the store bought combs. That was the beginning of KAZMALEJE.
How do you pronounce KAZMALEJE?
KAZMALEJE is actually the phonetic spelling of the word COSMOLOGY, which is used to describe various theories and cultural accounts on the origin as well as evolution of the universe.
Why and when did you launch your crowdfunding campaign?
KAZMALEJE was started as a solution for a community of consumers. Therefore, the sisters wanted to incorporate the community in the start of the business so that they are as invested in the success of the business as the co-founders. The crowdfunding campaign was in June 2018 and the funds went towards manufacturing costs.
Are you currently selling your products?
Yes, visit www.kazmaleje.com to purchase your hair tools.
Why should I support?
KAZMALEJE’s crowdfunding campaign is the perfect campaign for you to support if you believe in the vision, identify personally (or have a friend or loved one who identifies) with the need for hair tools made for curls and/or understand the importance of empowering women-owned businesses.
Over 30% of all businesses in the US are now owned by women and black women are the fastest growing group of entrepreneurs. However, there are still disparities when it comes to women entrepreneurs securing traditional funding. iFundWomen is a platform that looks to fill the gap by empowering women to start and grow better businesses.
How can I get others to support?
On the main page of our campaign is a SHARE PROJECT button. Please feel free to click that button and share our campaign across all of your social media channels as many times as you like.
All campaign backers will receive an email with templated copy and images that can be shared via email and/or on social media. KAZMALEJE wants to be sure all supporters have the tools to spread the word to their family and friends.
Another surefire way is to tell a friend. In our digitally-led era, word of mouth still works wonders.
And of course, follow @kazmaleje on all social channels (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube), comment, like, and share all posts.
Do we have options for retail?
Yes. We offer a retail starter kit for smaller/independently owned beauty supply stores as well as wholesale pricing. Please email [email protected] to learn more.
Can I use the combs if I have straight hair or extensions?
Absolutely! Our combs are made to detangle curly hair, so imagine how great they will work on straight hair or extensions.
What if I have additional questions?
If you have any additional questions, please contact: [email protected].
