It’s No Longer a Boy’s Club, 103 Collection Founder Melinda Herron is Here to Change the Narrative with her Men’s Grooming Products
Founder of 103 Collection, Melinda Herron is one of a few in her industry. As a woman, in the male dominated men’s grooming category, she has a chip on her shoulder and is determined to infiltrate the proverbial ‘boy’s club’. Launching in 2019, the leaping bunny certified brand quickly grew a cult following for its unisex skin care, and soon became noticed by retail giants including Target.
As a Licensed Cosmetologist and Master Hairstylist, Melinda is well versed on beauty and grooming products. After a couple of years of nurturing her then struggling lifestyle brand, she saw the need to integrate beard care – and this changed the game! Not only did men begin to gravitate towards the brand because the products were healthy, vegan and affordable, but the word began to spread that 103 was owned by a woman. This dynamic has continued to position the brand as a major player in grooming. Melinda is super excited to open the door to this boy’s club and show how a woman can be just as successful!
We caught up with Melinda to ask her about her entrepreneurial journey and to see what it’s like entering into a male dominated industry.
Why did you decide to create beard care items?
My inspiration to add beard care products into our collection was our consumers. Trust me this wasn’t easy because I don’t have a beard and my husband didn’t either at the time. I wanted to create a product that would smell amazing, add shine and support beard growth. My husband began to grow his beard and after trying several other products, he would experience split ends, dry patches on under the beard, split ends and shedding. My focus at that point was not only to develop a product that smelled great but also focus on call outs like sensitive skin, soothing and sealing in moisture. I believe men need a product that would remedy all these issues and check all the boxes of clean beauty.
My years as a cosmetologist provided me with the knowledge of knowing exactly what would garner amazing results. I then had to asked myself, why would a man want to grow a beard? I looked at it from the same perspective as to why women want thick healthy hair. We all want to look good and feel good and having a healthy beard just makes you feel confident inside and out. I was able to apply those same ideas and create vegan beard care for all hair types. My goal is to provide beard care products that a man will love but a woman would love more.
What is it like to be a woman in a male dominated product industry?
The best way to describe being a woman in this male dominated industry is defined in one word, confidence. I pride myself on my knowledge as an entrepreneur that I can give the customer what they want. I don’t make excuses, I show up everyday to do better than I did the day before.
It’s clear that Melinda’s hard work and dedication is paying off. This month, the brand’s beard care items launched on Target.com. Other items can be found at 103Collection.com.