Stacy Irving, a passionate entrepreneur and devoted woman of faith, is the creative force behind Shandina Organic Hair Care. Moving from Jamaica to Canada at age 10, her early life instilled resilience and resourcefulness. Her experiences with hair issues led to creating a hair care line 10 years ago, driven by a personal quest for natural solutions. In this interview with Esther Ijewere, she shares her story.
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Childhood Influence
Growing up in Jamaica instilled in me a deep sense of resilience, creativity, and resourcefulness. In Jamaica, we learned how to make the most of what we had and to always find solutions, no matter the circumstances. That mindset has been invaluable in my entrepreneurial journey. Moving to Canada brought new opportunities and perspectives, exposing me to different markets and ways of doing business. It also highlighted the importance of diversity, not just in culture, but in ideas and approaches. The combination of my Jamaican roots and Canadian experiences has shaped me into an entrepreneur who is adaptable, innovative, and driven to create something meaningful.
Experience with hair loss
My experience with hair loss has allowed me to deeply connect with my customers because I’ve walked the same path. I struggled with thinning hair and losing my edges, which made me feel frustrated and self-conscious. That journey gave me a firsthand understanding of how challenging hair loss can be, both physically and emotionally. This experience motivates me to create products that truly work and to provide my customers with the support and solutions they need. When they come to me with their concerns, I can relate on a personal level, and that creates a strong sense of trust and connection.
The motivation behind the business
I officially started my hair care business 10 years ago. The initial motivation came from my journey of finding products that truly worked for my hair without harmful chemicals. I saw a gap in the market for natural, organic products that promote healthy hair and cater to the diverse needs of different hair types. My passion for self-care, combined with my background in fashion, inspired me to create a line that empowers people to embrace their natural beauty with high-quality, nourishing ingredients.
Fashion School
Fashion school became my playground, where creativity collided with deadlines, and stress played tug-of-war with my tresses. As the pressures mounted, so did my hair issues—thinning locks, receding edges, you name it. And guess what? I wasn’t alone. Women around me were facing the same battles: hair loss, brittle strands, and dreams of longer locks dashed by reality. But amidst the chaos, a spark ignited. Determined to reclaim my mane and uplift others along the way, I dove headfirst into research. Herbs, oils, and the wisdom of generations past became my allies in the fight for healthier, happier hair
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Power of Cupuaçu Butter
Cupuaçu butter has played a significant role in my product formulations because of its incredible healing and moisturising properties. It’s rich in fatty acids and phytosterols, which help restore the skin and hair’s natural moisture barrier, making it ideal for treating dryness, damage, and breakage. This ingredient also enhances elasticity and hydration without being too heavy, so it works for a wide range of hair types. I love using Cupuaçu butter because it aligns perfectly with my goal of providing natural, nourishing solutions that heal and protect.
Challenges
Along the way, I faced several challenges, especially in the beginning. Navigating the world of product formulation as a small business, securing the right resources, and building a brand from the ground up were all significant hurdles. However, the most challenging part was balancing my passion for creating quality products with learning the business side of entrepreneurship. However, my drive to offer solutions to others facing similar hair struggles kept me going. Each challenge taught me something new and strengthened my resolve to create a brand rooted in natural care and authenticity.
Shandina Organic in Five Years
In the next five years, I see Shandina Organic becoming a household name in the natural hair care industry. I want to expand the line but stay true to my values—using natural, sustainably sourced ingredients. I also want to make my products more accessible to a wider audience, and I hope to inspire transparency in the industry, encouraging others to prioritise health and sustainability.
Woman of Rubies
Being a Woman of Rubies means embodying strength, resilience, and grace. Success, to me, isn’t just about numbers or sales—it’s about making a real difference. When my customers tell me how much my products have helped them or when they feel seen and heard, that’s true success for me. Michelle Obama, Kamala Harris, and Maya Angelou are three women who inspire me.
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