Extend Hair Collections was born out of a desire to solve the problem many women continually face, searching for superior quality hair extensions that blend perfectly, don’t shed or tangle. Two sisters, Darmesha Watkins and Lani Henderson, decided it was time to take a new approach to the beauty industry. They have created the ultimate beauty experience by combining organic skin and hair products along with the most luxurious hair extensions in the world.
Watkins is a phenomenal hairstylist with more than 25 years experience whose clientele ranges from CEOs of Fortune 500 companies to spunky high school girls who look to her for the hottest weaves and hairstyles. She is knowledgeable in all areas of hair care but reigns in hair extension artistry. Henderson is the founder of Evolve Pole & Exotic Arts Studio and co-founder of Extend Hair Collections. She loves creating organic skin and hair products to share with the world. She is dedicated to transforming women’s lives through beauty and dance.
How did you arrive at this career choice? Was it a deliberate decision or a gradual and natural evolution?
Darmesha Watkins: I started doing hair very early, as I grew older my business grew. So, it was a natural evolution to move into developing an organic hair and skin care product line.
Lani Henderson: Going in to the beauty and wellness industry was a given. My family has always used natural remedies for whatever ails us. When someone had an upset stomach instead of turning to commercial medicines you would be given Ginger Tea. Have a rash or eczema? Cocoa and shea butter was our cure. Besides, what girl doesn’t love hair extensions, they are so versatile! I was so tired of purchasing extensions, only to have them mat and shed, and the retailers were so shady they offered no solutions. There were no guarantees, so you’re stuck with about $600 worth of tangled hair. We wanted to make a change in the industry and provide the highest quality extensions with no worries.
What separates you from others in your field? What is unique to the experience that you create?
DW: My name is Darmesha Watkins, but I’m also known as the “Hair Doctor.” I believe in what I do, it’s done in and with love.
LH: I believe what sets us apart from others in our industry is, we truly love what we do. It’s an internal rush to see our clients excited about their beauty transformations, whether it is from wearing our gorgeous hair extensions to using our the Extend Beauty Collections Organic Skin and Hair products. When a person feels beautiful they exude confidence, and wearing confidence is the most attract trait!
Do you think that there are any widely held misconceptions about what you do? If so, what are they and how do you work to dispel them?
LH: I believe one of the largest misconceptions in the hair extension industry is that price trumps quality. Sure, you can get extensions for $65 a bundle for 24 inches. The question is what are you getting? Is it Virgin, untreated hair, is it treated with silicone that will wear off and eventually the hair becomes a tangled mess? Are the cuticles in tact and in one direction, what is the quality of the weft? Is there a guarantee that you will love the extensions? We educate our clients on what to look for in terms of purchasing extensions as well as skin and hair products. We want our clients to feel confident when making an investment in their beauty.
If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
DW: Racism.
LH: Colorism. It is so ridiculous, we are all unique individuals and the color of our skin shouldn’t determine if someone is trust worthy, educated, etc.
Please define your personal brand.
DW: Our company, Extend Collections, has a beauty and hair line. In our hair collection we offer 100 percent human hair extensions. We offer high quality affordable options for those on a budget, as well as our more popular premium line of extensions. Our beauty collection carries 100 percent certified organic Moroccan argan oil, body oils, body creams, body scrubs, no sulfate vegan shampoo and conditioners. Our product line is pure and organic. We are dedicated to giving our clients great products without silicones, and other synthetic products. “Pure is better.” Extending your health, and then your beauty is our motto.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
LH: If I could change one thing about myself, it would be to be more accepting of myself. If someone gives me a compliment, I’m gracious but I always find a way to detract and find something that could be better. I’m working on it!
DW: To be happier today than I was yesterday.
Extend Collections
1417 South Robertson #4
Los Angeles, Ca. 90019
323.253.4210
www.extendcollections.com
[email protected]
