Bella Hue & Owner/CEO Lauren Rowley
Happy Small Business Saturday! Today we’re featuring Lauren, the chick behind the one woman show of Bella Hue! After working as a stylist in Houston for over 15 years Lauren’s health took a toll. As a type 1 diabetic since the age of 7, she’s unfortunately no stranger to autoimmune issues, but when she suddenly had severe joint pain and became allergic to most of the products she was using in the industry, she knew she needed to take a better look at what she was putting on her body and the body of her clients.
After endless tests, doctors appointments and physical therapy, Lauren was told to simply “stop using beauty products” and to consider a career change. As a woman, and a stylist this did not go over well with her so she began to experiment with clean beauty ingredients to try and find substitutes for the products she had become so accustomed to using. Dry shampoo was the one thing she knew she needed back in her life, like STAT!
The bar was set high and she didn’t just want to make a product that would work, but one that would work better than what she had used before, without all the crazy chemicals. After a few months, and many failed attempts, Lauren finally created their first product, Bella Hue cleaner-than-clean dry shampoo.
COVID19 hit a few weeks later and she was forced to make the tough, but necessary decision to quit doing hair for her own health and safety. She then hit the ground running and has since poured everything she has into building her brand. Lauren’s always had a passion for hair and educating clients, but this experience has taught her so much more about herself. She’s been blown away by all the support and on a mission to continue to create pure salon quality hair care that not only works better, but is better for you too.
We have so many friends who rave about these products and we cannot wait to get our hands on some things asap! Check out our full interview with Lauren below and make sure to follow along with her on social media!
Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in the Katy area?
I was born in California by my British parents, but they moved to Houston area when I was only 2!
You are a mama, too! How many kiddos do you have and how old are they?
My husband and I have two kiddos, Madison (11) and Grayson (9)
What did you do before opening your business?
I have been a hairstylist for 16 years, once Covid hit I had to officially retire due to underlying health issues.
When did you launch your business and was it a smooth ride?
June 3rd 2020 was our official “GO LIVE” on the website day!
Tell us a little about your business and the inspiration behind starting?
I create small batch organic haircare products. After forming many allergies to ingredients found in traditional haircare products like dry shampoo, I was told to just “stop using them” As a busy mom I knew that was not going to work for me. I began experimenting with clean ingredients and eventually came up with our first product, Bella Hue Cleaner-than-clean dry shampoo. We now offer over 8 different clean beauty products, like shampoo bars, heat protectants and volume boosting powder!
What makes your business unique?
I never set out to make this lifestyle change a business. I had a personal problem that I needed to find a solution to. It just took off and grew into something so much more. I would like to think the heart that goes into everything I create, is what sets me apart from these big brands, and my desire to connect with the community.
If you could describe your business in just three words, what would they be?
Organic, Pure, Effective
How important was it to you to make products that are both safe and effective?
Crucial. If you can’t pronounce it, it doesn’t belong in the bottle. As a mom with many contact allergies and an asthmatic son, I’m 100% committed to only creating toxic free products without all the crazy fillers.
What are your most popular products and why do people love them?
Our original dry shampoo Cleaner-than-clean is hands down the crowd’s favorite! I had so many clients over the years say they just couldn’t get on the dry shampoo wagon because they hated the way they made their hair feel. This beauty will leave your hair feeling funky free and fresh, no weird buildup or haze left behind, just first day wash clean kind of hair!
We’re giant advocates for supporting local! Tell us how the community has gotten you where you are now.
It’s tough starting a business during COVID, so I turned to social media and friends around me to help grow this business one sale at a time. I have been overwhelmed by the positive response to our products. I have been so fortunate to have so many women, I don’t even know in the community share their love for our products. Moms want to buy from real people, so those reviews mean the most and really have helped grow this business.
Can you tell us the meaning behind your Business’ name?
Bella Hue translates to beautiful color. It was my way of celebrating all women, of all colors and backgrounds.
What’s next for you and your business?
We just celebrated our ONE year anniversary and it’s only just getting started! We have launched 8 new products over the past year and plan on getting more into skincare as well. With a license to practice hair and skin care, I’m passionate about anything that goes on my body.
What or who keeps you motivated?
My family. My Husband has worked since he was just a kid (10) and worked his way through college while running a landscape business. He has given everything to making sure we are taken care of and never stops to take a break. He inspires me and makes me want to work harder so one day we could work together and grow this family business.
Tell our mamas how they can get their hands on your products- and do you deliver or is it pickup?
Check us out on the website at www.bella-hue.com I package and ship out almost every day, so there is never a long wait to get the goods!
Any plans for selling in-store anywhere?
At the moment our products are in a few different salons and boutiques spaced out over the US!
Best advice for anyone wanting to open their own business?
You can do it! This has been such a learning and growing experience for me and my family. Balance is the hardest thing, so set boundaries on work/life balance. Love what you are doing and it will all work out in the end.
When things get hard, what’s one thing you tell yourself to keep going?
To stop and breathe! Haha
How do you balance being a business owner and your busy family life?
It’s tough honestly, but I have to remind myself that it’s okay to not always have it all together. Some days the house is a mess, dinner isn’t on the table but work is done and my kids are happy.
Any special, sales, or deals our Katy Moms can look out for?
Yes! You can use coupon code: KATYMOMS to save 15%
Follow along with Lauren on IG & her website linked below!