Davia Stewart, Operator of EmpressD Hair Therapy
For 28-year-old Davia Stewart, Operator of EmpressD Hair Therapy, overcoming her own haircare challenges sparked the beginning of a growing small business dedicated to the needs of afro-textured hair.
“I was on a mission to transform my own hair. It was coarse, dry and unmanageable. I was determined to find solutions, so I immersed myself into studying haircare. I also began exploring natural ingredients that were beneficial to the hair,” she shared.
“The results were incredible. Seeing the transformation in my own hair was a breakthrough moment. When others began seeking advice and wanting to purchase what I made for myself, I knew I had found something special and meaningful that could help others struggling with similar hair concerns.”
From that experience, EmpressD Hair Therapy evolved. The name and concept hold deep personal meaning for Ms Stewart.
“The term ‘Empress’ is often used to refer to women who wear their natural hair with pride. The name EmpressD Hair Therapy is a creative blend of this concept and my name, Davia, and the essence of what the brand represents,” she explained.
She pointed out that although she started production of the hair products in 2021, it was not until the start of this year that she went mainstream with them. Initially, her customers where persons she knew. The product line includes a detangling moisturizer, length retention hair oil, and a stimulating growth serum. Orders can be placed via her social media handles: Instagram: empressdtalkshair and Tiktok: empressdtalkshair.
Based in Spanish Town, St Catherine, Ms Stewart brings a unique perspective to the market.
“I was once on the consumer end, so I know the struggle to find effective products and more importantly, I understand the science behind hair and its care, so I made certain that EmpressD Hair Therapy actually adds value and solves haircare dilemmas. The products are thoughtfully formulated with natural, nutrient-rich ingredients specifically designed to nourish, hydrate, and revitalise afro-textured hair. It’s therapy for the hair,” she said.
Ms Stewart said that she uses natural ingredients which are sourced locally and that she aims to change perceptions around what can be achieved with afro-textured hair.
“Our products address a host of hair concerns including dryness, breakage, slow hair growth, and even assist with manageability. We’re focused on restoring health to the hair, improving length retention, and giving our customers confidence in their crown. There’s a common misconception that black women cannot grow long hair, and we are helping to change that narrative.”
The young entrepreneur disclosed that she is the sole operator of the business, managing everything from formulation and production to marketing and customer service. Reflecting on her journey, she noted that the startup came with its fair share of challenges, primarily due to limited funding.
“The initial funding came from JN Bank Small Business Loans, which was instrumental in helping me purchase ingredients, tools, and other essentials to bring the vision to life. Without that support, launching would have been significantly delayed,” she related, adding that she became aware of the company through her mother, an entrepreneur herself.
“JN Bank SBL has been a true partner in my journey. Their support provided the capital I needed to start, and that foundation allowed me to move forward with confidence. They were also there along the way which gave me room to focus on growth. It allowed me to move from idea to execution. I was able to purchase materials in bulk, invest in proper tools, and present my products professionally. That early access to funding made all the difference,” she said.
To date, Ms Stewart has accessed three loans from the company and plans to obtain additional funding in the near future to further expand her business.
For more than two decades, JN Bank Small Business Loans has been empowering entrepreneurs by providing critical funding and support to help their business to become successful.
EmpressD Hair Therapy Products
“We’ve gone from homemade batches to professionally formulated products. The brand has grown in visibility and credibility, and we’ve expanded our customer base while continuously improving our formulations and packaging.”
Though operations are still new, Ms Stewart’s business is already creating a ripple effect.
“We’ve supported other small businesses like local courier services, raw material suppliers, packaging and printing companies just to name a few. As we expand, I plan to hire a full team and create job opportunities,” she shared.
“Over the next few years, my aim is to expand regionally and internationally, grow our product line. Ultimately, I want EmpressD Hair Therapy to become a household name in natural haircare.”
She offers advice to aspiring entrepreneurs.
“Don’t be discouraged by challenges. Success often starts small. Be flexible, keep learning, and stay passionate about solving real problems. Pivot when necessary but never give up.”
