Behind The Strands | Meet Rachel of Rachel Indira Hair Care
Meet
Rachel Dinkins
Rachel, the CEO & Founder, has spent many years searching for the perfect hair care line that gives her hair a unique strength, glow and shine.
Impressively launching Rachel Indira Hair Care during the pandemic, her education at SCAD, and passion for the industry has helped her ability to pivot and navigate the forever evolving, billion dollar hair industry!
We were honored for the opportunity to sit down with Rachel and have boss talk with the woman Behind the Strands of Rachel Indira Hair Care!
Let’s go!
Super excited to sit down with you! Tell us about yourself? Where are you from and what has been significant on your journey so far?
I grew up in the small town, Mobile, AL but I am very much a city girl at heart! I couldn’t wait to start my journey in a big city which led me to Atlanta. I chose Atlanta because I attended SCAD (Savannah College of Art & Design). Having majored in Fashion Marketing and Management, I always had a passion for the beauty & fashion industry. This led me to research the hair care industry, which is a thriving $87 billion industry. I think what has been most significant about my journey is the people I have met who have now become an integral part of my team!
My photographer, Brittney Mullins, is my main photographer for all of Rachel Indira’s campaigns, who also attended SCAD, so it was nice to continue working with talent from my college days. My creative director, Tanisha, who plays a huge role on my creative team has also helped to shape the brand brand image. I view the people in my life who have been with me since day one as a significant part of my journey because without my team I wouldn’t be where I am today.
You might say that we are on this journey together.
Elaborate on how your time at SCAD has helped you on the journey to creating Rachel Indira Hair Care.
I believe that SCAD really gave me the tools and resources to better prepare myself when I face challenges or stress. For example, I remember in my Fashion Design class we had projects due literally within the same week and since SCAD was open 24 hours so you could literally stay there overnight which helped me reach deadlines.
That experience prepared me for real life business and personal.
I believe that as an entrepreneur your day never ends, requiring you to work around the clock to meet deadlines.
LL: How do you balance entrepreneurship and a full-time career? What is your secret?
Funny you are mentioning this because I was JUST talking about this to a friend. I think the best thing to do is to remain focused and spend alone time with yourself. Alone time gives you clarity and a new perspective.
That is my little secret.
For example, I practice sound meditation which has helped me get in tune with my mind, body and spirit. I think carving out time for meditation, yoga, sound baths, etc can help you take your mind off your workload and do some self healing and vision refocusing.
LL: We've seen your products featured in many publications. Tell us about Rachel Indira Hair Care and how you got started?
I founded Rachel Indira in March of 2020, but researched for many years before creating the brand and formulations. However, it was during the Covid-19 pandemic that I decided this would be the perfect time to focus on my true passion, which is to provide a product that is desperately needed by women and men alike.
I knew that the “new normal” of people quarantining at home meant they were not going to their salons. Therefore, we became our own hair stylists but still wanted our hair to feel and look healthy. I identified this pain point which led me to put out our products full speed ahead!
LL: What do you see in the near future for Rachel Indira Hair Care?
Our vision for the brand is to keep elevating and evolving. This also includes adding more products to the collection as well as extending hair care accessories. I don’t necessarily see myself having a brick and mortar store as retail is also evolving. Our foundation is our online community and our customers love the easy access of logging onto a computer and ordering directly from us. However, we are going to eventually expand to include vending machines which will be easily accessible for travelers at airports, hotels and shopping malls!
LL: With expansion in your near future let’s switch it up a bit and talk about branding and marketing! What is most important when building a luxury brand?
Most important is to be passionate about what you are pursuing. But it's about all the hard work and your processes and systems that define luxury. You need to have a go getter, innovative mindset to keep going.
LL: Tell us who has been the biggest influence in your life?
There are actually several people I can honestly name in my life who have shaped me into the person I am today. However I like to acknowledge my mother who has been a great cheerleader through this process. She is always telling me to never give up and that is what I needed to hear throughout this journey. One of my mentors was my long time hair stylist, Terry Parrish, who is an outstanding hair stylist whose knowledge and advice has assisted tremendously with my brand. She has a wealth of knowledge about the nuts and bolts of this industry and does not hesitate to play devil’s advocate with me.
LL: What advice do you give your younger self?
I would just tell my younger self to always be patient. I think sometimes we don’t see results as quick as we may want them but I am starting to learn as an adult you have to let things naturally happen. What is meant for you will happen.
LL: Mental health is so important to The Luxe List Atlanta audience. Please share something that has been challenging for you this past year and what advice would you give to others dealing with the same.
I think what has been challenging is the uncertainty for me. With everything that happened during the pandemic it left everyone feeling uncertain about what would happen. This past year I dealt with knowing that if a door closes it means something better is coming. I have to remind myself that hard work, opportunity and determination drive me to never give up but keep pressing on. My advice would be that sometimes when you hear the “no’s” or the “not at this time” it should make you want it more and push yourself to appreciate “yes” when it comes around!
LL: What is a book that you recommend or your favorite quote for women finding their passion?
“Don’t sit down and wait for the opportunities to come. Get up and make them!” - Madam C.J. Walker
LL: What are you looking forward to most in the near year to come?
I am looking forward to growing and expanding. I want to add another extension to my brand. I can’t discuss fully yet but there are some great things that I am working that will allow my audience to connect with me on a deeper level!
LL: Now for some fun! Winter is here taking a tole on our skin and hair! What are some of your favorite go to products that help seal in moisture?!
Yes I have actually dealt with dry skin and eczema when I was younger. My go to Rachel Indira products are the Vitamin E oil for Hair and Body because it seals in the moisture. I like to use this product as soon as I get out of the shower and I also spray a little in my hair. It literally cuts out the dry skin and gives me a glow and dewy texture. I also like using our Intense Hydrating Shampoo & Conditioner because it provides extra softness and manageability for the hair. It is also infused with organic peppermint and tea tree oil which is amazing on the scalp especially for anyone suffering with eczema and dry skin.
Connect With Rachel Indira Hair Care
www.rachelindira.com | Instagram | Facebook
Image Credits
Brittney Mullins, Mike D
