CEO of the Year - But This Journey Wasn’t Easy 🙏🏽 3 years of growth. A pandemic. Tariffs. And a vision we refused to let go of.

Because for the past few years, it’s been heads down.

Building. Rebuilding.

Navigating supply chain chaos, delayed shipments, restructuring the business, and managing the ups and downs of tariffs—all while making intentional decisions to protect our customers and avoid raising prices. 😅

And while those challenges were recent, they came on the heels of something I’ll never forget…

Being the founder of a brand built to protect hairstyles during a global pandemic—when no one was going outside or getting their hair done. 😭

Whew. Fun times! 😃

So to be recognized by a team that’s believed in Hairbrella since it was just a patent-pending idea and a prayer—meant more than I can express.

People often ask me: Why are you working so hard to build Hairbrella into a unicorn brand?

Well, it’s because Hairbrella’s success means the mission I set back in 2017—when we were doing less than $25K a year in sales—can truly come to life.

If Hairbrella wins, it’s proof that founders who are overlooked, underestimated, and often underfunded actually do deserve a shot.

I didn’t just want to build a business.

I wanted to build a brand that shows what’s possible for founders with big ideas and limited access—founders who just need one yes.

Because being a stellar performer for mission-driven funds like Collab means more capital flows to the next generation of visionary founders—those still sitting at kitchen tables, sketching ideas, or wondering if they should keep going. 🖤

That’s what keeps me going.

This Black Business Month, I’m reminded that every crown we protect is part of a bigger mission:

To show up in excellence.
To empower others.
And to leave a legacy of possibility. 💫

To our Hairbrella community—whether you’re here for the products, the purpose, or both—thank you.

You make moments like this possible. 

Let’s keep building together.

Rain or shine, 
Tracey
Founder & CEO, Hairbrella

P.S. To celebrate this milestone (and this month!), I’ve put together a few of my favorite Hairbrella innovations—including the flagship Classic Rain Hat that put us on the map.