📹Christmas Day, 2017: Our first official launch in Target. After serving over 2 decades as a cosmetologist, and what was (by then) 6 years developing The Doux in my salon for my clients, this day was completely overwhelming. Not only seeing our dream, but to walking into the store with our 5 children will always be an unforgettable moment for our family. I still get choked up every time I see this clip, because I wake up every day in awe of what God has done. When I began developing The Doux, I knew we would be viewed as “different.” I remember being petrified of entering the textured hair care space, because I knew that my point of view from behind the chair would be disruptive to what (in my opinion) then was a monolithic way of seeing, treating, and styling natural hair. Even with a strong community of “followers” and the support of my clients, I feared the rejection and isolation that comes with sharing something new based on facts and the true science of textured hair. Fast forward to the present, I can say that while occasional rejection and isolation are indeed a part of this experience, I can also see The Doux’s influence in the marketplace 🫧. I am blessed to see that you can speak truth, focus on facts, and still be profitable 💯. DouxGang, I want you to know how grateful we are to have you rocking with us. I’m humbled daily by your enthusiasm, support, honesty, vulnerability, and courage to try something new. To my fellow hairstylists and textured hair educators, my heart so full. You make me better. You have held me down and cleared the retail shelves to bring The Doux into your sacred salon spaces. As a stylist, I understand what this means, and I am eternally grateful. Each of you have helped me see that part of my purpose in this space is ensuring that more doors for professional stylists and textured service providers in mass retail spaces are held open, so that our voices in the mainstream become less and less obscure. Thank you for being a part of this journey. Happy Doux Year! Love y’all. Maya Smith, Co-founder, CEO @ouidoux #douxyou #ilovethedoux #beautyfounder #douxyear #targetwhileblack #blackowned