ABOUT THE FUND
TheMain Street Entrepreneurs Seed Fund supports Georgia State student entrepreneurs, recent alumni and Georgia State community entrepreneurs with seed funding and mentorship to start and grow new ventures.
CURLNALYZER
Christabel Ghansah, Chief Idea Officer
Alumni (’21), MBA – International Business.
cghansah1@gmail.com
Curlnalyzer will officially launch after the MSESF program
PROBLEM
African-Americans spend $1.2 trillion each
year, and that number is projected to rise
to $1.5 trillion by 2021″. Yet, for many
accessibility is an issue – it is a costly
game of trial and error finding products
that work in maintaining their curls.
SOLUTION
Create a platform for the exchange of
information and accessibility to products
specifically by hair types and textures
BUSINESS MODEL
B2C business model – Curlnalyzer is created
with the end-user in mind. As we expand,
there will be a layer of B2B through partnering
with producers and retailers of natural hair
products so consumers can access products
directly from the Curlnalyzer platform.
TARGET MARKET
People with naturally curly hair –
particularly Black and caretakers of
children with naturally curly hair
KEY COMPETITORS
CurlBox, FROtorial, Myavana
USE OF FUNDS
50% – App testing & market analysis
25% – team building
25% – community building
Why did you launch your company?
To challenge Eurocentric standards of beauty and professionalism and promote accessibility to educational resources and products for Black women and people with naturally curly hair. I want to make it easier for Black women to learn about their – products and styles based on their hair types and textures – and not be held against standards that were created without Black people in mind. This is especially timely in the aftermath of “the slap heard around the world” and at the heels of the House passing the CROWN (Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair) Act, which bans race-based hair discrimination.
What is your long-term goal? For you?
My long-term goal is to partner with haircare providers (producers/manufacturers and retailers alike) to make Curlnalyzer a one-stop-shop where consumers can directly order products from the platorm or app when they get their hair analysis results.
What does entrepreneurship mean to you?
Ability to employ creative and innovative ways in impacting my community. Freedom to be creative? Betting on myself?
What is the most challenging aspect of entrepreneurship?
So far, finding the right team – people with the needed skillsets who also share the same passions and dreams.
How has your formal education/experiences at Georgia State played a role in your becoming an entrepreneur?
I would say my Digital Innovation class really impacted my thinking and shaped my ability to lean into my entrepreneurial potential. We had a semester-long project where we were encouraged to think about and create innovative products that will solve pressing social issues. We had presentations from past students (some previous MSESF cohort members) and innovators/entrepreneurs from the Atlanta business space speak to us about their journey to entrepreneurship. It was in that class that I really began to think about the possibilities – and believe that with the right support and resources I could bring this idea to life. I was encouraged to apply for the MSESF program and I am glad I did. I am a step closer to making my idea a reality!
How has Georgia State supported you in your entrepreneurial journey?
I would say my Digital Innovation class really impacted my thinking and shaped my ability to lean into my entrepreneurial potential. We had a semester-long project where we were encouraged to think about and create innovative products that will solve pressing social issues. We had presentations from past students (some previous MSESF cohort members) and innovators/entrepreneurs from the Atlanta business space speak to us about their journey to entrepreneurship. It was in that class that I really began to think about the possibilities – and believe that with the right support and resources I could bring this idea to life. I was encouraged to apply for the MSESF program and I am glad I did. I am a step closer to making my idea a reality!
FOUNDER INTERVIEW
COMING SOON
ABOUT THE FUND
The Marcus Foundation supports Georgia State student entrepreneurs, recent alumni and Georgia State community entrepreneurs with seed funding and mentorship to start and grow new ventures.