NuDred is a special styling brush for twists, starting dreadlocks, or for any natural styles. Read what creators Bruce and Brigitte Boyd have to say.
How did you arrive at this career choice? Was it a deliberate decision or a gradual and natural evolution?
We arrived at this career choice by realizing the need for creating a device for a new hair style. It was a combination of deliberate and gradual natural evolution. Realizing how the Afro pick was such a hit in the ’70s and ’80s, we knew that a hair tool to do the twist style that was becoming popular would be an efficient method for creating it. The idea came from using other sources to create the twist look, however, we knew it had to be something cool looking because we continued to draw from the history of the Afro pick.
What separates you from others in your field? What is unique to the experience that you create?
One thing that separates us from others is that we are the “original” creators and have the patent on the method for using a sculpting tool to twist, style or lock hair. We actually paved the way, especially with barbers, because I can clearly remember going to different cities to introduce the method/tool NuDred I experienced resistance from 90 percentof the barbers. Now every barber in the U.S. is on the sponge tip. However, now that there are numerous infringers/inferior merchandisers/knock offs etc., our path is “lifestyle” To continue to create and evolve products and services to assist everyone in a more quality oriented life.
For those considering entering this arena, what skill sets do you recommend mastering? What traits are most conducive to success?
For those who want to be in the Hair, Beauty and Health, or really any business, I recommend “Passion” first and foremost. An undying belief followed by consistency to your product/service. Because on your path you will be continually tested, as we are still to this day. As the saying goes “It’s not the destination it’s the journey” is absolutely true.
How do you stay at the leading edge of your craft?
We stay ahead of the game by being special and unique, ever igniting passion, tenacity and imagination for progress, and evolving with new ideas to help people and create jobs is our mission.
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?
There are really no misconceptions about our company/products. There are times when our price has been an issue. However, when someone approaches our booth and shows us a NuDred they have had for four or more years sometimes seven, That assures us that we have made the right decision to stick with the same US company we have had since day one, who only assures us quality products. Another saying comes to mind is “You pay for what you get”
How do you map out your goals? How do you measure your success?
Goals are a funny thing, because they can change, so we don’t get attached to them. As I mentioned earlier we are here to assist people to be efficient and effective to experience quality of life as well as create jobs. I know that may sound vague, however we don’t want to get to caught up in the Xs and Os of business and lose sight of people which is our way of measuring success. We know that financially we will be greatly rewarded as well.
Who do you consider to be your peers in your field? Who do you see/use as examples for you to emulate?
One company that we truly admire and follow is Zappos. It’s CEO Tony Hsieh is truly passionate about quality, culture, style, and customer satisfaction
Name two of your top role models: one from your industry and one from outside of it.
Koils by Nature is in our industry the CEO Pamela Jenkins is a true angel, her company is about integrity and is taking off. Also as mentioned earlier Tony Hsieh who seems to be genuine, however you never know because I have admired others until I met them in person. Motivational speaker Tony Robbins is cool too.
Name three books, works, performances or exhibits that changed how you view life and/or yourself.
Way of the Peaceful Warrior: A Book that Changes Lives by Dan Millman is great and is a required read in many programs. The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle is solid as you can only imagine what it is about lol! My prospective about business shifted nine years ago when I read Timothy Ferriss’ The 4-hour Workweek. Inc. magazine is an awesome source for stories behind business and ideas for your business. Books are great however, actual experience and pushing yourself into what I call the “growth zone” is key, and requires making a conscious effort to delving into uncomfortable situations.
Why do you consider continued learning important?
On the journey there is continuous learning and choices, and one thing I always say is continue to “Upgrade your software”. Starting a yoga practice 25 years ago and now teaching for 20 years has been a big contribution to my “Growth Zone”. Yoga has helped me focus on my breathing depth, which inspires mindful Thoughts, that in turn positively formulates Words, moving into a positive enforcement of Actions, a total contribution to healthy Habits, to build an impeccable Character that ultimately determines a Majestic Destiny. And it starts with deep breathing. Remember people who are depressed and have anxiety breath shallow. Take not at how deep babies and tootlers always breath. We get caught up loose the depth of diaphragmatic breathing
What affirmations do you repeat to yourself that contribute to your success?
One thing that we keep in mind while engaging with customers is pretending every customer is our first one. I have a little inner dialogue I started, a couple of years ago that I add on as time goes on and it goes; I am Love Light and Power, I am Healthy Happy Healed, I am Wise Calm Confident, I am Understanding and Understood, I am Respected Admired Adored Embraced Loved by my community, peers, and the Universe, I am Peaceful Playful Prosperous Passionate I Love My Life and I live my life Efficient Effective with adequate Effort in Divine Order Divine Purpose Divine Love Divine Harmony
What role does technology play in your day-to-day life? How do you utilize it?
Thanks to the computer and online sales, it really assisted us to develop a great foundation where we did not have to get investors, lately Amazon has been great although it helps the infringers as well
Please define your personal brand.
Our brand is the shape of our main product and is actually and infinity shape. This was not always the case; it was one of those aha moments where we were like “Of course that only makes sense”
What is your favorite vacation destination and why?
We have been working so diligently that we have not vacation much. We do however travel several times a year vending hair shows and festivals. However, on the list is Costa Rica, Fiji, Greece, Egypt and The Ivory Coast to name a few.
If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
I love the song by Nas “If I Ruled the world” As I imagine that, I would inspire everyone to slow down breath and do a little yoga. Most importantly use my influence for more unity and understanding, and some sort of therapy to help those realize how to deeply love themselves then loving each other would be inevitable.
What does it take to be iconic? In your estimation, who has achieved that status?
To be iconic takes compassion, grit, selflessness, ingenuity and integrity. Examples are Jacque Fresco a futurist who develop a great model for a Utopic and efficient life style for everyone. Marcus Garvey, Oprah Winfrey, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Muhammad Ali, Denzel Washington, Matt Damon and Selena Gomez to name a few who humbly give back
What keeps you inspired?
Staying in the moment and gratitude keeps me inspired, I wake up every morning giving God a big thank you and then asking how can I give and grow. The passion and desire to build an empire and leave a legacy also keeps us inspired
How do you stay connected with fans?
We stay connected with our customer family through social media hair shows and festivals, as well as when me are out and about we continually approach people and question them about their hair, life etc.
What scripture do you normally rely on?
There is really know set scripture, we just believe in respect, health, love believing in each other and living life to the fullest.
What’s on your playlist?
Our music selection covers a large spectrum from FB & Maze, Ray Charles, Roy Ayers, Steve Wonder, Ohio Players to Beenie Man, Common, Thievery Corporation, Miles Davis, Jay Cole, St Germain
Where did you vacation this summer?
There is really know set scripture, we just believe in respect, health, love believing in each other and living life to the fullest.
