EcoSlay is not just a hair care brand; it’s a movement. Adria Marshall’s leadership brings a fresh perspective to the industry as a Black-owned and woman-owned enterprise, redefining beauty standards and fostering inclusivity.

Proudly sourcing its ingredients from a local Black-owned farm in Georgia, Ecoslay ensures the high quality of its products and contributes to the local community’s economic empowerment. This commitment aligns seamlessly with EcoSlay’s mission of diversity, authenticity, and sustainability.

But the EcoSlay story doesn’t end with hair care products; it evolves into a groundbreaking initiative known as the EcoSlay Ecobator. This program is a testament to Marshall’s dedication to empowering up-and-coming brands. The Ecobator provides a toolkit of resources, expert advice, and essential infrastructure for growth, ensuring that ambitious entrepreneurs can realize their vision without constraints.

What inspired the start of your brand? 

The inspiration for Ecoslay was born out of a personal necessity and a deep passion for natural hair care and environmental sustainability. As someone dedicated to natural hair care, I found it challenging to find products that were both effective for my hair and aligned with my eco-conscious values. This gap in the market sparked the idea for Ecoslay.

I wanted to create a brand that catered to natural hair’s unique needs and respected our planet. The focus was on harnessing the power of natural, sustainable ingredients to develop hair care products that were kind to both hair and the environment. This dual commitment to natural hair health and ecological responsibility is what truly inspired the start of Ecoslay.

What has been the biggest challenge of running a brand like yours?

One of the biggest challenges in running a brand like Ecoslay, especially highlighted during the COVID-19 crisis, has been adapting to the unpredictability of the supply chain. The pandemic significantly disrupted our usual sourcing and logistics, necessitating a strategic and flexible approach to obtaining our raw materials. This period taught us the importance of having a robust and adaptable supply chain strategy to ensure we could continue to meet our customers’ needs without compromising on our commitment to sustainability.

Additionally, the pandemic emphasized the critical role of explicit and proactive communication with our customers. We had to enhance our customer communication strategies with the uncertainties affecting stock levels and shipping times. Ensuring our customers were well-informed about potential delays and changes became a top priority. This helped not only manage their expectations but also maintain and strengthen the trust they have in Ecoslay.

Overall, these challenges have been a rigorous test of our resilience and adaptability. They’ve taught us invaluable lessons in supply chain management, customer relations, and crisis response, which are now integral to our operations.

How does your brand impact the community?

Ecoslay’s impact on the community extends far beyond providing natural and sustainable hair care products. Through The Ecoslay Foundation, our influence in 2023 reached into various community support and development sectors. We proudly donated over $100,000 to numerous causes, reflecting our commitment to creating a kinder, healthier world. Our collaborations with organizations like SCARS, Painted Pink, and Hope Atlanta exemplify our diverse focus areas. From supporting survivors of domestic violence to contributing to community health initiatives, we’re dedicated to making a tangible difference in people’s lives.

Looking ahead to 2024, we aim to deepen our community involvement with The Ecoslay Foundation. We have set ambitious goals to volunteer 100 hours across ten different organizations and leverage more resources for our volunteering, funding initiatives, and educational programs. Our goal is to foster a sustainable, healthy, and kinder world through our products and active and meaningful community engagement.

Where do you hope to see your brand in the next 3-5 years?

In the next 3-5 years, I envision Ecoslay as a leading force in sustainable beauty, recognized for our high-quality, plant-based hair care products and our profound impact on the community and the environment. Our mantra, ‘Slay your look, not the planet,’ captures our dedication to sustainability and kindness, principles that guide every facet of our operation.

Our ambition extends beyond our product line and business growth. With The Ecoslay Foundation, we aim to increase our community outreach and impact significantly. We plan to deepen our engagement in volunteering, funding initiatives, and educational programs. Our goal is to create a more sustainable, healthy, and kinder world through our business practices and active philanthropy and community support.

Regarding product innovation and market expansion, we will continue to revolutionize sustainable beauty by locally cultivating all ingredients for our products and those of the brands in our Ecobator program. This initiative is set to foster a collaborative network of eco-conscious brands, providing them with the support and framework they need to succeed.

Financial growth remains a key target, with ambitious revenue goals across our retail, wholesale, and Amazon channels. We plan to obtain critical certifications and achieve BCorp status, underscoring our commitment to ethical business practices and dedication to our team and the community around us. Moreover, our plan to lease and purchase farmland and establish a brick-and-mortar retail location aligns with our vision of a fully integrated, sustainable operation.

In essence, within the next 3-5 years, Ecoslay aims to be at the vanguard of the beauty industry, setting new standards in sustainability, community engagement, and ethical business practices, all while continuing to deliver products that our customers love and trust

What advice do you have for the next generation of entrepreneurs?

My advice to the next generation of entrepreneurs centers around two fundamental principles: breaking down daunting tasks into manageable parts and prioritizing self-care and professional commitments.

Firstly, understand that no task is too big if you break it down into smaller, more manageable steps. This approach makes challenges less intimidating and allows for more organized and efficient handling of business problems. It’s about tackling each part individually and gradually building towards your ultimate goal. This method fosters a sense of achievement and progress, which is crucial for maintaining motivation and momentum in your entrepreneurial journey.

Secondly, and perhaps most importantly, remember to put yourself first on your calendar. Getting caught up in the whirlwind of business demands is easy, but your well-being, family, and personal time are paramount. Schedule these as non-negotiable events in your day, just like any important business meeting. Doing so ensures a healthy balance between work and personal life. Self-care isn’t just about relaxation; it’s about sustaining your ability to perform at your best. Your business thrives when you are at your best – physically, mentally, and emotionally.

In essence, my advice is to approach entrepreneurship with a balanced mindset. Tackle challenges methodically and always carve out time for yourself and your loved ones. Remember, true success is measured not just by your business achievements but also by your personal fulfillment and well-being.

What does being “Pretty and Black Owned” mean to you?

To me, being ‘Pretty and Black Owned’ is a powerful statement that resonates on multiple levels. It celebrates the beauty and strength inherent in our Black heritage and culture. This identity embodies aesthetic beauty and the beauty of resilience, innovation, and community. As a Black woman leading Ecoslay, I believe it signifies a blend of these qualities in every aspect of our business.

‘Pretty and Black Owned’ also reflects a commitment to authenticity and empowerment. It’s about creating products and a brand that genuinely represents the Black community’s needs and values. This means catering to the unique beauty needs of Black individuals and doing so in a way that uplifts and supports the community through sustainable and ethical practices.

Moreover, it speaks to the importance of representation in the beauty industry. Being a Black-owned business in this space is a statement against the conventional beauty standards and a stride towards inclusivity and diversity. It’s about redefining beauty norms and ensuring that Black voices and needs are heard and addressed.

Finally, it’s a nod to the entrepreneurial spirit within the Black community. It’s about setting an example and paving the way for future Black entrepreneurs, showing that success is attainable and that their dreams and aspirations are valid and vital. ‘Pretty and Black Owned’ to me is a celebration of our culture, our strength, and our contribution to the tapestry of the business world.

Connect with Ecoslay by visiting https://www.ecoslay.com/