Meet Mollie Balogun | Owner of Mollie Makes Everything

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mollie Balogun and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mollie, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I went through the most trying time of my life in February 2020. I had just given birth to my first child and lost my father a week later. Shortly after that, COVID hit and it seemed the world was turning upside down. It was a very confusing, emotional and exhausting period for a lot of people around me. I needed to focus on all that was beautiful in my life, and stay busy to keep the sad thoughts at bay.

In March I dusted off my sewing machine and started sewing face masks with leftover cuts of African print fabric I had collected over the years. I gifted them to family and friends and they loved them. That was it for me- I didn’t want to stop sewing! I decided to offer my masks to the neighbors and was overwhelmed by the response. I couldn’t make them fast enough. I realized then that this could really be a business.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I specialize in hair accessories- with a focus on satin-lined hair accessories as I noticed there wasn’t much for those of us with coils, curls and kinks in our hair. I create designs that look pretty and stylish but have protective lining to keep the hair moisturized and free from damage.

So many people suffer from hair damage and a lot of it can be prevented by avoiding tension on the scalp, harsh hair styling products and heat styling tools. I aim to help my customers avoid using those and maintain the health of their hair. I’m also big on creating quick and convenient options. You don’t have time to detangle and style your hair? Just throw on one of my gorgeous satin-lined pre-tied head wraps and you’re good to go!

A big part of my line is satin-lined scrub caps for the doctors, nurses and careers doing such important work through the pandemic. They work long hours and their hair dries out terribly in the standard scrubs.

I receive messages all the time of women telling me how much I’ve helped them. From the brave women recovering from chemo keeping it cute to our healthcare heroes wanting to keep their hair protected during long shifts, to women fighting alopecia, to mothers learning how to care for their child’s hair. I’ve had many deep chats in my Etsy inbox!

Yes, on the surface I just make hair accessories – but they make people’s lives easier, prettier and even more fun – you can’t wear a bright, colorful print and not feel good.

There is purpose in what you do. We all can’t be healers, or warriors, or educators…but don’t ever underestimate how you important and valuable your service can be for others. Put your heart and soul into anything you do and if you can make just one person happier then you’ve made the world just that little bit better.

Running a small business from home isn’t easy, especially as I am also a full-time mom, but it’s rewarding. It’s exciting watching my brand grow and knowing that there is still so much more to come.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned it’s that you have to show up. Every single day. If you really want your business to succeed you have to show up through it all. Consistency is the key to success.

I am going into my second year in business and feeling more motivated than ever. I have fresh new designs dropping this month and plans to expand. Aside from my online Etsy shop, you’ll also be able to catch me in person at Atlantic Station. I’ll be there most weekends from March to December as part of Maker’s Market.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would take my friend to eat at either Oceanaire- they have delicious, fresh seafood and fabulous service. Or to Cooks & Soldiers. They also have fantastic food and a fun atmosphere.

We would go shopping in Atlantic Station where they have large chain stores and also handmade crafts at the weekends. There’s also usually something fun to do or see there whilst walking around.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My daughter is my biggest motivation. I spent so many years thinking it wasn’t possible to make a living from my creativity. I want her to grow up knowing that she can be anything she wants to be, and have the financial means to back her dreams.

My mother, husband, family and friends have all helped me so much along the way. They constantly remind me to believe in myself.

Every single person who has purchased one of my creations- you will never know how much your support means to me. Because of you, I get to do my dream job. Thank you!

Website: www.MollieMakesEverything.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mollie_makes_everything/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/molliemakeseverything

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MollieMakesEverything