My MBA Journey: From Nurse to $100 Million in Sales

Last Updated on August 18, 2023 by Robert C. Hoopes

Courtney Adeleye, the founder of the popular hair care brand The Mane Choice, has achieved immense success within a short span of time. Adeleye managed to generate an astounding $10 million in sales just three years after launching her business.

The journey to success for Adeleye began when she struggled to find hair care brands that offered natural ingredients and promoted healthy hair growth. Determined to fill this gap in the market, she created her own homemade hair care products. Adeleye gained a significant following on YouTube and started selling her homemade products directly to her fans. Eventually, this led to the birth of The Mane Choice.

One of the key factors that sets The Mane Choice apart from its competitors is its commitment to using formulas that are free from harmful ingredients such as mineral oil, petrolatum, parabens, sulfates, and formaldehyde. This dedication to natural and healthy hair care has resonated with consumers.

Within five years of its launch, The Mane Choice had successfully partnered with over 60,000 retailers across the United States, resulting in an impressive $100 million in sales. In addition to this incredible achievement, the brand went public with an initial public offering (IPO) in 2019.

Building upon her success in the hair care industry, Adeleye recently launched Olbali, a direct-selling company that focuses on health-related products. This platform serves as a home for her private brands, allowing her to expand her business ventures beyond hair care.

Adeleye’s goals extend beyond just her personal success. She aims to challenge the narrow perceptions that often plague Black-owned businesses and create products that benefit a diverse range of consumers. According to her, Black founders are unfairly stereotyped, and the label of being a Black-owned business can sometimes work against them.

To overcome these challenges, Adeleye advocates for authenticity, exceeding customer expectations, and investing in customer engagement and micro-influencers. She believes that self-belief plays a crucial role in achieving success and asserts that no industry is oversaturated as long as one brings a unique perspective to it.

Courtney Adeleye’s inspiring journey from homemade products to multimillion-dollar sales serves as a testament to her determination and entrepreneurial spirit. As she continues to make strides in the business world, she is breaking down barriers and encouraging others to believe in themselves and their dreams.