Why did you start your business?
Camillia and Candicia, two second-generation Caribbean sisters, had chemically permed their hair during their childhood. After Candicia had suffered from a chemical perm incident that left her with clumps of hair in the sink in 2012, she quickly had to learn how to grow her natural hair and remedy the damage with the help of her sister Camillia. In June 2018, Candicia dreamed of having an event in the metropolitan city of Toronto where people would be able to learn more about natural hair, get their questions answered, and learn how to use their curly hair products to the best of their ability.
Pitching this idea to her sister, Camillia John, a marketing graduate, they decided to make their dreams a reality and create the first-ever Toronto Curly Girl Meetup in 3 short months. Due to great feedback from attendees, they decided to make this an annual event; breaking the ground for their 2019 event. Since then the company has grown beyond the co-founders' wildest expectations by rebranding to The Ultimate Curly Hair Experience in 2023 with Fireside Chat Guest Miss Jully Black, having key sponsorships including Shea Moisture, Sephora Canada, Maui Moisture, Curl Keeper and Bounce Curl to name a few. The event also got media coverage from City News Toronto highlighting the event and to co-founder's journey for two consecutive years and having charity initiatives where attendees can give back through product donations to several inner-city charitable organizations.
What's the one thing you're proud of in your business journey?
Toronto Curly Girl Meetup is one-of-one, having the first and the biggest natural curly hair event in the City of Toronto. Hosting The Ultimate Curly Hair Experience during the summer months has become the most sought-after event the company hosts annually. This event consists of a panel discussion by Canadian influencers and hair industry experts, a fireside chat with a Canadian icon, activations and photo op moments, a hair salon where attendees can get their hair cut and styled by professionals, and a vendor marketplace highlighting small business owners.
What's the biggest accomplishment for your business?
The Ultimate Curly Hair Experience was our biggest accomplishment thus far. Serving over 200 attendees and offering educational resources to empower women in the city has been our biggest joy.
What do you think you need in order to get to your dream brand?
Camillia and I desire a full-time team that can help us expand our community efforts and build brand awareness.
It's 5 years from now and you're sitting at the top in your penthouse, what's the one thing you would share with yourself today?
Don't ever stop dreaming and working towards the goal. Keep praying and asking God for courage and strength and He will get you there, just wait.
About
Who We Are:
Camillia and Candicia John
Dedicated, Driven, Innovative
Favorite Movie: Camillia's favourite movie is The Grinch and Candicia's favourite movie is The Lion King
Favorite Place To Go: Camillia's favourite place to go is new restaurants with the people she loves and Candicia's favourite place to go is a local coffee shop
Favorite Quote:
Your name is in rooms that your feet have not even entered yet.
Keep Up With My Brand
Website:
Instagram: torontocurlygirlmeetup
Facebook: Toronto Curly Girl Meetup
Pinterest: torontocurlygirlmeetup
TikTok: @torontocurlygirlmeetup
Invite Someone Else To The Penthouse
The Penthouse Magazine is built on the idea of building up businesses and providing them with the publicity they more than deserve. If you, or anyone you know, has a business and would like to be featured, share their information with us down below.