Chicago Business Owner Seeks Community Support to Save CurlMix Amid Economic Challenges
Chicago Business Owner Appeals for Community Support to Save CurlMix
CHICAGO (WLS) — In a heartfelt plea, Kim Lewis, the owner of the popular hair care brand CurlMix, is reaching out to the Chicago community for help as her business faces unprecedented challenges. Featured on the hit show “Shark Tank,” CurlMix has become a beloved name in textured hair care, but rising costs and economic pressures threaten its future.
Lewis, who co-founded CurlMix with her husband Tim, has been in business for a decade. Their journey took a significant turn when they appeared on “Shark Tank,” where they famously turned down an offer from investor Robert Herjavec, choosing instead to bet on their brand’s potential. “Being on ‘Shark Tank’ definitely put us on the national stage,” Lewis reflected. “It was our biggest year in business.”
However, the landscape has changed dramatically. Lewis cites tariffs, inflation, and a decrease in investment in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives as key factors contributing to her struggles. “When tariffs go up, our cost of raw materials goes up,” she explained. “People are also being more cautious with their spending.”
Once thriving with a workforce of 40, CurlMix’s South Side warehouse now employs just 14. “We have to do everything that we can to survive,” Lewis stated, highlighting the stark reality of her situation. With her bank account recently dipping to a negative $18,000, she felt compelled to take action rather than “close silently.”
In response, Lewis has launched a social media campaign titled “Protect CurlMix,” urging Chicagoans to rally behind the brand. “If our community wants it, our community will show up for it. I believe that,” she said, acknowledging the stigma around asking for help.
Lewis is optimistic that the Chicago community will rise to the occasion. “If a bank’s not going to give it, if an investor’s not going to give it, we can earn it, and our community can be our heroes,” she declared.
To support CurlMix, Lewis invites the public to donate to their campaign, purchase products, or simply share her message on social media. As she navigates this challenging chapter, her faith in the community remains strong. “There’s a lot of shame with telling people, ‘Hey, I’m struggling,'” she admitted, but she believes that together, they can overcome these hurdles.
As CurlMix faces its most challenging year yet, the call for support resonates not just for a business, but for a community that has always valued resilience and solidarity.
