Mom And Six-Year-Old Daughter On A Mission To Empower Black And Brown Children to Love Their Curls

Children emulate what they see, and when there is a lack of representation, studies show this can harm their self-perception and cultural identity. For Black and brown children, this is especially true. 

Recognizing a lack of diversity in the children’s haircare industry, Nadege, and Skylar Derulo, the founders of children’s textured hair care company Pop Of Curls, decided to do something about it. The mother and six-year-old daughter created a natural hairline in 2020 during the pandemic with a mission to care for curls and show younger generations to love the skin they are in. 

“Skylar loves her hair, and we want other kids to love their natural curls too. It’s a product made for children by a child and mom. We wanted to create a hair care line that was not only healthy for children but a brand that represented and celebrated all textures.”

Pop Of Curls’ collection includes an array of hydrating and nourishing products safe to use on all hair types. From their COCOPOO 2-in-1 Hydration Shampoo and Body Wash to the COCOFUSION Moisturizing Leave-In Conditioner, these products improve manageability, styling, and strength.  

Emphasizing helping children understand their natural hair and build confidence, the company provides parents with the hair care tools they need to make hair care a fun and enjoyable experience. From detangling brushes, silk hair ties, and mini bonnets, the brand works to establish healthy hair routines children can continue as adults. 

Aside from hair products, the Skylar factor makes the brand unique. If you thought Skylar was only the face of the brand, you would be sadly mistaken. As the co-founder, she helps with inventory, shipment, and marketing. The six-year-old has a social media influence with nearly two million followers on Tik Tok and 63K on Instagram.

“Skylar is a fantastic partner. She loves telling everyone she meets with curly hair about her business. She passes out the business cards. She always thinks of how to outreach to people. She’s only six, but she helps with packaging when she’s not busy with homework.” Nadege said. 

Regarding diversity, POC’s advertising and marketing efforts are reminiscent of its mission. Nadege says she prioritizes showcasing boys and girls with diverse hair textures so children feel seen and heard in the brand. For example, their partnership with Healthy Roots Dolls provided fun and immersive campaign to teach normalizing caring for natural hair at an early age.

“We are a company that believes every child is beautiful from head to toe. Our products work with natural hair to dispel the myths and stereotypes that it’s wrong, but instead, show its beauty–all while advancing inclusion in the beauty space for children.”

For Nadege, who has an MBA from Keiser University combined with years of working in corporate America, the business also provides a real-world experience where she can pour into her daughter’s talent and curiosity.  

“I think it was important for me to teach Skylar that she has a voice in her destiny. I feel it instills more confidence by providing her with the knowledge she needs to run and operate the business. It teaches her accountability and structure. She wanted to be a boss, so I created a company for her.”