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Join the SuperCrowd with Impact!

In today’s episode, I had the privilege of speaking with Jannice Newson, the CEO and founder of Lillian Augusta Beauty, a company revolutionizing the haircare industry with plant-based braiding hair. As someone unfamiliar with braids, I was eager to learn how her innovation could change the beauty landscape—and I wasn’t disappointed.

Lillian Augusta Beauty isn’t just about braids. It’s about creating “hair without harm,” as Jannice put it. Synthetic braiding hair, made from low-grade plastic, not only exacerbates traction alopecia and causes allergic reactions but also contributes to a staggering amount of plastic waste. “Synthetic braiding hair results in about 98 million pounds of plastic just in the U.S. each year,” Jannice explained.

Her solution? A sustainable, hypoallergenic, plant-based alternative that eliminates the negative effects of traditional braiding hair while supporting environmental health. “We are offering something that is certified hypoallergenic, ultra-lightweight, and compostable,” she added, describing her product’s appeal to both clients and hairstylists alike.

Jannice’s journey to creating Lillian Augusta Beauty was inspired by her background in environmental science and her commitment to solving community problems. Her story of perseverance, from experimenting with plant fibers during her time at the University of Michigan to launching the product amid a pandemic, is both compelling and inspiring.

As we discussed her ongoing WeFunder campaign, I couldn’t help but feel excited about the potential impact her work could have—not only for the beauty industry but also for the environment. Jannice is truly making a difference, and I’m thrilled to share her story with you today.

tl;dr:

1. Introduction to the company: Jannice Newson, the CEO of Lillian Augusta Beauty, introduces her company, which produces sustainable, plant-based braiding hair as an alternative to synthetic hair made from plastic.

2. Problem with synthetic braiding hair: Synthetic hair causes traction alopecia, allergic reactions, and environmental harm, contributing to 98 million pounds of plastic waste annually in the U.S. alone.

3. Sustainable solution: Lillian Augusta Beauty provides hypoallergenic, ultra-lightweight, and compostable braiding hair that is better for both users and hairstylists while addressing environmental concerns.

4. Entrepreneurial journey: Jannice, with a background in environmental science, began developing the product at the University of Michigan and overcame challenges to make the product in her basement during the pandemic.

5. Business outlook and crowdfunding: The company has launched and is running a crowdfunding campaign on WeFunder, aiming to revolutionize the $2.5 billion Black haircare industry and expand into a $100 million business.

How to Make Being a Person of Action Your Superpower

Jannice Newson’s superpower is her ability to take action, no matter the challenges. She embodies a mindset of determination and resourcefulness, always finding ways to move forward despite obstacles. Whether it’s developing innovative solutions or driving her business, she refuses to let circumstances hold her back. This superpower allows her to create opportunities and achieve success even in the face of adversity.

An excellent example of Jannice’s “person of action” superpower is her journey of creating plant-based hair for Lillian Augusta Beauty. She began by cutting plants with garden shears on her college campus and experimenting with fibers in a basement workshop. Despite making one braid an hour, she persisted through challenges like the pandemic and limited resources, driven by her determination to create a sustainable solution for synthetic braiding hair.

Tips for Developing the Superpower:

1. Courage to Fail: Don’t be afraid to take risks and fail. Jannice’s success comes from her willingness to try, even when the odds seemed against her.

2. Take Initiative: Look for opportunities where others see obstacles. Jannice took action when others might have stopped.

3. Complain Constructively: Identify things that bother you and seek solutions. Jannice started Lillian Augusta Beauty because she complained about the negative effects of synthetic hair.

4. Seek Unexpected Solutions: Explore unconventional resources and partnerships. Jannice found unexpected funding opportunities through avenues like the Regional Transportation Authority.

By following Jannice Newson’s example and advice, you can make being a person of action a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.

Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!

Guest Profile

Jannice Newson (she/her):

CEO, Lillian Augusta Beauty

About Lillian Augusta Beauty: Lillian Augusta Beauty (LAB) is bringing lightweight and allergen-free braiding hair to the community with its patent-pending plant-based braiding hair. Based on the Chicago southside, LAB promises hair without harm: no more allergic reactions, heavy braids, or plastic waste from tossing out synthetic braiding hair. LAB was founded by two Black female scientists who started this company because of their own troubles with allergic reactions from synthetic hair. They made prototypes in a fiber lab at the University of Michigan and even in the basement during quarantine to get LAB to where it is today.

Website: hairwithoutharm.com

Company Facebook Page: fb.com/hairwithoutharm

Other URL: wefunder.com/lillian.augusta

Biographical Information: Jannice Newson is a social entrepreneur innovating in hair and beauty. She is the founder and CEO at Lillian Augusta Beauty. Her background is in environmental science and ecology. She also sits on the board for Enterprise for Youth’s Climate Career Corps and Charles Roundtree Bloom Project. Outside of work, she enjoys cartoons, crocheting, walking off Lake Michigan, and eggs benedict.

Personal Facebook Profile: fb.com/jannice.newson

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/jannice-newson-a3b8a9103/

Instagram Handle: @jannicespieces

Max-Impact Members

The following Max-Impact Members provide valuable financial support to keep us operating:

Carol Fineagan, Nicholas and Company | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Marcia Brinton, High Desert Gear | Ralf Mandt, Next Pitch | Sheryle Gilihan, CauseLabs | Add Your Name Here

Upcoming SuperCrowd Event Calendar

If a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.

• Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on August 20, 2024, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. To join the Impact Cherub Club, become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd.

• SuperCrowdHour, August 21, 2024, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, we host a value-laden webinar for aspiring impact investors or social entrepreneurs. At this month’s webinar, Devin Thorpe will provide a “Step-by-Step Guide to Raising Capital from the Crowd.”

• Superpowers for Good Live Pitch, September 25, 2024. The application window opens soon! Watch for updates!

• Recently, we created an AI GPT to help you learn more about The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, and our upcoming events. Click here to try it.

Community Event Calendar

• Successful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET – Click on Events

• Main Street Skowhegan and NC3 Entrepreneur Finance Workshop Series, September 17 – November 19, 2023.

• Crowdfunding Professional Association, Summit in DC, October 22-23

• Asheville Neighborhood Economics, November 12-13.

If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 8,000+ members of the SuperCrowd, click here.

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Originally Published on https://www.superpowers4good.com/

Devin Thorpe Champion of Social Good

Devin is the CEO of The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation helping diverse founders and social entrepreneurs raise capital via impact crowdfunding. He is also a bestselling author who calls himself a champion of social good. His most recent book, How to Make Money with Impact Crowdfunding, is an investment guide for everyone. He has produced about 1,500 episodes of his show featuring luminary change agents, including Bill Gates. His books—read over 1 million times—help people do more good. He has helped nonprofits raise millions of dollars via crowdfunding. He draws on his experience as an investment banker, CFO, treasurer and U.S. Senate staffer. He earned an MBA at Cornell. Frequently finding himself on airplanes, Devin is grateful to be middle-seat-sized.