Elizabeth Davis is a Black hair care entrepreneur. Before her career took off, she attended Florida A&M University and studied construction engineering technology. Davis struggled with hair growth and decided to make her own products. After a while, she turned her passion into a business while working her 9-5, and in 2016, she left her job and created Shedavi. Shedavi has grown to be a multi-million-dollar ecommerce business and has also been featured in Oprah Magazine, Forbes, and many other publications.
We had the pleasure to talk with Elizabeth and take a deeper dive into her life as a Black female entrepreneur.
Have you had any challenges in this industry? If so, what were they and how did you overcome them?
I would say my biggest challenge had been building a solid team. I’m a bit of a perfectionist so I used to have a hard time taking things off my plate. I’m over that now though. I realized that Shedavi could grow much faster with a team in place who are just as passionate about wellness and healthy hair as I am.
When did you realize that hair care was your passion? Who was your biggest supporter?
I love, love, love talking about my hair throughout the years! I’ve always enjoyed hair since I was young. My mom liked me to play with her hair. That’s where it all started. By the time I was in 7th and 8th grade, I had been natural my entire life. However, the on-trend hairstyles were sleek and relaxed wrap styles with a little bump to it. I begged my mom for a relaxer because that’s how I wanted to wear my hair. She gave me a kiddy relaxer, and eventually I started going to the shop to get my hair blown out and curled with feathers (that’s what we called the pretty curls that when combed out, looked like your hair was feathering). I learned how to do this myself by the time I was in high school. A relaxer with blow dry with a press style and wrap is how I wore my hair throughout high school and into college. What I noticed is that my hair was cute, but it would not grow past my shoulders. I tried to go natural a few times but living in the south for college was not conducive to my sleek wrap with natural hair. I eventually succeeded with going natural and started wearing protective styles immediately following college. I learned all about length retention and healthy hair which led me to start my company, Shedavi.
My biggest support and inspiration has been my mom. She has taught me how to properly manage money, how to build credit and much more. She encouraged me to be logical and find what really works. Her mindset alone is what truly helped me build Shedavi.
What was the process of starting your own business?
I actually started my business while still working as a project manager in construction engineering. While remaining at my job for over two years and relying on my family to fulfill orders, I was eventually forced to move away from my job. Shortly after, I put energy into finding people who could translate my vision. We hired a digital marketing team, invested in Facebook Ads and watched my business grow.
How has becoming an entrepreneur changed your life?
It showed me that I was the craftsman of my life. Not only do I get to turn my passion into a living, but I get to utilize my knowledge of building and construction to become the owner, architect and builder of my life: taking my wildest dreams, putting them on paper and bringing them into existence.
What have you learned about yourself in your journey? What can we expect from you this year?
I’ve learned that I am my biggest fan! I’ve learned that people love to support good, smart moves. I’m grateful to be in this space, and I can’t wait to support others in winning big in business as well.
This year, we’re focusing on expanding our product line in hair care, health and wellness spaces.
What tips do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs?
Get clear about what your vision is. Once you are able to conceptualize your vision, you can begin to build your vision.
Plan appropriately and begin moving your concept to tangible items. The bonus tip here would be to hold yourself accountable to your plan.
Utilize the skills you’ve earned over time, whether in the workforce or education, and begin executing your vision. This is your groundbreaking moment–now start building.
Elizabeth Davis is doing her due diligence in the Black community and is a great example of what good business is and should be.
Follow her on Instagram @queenelizabethdavis & @shedavi
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