Tresses and Triumphs: A Journey with Farida, the Curly Queen
Do you recall that last transformative hair treatment, where each snip felt like a step towards conquering the world? That moment you glimpsed in the mirror, channeling Johnny Bravo, and asked, “Who’s that handsome woman in the mirror, oh it’s just me?”
Last weekend, I experienced all those emotions under the care of my hair guru, Farida. It was World Bipolar Day, March 30th, and I had an appointment at her salon to celebrate the launch of my E-book and my work with Down2Dance. Simultaneously, a Dutch newspaper published an interview about my journey as a mompreneur with bipolar disorder. I couldn’t think of a better way to mark these milestones than with Farida, my trusted stylist of 8 years. She not only tames my curls but also serves as the friend who calls me out on my hair straightening antics. And somehow, amidst her busy life as a mom of four, she always makes time. How she juggles it all remains a mystery.
As she snipped and styled my hair with her magical touch, I seized the chance to interview her in her revamped salon. Little did I know, she had undergone a major transformation herself, having recently welcomed her fourth baby.
While driving to the salon, I reminisced about my first curly girl encounter back in the summer of 2018. Farida’s salon, then named ‘De Krullencompany,’ was a sanctuary for curly-haired folks like me, pioneering the CG-method in the Netherlands. That initial visit was an eye-opener, revealing the damage my hair endured from years of neglect. Stay tuned for my upcoming self-care column, where I delve deeper into my curly hair journey, kickstarted by Farida’s expertise.
Over the past 8 years, our conversations at the salon shifted from casual chitchat to business banter, especially since my plunge into entrepreneurship in 2019. Farida, who embarked on her entrepreneurial journey as a single mother in 2015, became my go-to advisor, given her head start in the mompreneur world.
As I relished the wash and massage, I probed Farida about the genesis of ‘Get Curly,’ her brainchild. Her response was illuminating:
“I launched ‘Get Curly’ fueled by my own struggles with curly, wavy, and coily hair. The lack of knowledge about caring for such hair types spurred me to explore cutting techniques, treatments, and products tailored to their needs. Drawing from my Moroccan heritage and global hair rituals, I set out to fill the diversity gap in Dutch salons. My vision was to create an inclusive space, catering to women from all walks of life, including hijab-wearers and single moms.”
Her journey resonated with me, as my entrepreneurial leap stemmed from a desire to address workplace inclusivity for those with mental illnesses. Like Farida, most entrepreneurs embark on ventures born from personal struggles. It took her 5 years to develop her signature products, a testament to her dedication.
And as my hair basked under the ‘Get treatment’ by the nurturing hands of Farida’s sister, I savored the moment, relishing the ambiance of Farida’s salon. The sounds of children’s laughter drifted from the playroom, where Farida’s son frolicked under the watchful eye of her mother, who lovingly assumed the role of ‘nanny of the day.’
In the midst of this familial warmth, Farida and I resumed our conversation, her words flowing effortlessly as she shared insights into her journey as an online mompreneur, navigating the complex landscape of social media.
“It can be difficult to be on social media due to the overwhelming flow of information about sensitive topics such as the situation in Palestine and other world events. In addition, I experience the pressure of a created perfect image and the emphasis on beauty ideals, where it seems as if everyone is or should be perfect, which can also lead to the idea that plastic surgery is normal. It is important to find a balance between the online world and my own wellbeing and values. To stay professional I have my business account on social media for ‘Get Curly ’and my personal account. I am also thankful that I am able to be an online mompreneur, because that makes it able for me to have financial freedom, meaning that I have the choice to work instead of working because I have financial obligations. I work when I want and where I am passionate about, while earning passive income with it,” Farida confided, echoing my sentiments as an entrepreneur managing bipolar disorder.”
She emphasized the importance of maintaining a balance between the online realm and personal well-being, advocating for authenticity amidst the façade of perfection. Her collaborations with Dutch influencers like Janice Blok or Sisi Bolatini and international models like Kim Feenstra and Rose Bertram highlight the broad impact of her work, extending beyond the salon to inspire a wider audience. Farida’s resilience, shaped by her life experiences and the support of her husband, serves as a beacon of inspiration.
Farida’s husband, a silent pillar of support, played an integral role in her entrepreneurial endeavors, providing the foundation upon which she built her success. His unwavering belief in her dreams fueled her determination, propelling her forward even in the face of adversity.
Her words struck a chord with me, reflecting my own journey as an entrepreneur navigating the digital landscape while managing bipolar disorder. Farida’s strength, shaped by her life experiences, served as a beacon of inspiration.
In between pregnancies and maternity leaves, Farida managed to launch her academy ‘Get Trained’ for aspiring hairdressers in 2021 and her product line, ‘Get Curly,’ in 2022. Her entrepreneurial spirit knew no bounds, even as she catered to international clients in Dubai, leaving an indelible mark on me as I embarked on my own motherhood journey.
As a new mom, Farida embraced yet another challenge: stepping into the role of a keynote speaker at events. She was invited to attend the prestigious Salon conference in Dubai. Despite her apprehensions, she was determined to conquer her fears and inspire others. When I asked for her advice for budding mompreneurs, her response was simple yet profound: “Pursue your passions with unwavering determination, finding solace in the midst of life’s storms.”
