Vernon François and Nick Mulholland

Vernon François and Nick Mulholland

How Vernon François Brought His Own Brand Of Care To This Billion Dollar Industry

Market research firm Mintel estimated that the Black hair care market brought in $684 million in 2012. However, they acknowledge that number does not reflect the revenue generated by “general market brands, weaves, extensions, wigs, independent beauty supply stores, distributors, e-commerce, styling tools, and appliances“ that also make up the industry. All told, Mintel reported that the Black hair care market is an approximately $500 billion industry. And, with the African-American population anticipated to climb to nearly 66 Million— roughly 15% of the US population— by 2050, it is anticipated to skyrocket.

Stylist turned entrepreneur Vernon François recognized this opportunity early, and turned his experience and expertise into an own internationally-acclaimed hair care line.

Growing up, Vernon François vividly remembers Sundays being about one thing: “Mum cooking and braiding our hair for the week ahead.“ It’s this early memory that inspired a young Vernon to find his own solutions to his hair care needs. First, he taught himself to braid and loc. By 14, he started working at a salon on London’s Oxford Street. By 17, he had earned “Newcomer of the Year“ at the Black Beauty Hair Awards.

François is recognized for his work with clients such as Lupita Nyong'o, Kerry Washington, Uzo Aduba, Serena Williams, and Tracee Ellis Ross. And his haircare line and hairstyles have made it into such influential fashion magazines like ELLE, Harper's Bazaar, VOGUE, Vanity Fair, Essence, and Cosmopolitan. The entire line of products are available online and instore at big name beauty retailer Sephora as well as online at NET-A-PORTER.

But it's not only François’ creativity that makes the Vernon François line so successful. There’s a team of dedicated experts working behind the scenes starting with Nick Mulholland. An expert with over 22 years experience in PR Marketing, Mulholland’s main objective is to introduce their amazing line to an even larger market.

As a team, Mulholland and François are constantly improving thanks to their dynamic. For François, it’s Mulholland’s continuous validation that encourages the hairdresser to pursue his craft with full confidence. Mulholland credits François for his steady temperament and the example he sets for everyone.

“The team is devised of people who sincerely believe in my vision and we've had people support us in every aspect of the way,“ François explained. “It’s looking for their actions versus their words and that’s where trust is really, very important,“ Mulholland added. The team’s game plan seems to be working But the pair doesn't measure success solely in dollar signs or products on the shelves. For them, it's about reinvestment.

“We recognize that any penny that we can reinvest back into the business will hopefully touch another consumer,” Mulholland recently shared with CNB.com. “If your product is on shelves and it doesn't work, that customer’s going to move on.”