Meet Shawanda Daniel | CEO, Vibrato

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

Hi Shawanda, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
As someone who chooses to wear my natural roots and curls, I initially struggled to embrace my hair and take care of it. After trying several different products, exploring what worked best for me, I became intrigued/interested in understanding the effectiveness of products. After speaking with a cosmetic chemist and exploring biological research about hair growth, I was led to create my first product (Hair and Scalp Oil Serum) under my business, Vibrato. My goal and priority is to develop safe and effective products that will encourage hair growth. In addition, I’m passionate about educating people about positive and negative factors of hair growth, so I created a blog called “The Vamp”. It’s a space for sharing information about the various stages of the natural hair growth journey and tips to support people through their unique needs.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I thoroughly enjoy the work I contribute to in Higher Education, particularly Student Affairs. I currently work full-time in assessment. My passion for helping others sparked from doing this work as a student leader in my undergraduate. That love has expanded into my professional job and my hair care business, Vibrato.

A quick story: During my graduate studies, I also worked as a professional. One day, I entered the workplace with a different hairstyle than the day before. One of my White colleagues greeted me as if I was a stranger, not realizing it was me. They said, “Shawanda, you have got to stop changing your hair so much. I didn’t even recognize you. *jokingly*” Except this wasn’t a joke for me because I was exploring new protective styles as I navigated the difficult, yet, powerful natural hair journey in the workplace. I remember that day vividly because it was the moment a microaggression felt macro. It was the moment that pushed me to want to provide education/information on the natural hair experience and to offer affordable and effective hair care products and services. An educator and problem solver by nature, I demonstrate this through my blog called “The Vamp” and through my hair products.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Cafe Bourbon Street
BQE
Fogo de Chao
Tupelo Honey

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Shoutout to God! I am nothing and can do nothing without the Holy Spirit who guides me. My family members, best friends, and mentors are selfless and encouraging.

My supportive husband, Jeffery Daniel II, challenges me to think uniquely and outside of the box. He’s my biggest cheerleader, especially when the sales are slow, the Instagram algorithm is clouding my business’ visibility, and I begin to lose hope. My personal soundboard for ideas, he’s driven me to filter the noise of self-doubt and imposter syndrome in order to make an impact on the Black community. My parents (all of them…haha) are the epitomes of keeping God first and operating in excellence. They model the way in their own industries by showing up daily for others, walking in their purpose, and conquering every barrier head on. This go-getter mindset has been trickled down to me as I built my business from ground up. They provide the upmost support and truly invests spiritually, financially, and emotionally into my dreams. I don’t know where I’d be without the honesty, encouragement, and grace given to me by my sisters. Each of them, in their own special and funny way, keep me humble, but remind me that the work I do in the Black natural hair industry is desperately needed. . My best friends keep me grounded, laughing, and crying. To have meaningful relationships with people who are like-minded and always want to see each other win, I’m forever grateful. They listen to me, challenge my perspectives, and hype me up the best! Lastly, there are a handful of people I consider a mentor. Each of them has positively influenced my decision to step out on faith and put my business into the universe. In the learning moments of failure, I keep them close to put me back on track and to push me to keep serving.

Website: yourvibrato.com

Instagram: @yourvibrato and @shawandabdaniel

Linkedin: Shawanda Daniel

Facebook: @yourvibrato

Youtube: @yourvibrato

Image Credits
Chauncey Mangum (photo of the oil) Jeffery Daniel (profile photo of me)