Karen Mitchell’s journey from a Jamaican-born side hustler in Brooklyn to the founder of an eight-figure beauty business is the definition of entrepreneurial resilience. The visionary behind True Hair Company and its luxury product line True Indian Hair, Mitchell has not only revolutionized the hair extension game for Black women, but she’s also carved out space in a billion-dollar industry that lacked diversity at the top.
A Side Hustle That Became a Scalp-Care Empire
What began in 2004 as a modest side business selling raw Indian hair to friends and family quickly grew into a trusted source for celebrity hairstylists and powerhouse women alike. When Mitchell was laid off from her job in fashion in 2006, she took a gamble on her side hustle and opened her first store in Brooklyn with just $15,000 and unwavering determination.
“I had no business knowledge outside of college economics,” Mitchell said, “but I felt I had no other option.”
That decision paid off. Today, her brand is synonymous with high-quality, ethically sourced extensions, worn by icons like Beyoncé, Rihanna, Lizzo, and Demi Moore.
The Power of Raw Indian Hair — and Vision
What sets True Indian Hair apart is its commitment to premium raw hair sourced directly from donors in India. Mitchell has built relationships with Indian factories and created a rigorous quality control system—each bundle is hand-selected and rewashed at their NYC hub to ensure excellence.
This attention to detail means her return rate is under 3%, and her client list continues to grow with celebrity stylists like Yusef (Rihanna), Tokyo Stylez (Cardi B), Tym Wallace (Taraji P. Henson), and Chris Appleton (Kim Kardashian) regularly tapping her brand.
“I wear my own products,” Mitchell says. “If it’s not good enough for me, it’s not good enough for anyone.”
From Canned Soup to Flagship Storefronts
The early years weren’t easy. Mitchell survived on canned soup, operated with limited stock, and learned the art of “flipping bundles”—selling product and using profits to scale inventory bit by bit. Her grassroots hustle eventually led to a flagship Manhattan store, a robust e-commerce presence, and plans to expand to Atlanta, Houston, Miami, D.C., and London.
Giving Back: True Strength for Women in Need
Through her nonprofit, True Strength, Mitchell provides beauty makeovers and hairpieces to women experiencing hair loss from cancer treatments. It’s a deeply personal mission aligned with her belief that confidence and hair health go hand in hand.
Karen Mitchell’s Tips for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Do Your Research: Grants, SMLs, and funding resources are more accessible than ever. Seek them out.
Know Your Audience: Marketing without a clear target won’t work. Focus your message.
Leverage Social Media: It’s free and powerful. Engage, inform, and sell.
Build Trust: Strong customer relationships convert to repeat business.
Hire Smart: Only bring on team members who contribute to growth.
Cut Costs: Eliminate expenses that don’t move your business forward.
Find a Mentor: After you’ve done your homework, seek guidance from someone who’s been there.
Karen Mitchell’s story is more than a business success—it’s a celebration of purpose, perseverance, and power. From humble beginnings to celebrity styling rooms and global expansion plans, she’s not just selling hair—she’s creating confidence, community, and generational wealth, one bundle at a time.
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