UP had the chance to interview Michelle N. Ntalami – Founder & CEO, Marini Naturals, Kenya’s first quality natural haircare line.
A change in lifestyle brought on by her father’s cancer diagnosis in 2013 led her to found Marini Naturals: a natural haircare line that runs on a staff of eight. She began developing products in her bathroom – boiling flax seed oil and melting shea butter because imported natural hair care products were too expensive. With encouragement from friends and family, and a range of products that worked, her flourishing business was born and is now taking the Kenyan natural hair care market by storm.
What is your morning routine?
I get up everyday at about 8am. First thing I do is thank my God for an opportunity to see another day. I then do a few stretches & crunches. Finally I plan my day on my phone’s to-do list.
What 3 things do you never leave home without?
My lip balm
My high heels
My self-confidence
What is your go-to hairdo?
I love braid-outs or “matutas.” If I’m feeling super lazy I just rock my hair boy-short with all its shrinkage glory.
Favorite item of clothing in your closet?
All my dresses – I’m a huge fan of dresses as nothing makes me feel and look more feminine. I’m also crazy about designer watches.
Favourite TV Show?
I’m the biggest fan of Shark Tank, specifically Daymond John. The Steve Harvey Show is also another favourite that really cracks me up.
What’s on your music playlist?
My music ranges from Notorious BIG to Justin Beiber, Martin Garixx, Davido, Iyanya and Avicii. I love old school, hip-hop, house music and African Music with an emphasis on West African music.
Favorite inspirational book?
Who Moved My Cheese as it helped me be very adaptable to change.
Favourite mobile apps?
I’m really into my SmartAlarm helps me sleep better, monitors my sleep cycle and wakes me up very “politely.” Gym Boss is a workout app which helps me keep fit through customized body weight work-outs. AnyDo helps me plan my day better as I can be very swamped with too many things and some might slip.
Who inspires you & why?
Richard Branson – I love how he looks like he’s having fun while making money! He makes it seem so easy…
Favourite city?
Nairobi of course! But Florence in Italy comes a very close second.
Favourite restaurant?
Spurs – Their ribs get me all the time. I also love the Indian restaurant Anghiti in Westlands.
Favourite hair product in the Marini line?
Haha that’s a tough question! If I were to absolutely pick one, I’d say I’m a big fan of the Curl-Me- Pretty Curling Butter as it defines my curls so well! Love the Potent Hair Growth Oil which has really boosted my hair growth and added loads of volume.
Favourite hair product from other brands?
The As-I- Am Curling Jelly and As-I- Am Coconut Co-Wash are some of my favorite products.
One of the international brands that inspired the Marini line was actually the As I Am range of products, as its products are quality, smell great and actually work for African Hair.
Drink of choice?
Freshly squeezed Passion juice when I’m feeling like a good girl.
Dream date?
I love an Alpha male – nothing is sexier than a man who takes charge and leads the pack.
Books or movies?
One of my favorite books – The 4 Hour Work Week by Timothy Ferriss. This book really helped me strengthen networks, as you are the average of the 5 people that you spend most of your time with. One of my best movies is the love-story “The Notebook,” because yes, I’m a hopeless romantic!
