Biography of Monique Little: Founder & CEO of You Go Natural -Entrepreneur
Monique Little: The Journey of a Natural Haircare Innovator
A Passion for Creativity and Business
Monique Little always had an entrepreneurial spirit and a
love for fashion. While she initially considered a career in pharmacy during
her time at Temple University, she soon realized that her true passion lay
elsewhere. Determined to pursue her creative interests, she applied to top
fashion programs and was accepted into The Parsons School of Design. However,
financial constraints led her to take a different path, enrolling in design
courses at the Fashion Institute of Technology before ultimately completing a
business degree at Rutgers University - Newark.
Exploring Different Paths
After graduating, Monique explored various roles in
corporate America but felt an undeniable pull toward building something of her
own. She dabbled in different small businesses, constantly seeking innovative
ways to channel her creativity and earn extra income. However, it was not until
she became a mother that she found her true calling in the natural haircare
industry.
A Personal Struggle Turned Business Idea
As a new mother, Monique found it challenging to maintain
her natural hair while juggling the demands of parenting. She had always been
passionate about wearing her hair naturally, but the time-consuming process of
styling became overwhelming. Realizing there was a gap in the market for
simple, stylish, and protective hair accessories, she saw an opportunity to
create something revolutionary.
The Birth of You Go Natural
In 2016, Monique founded You Go Natural (YGN) to provide
easy styling solutions for women with natural hair. Her first major innovation
was the satin-lined, easy-tie headwrap, designed to protect hair while offering
effortless styling. What started as a simple idea soon grew into one of the
fastest-growing natural hair accessory brands in the country.
From Handmade to Large-Scale Production
Like many new entrepreneurs, Monique faced challenges in
manufacturing her products. Without the funding to mass-produce her designs,
she took matters into her own hands—literally. She enlisted her mother’s help,
and together, they sewed the original wraps by hand. As demand quickly outpaced
their production capacity, she hired local seamstresses, turning her home into
a small manufacturing hub.
Building a Community Through Business
One of the most memorable aspects of YGN’s early days was
the diverse community Monique built through her work. One of her first
contractors was a young man from Turkey who would invite her in for strong
Turkish coffee and read her fortune whenever she dropped off materials. These
small yet meaningful interactions fueled her motivation and reinforced the
impact of her growing business.
Scaling Up to Meet Demand
As YGN continued to gain popularity, it was clear that
handmade production was no longer sustainable. Monique took a leap of faith,
securing a 7,500-square-foot production facility in Dallas, Texas, where she
built a team of around 50 sewing machine operators. This transition marked a
significant milestone in turning YGN from a small business into a large-scale
operation.
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Shark Tank and a Major Investment
In 2023, Monique took YGN to Shark Tank USA (Season 14) to
present her vision to potential investors. Her pitch impressed the sharks,
leading to a $400,000 investment for 10% equity plus $3 per unit sold. This
funding provided YGN with the resources needed to expand further and bring its
products to a larger audience.
A Lesson in Product Management
Like any entrepreneur, Monique faced some early missteps.
One of the biggest challenges she encountered was her ambitious approach to
product offerings. Initially, YGN launched with five different wrap styles and
ten different prints, resulting in 50 product variations—all made to order.
Managing such a wide selection quickly became overwhelming, teaching her the
importance of streamlining product lines for efficiency.
Empowering Women Through Innovation
Monique’s mission with YGN extends beyond just selling hair
accessories. She is committed to revolutionizing the natural haircare
experience by creating products that celebrate and simplify natural hair
maintenance. Her brand has empowered thousands of women to embrace their
natural beauty with confidence and ease.
The Power of Betting on Yourself
One of Monique’s key philosophies is betting on herself.
Whether it was switching career paths, starting multiple businesses, or sewing
her first products by hand, she never hesitated to take risks. Her journey is a
testament to the power of self-belief and perseverance.
Creating a Legacy in Natural Haircare
Today, You Go Natural is a leading name in the natural hair
accessory industry. The brand continues to grow, offering innovative solutions
for women who want to protect and style their hair effortlessly. Monique’s
vision has reshaped the industry, proving that a simple idea—born from a
personal struggle—can evolve into a game-changing business.
A Bright Future Ahead
As YGN expands, Monique remains dedicated to creating
high-quality, stylish, and functional hair accessories. With a strong team, a
solid business foundation, and an ever-growing customer base, the future looks
incredibly bright for her and her brand.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Monique’s story is an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs
everywhere. Her journey highlights the importance of resilience, creativity,
and the willingness to adapt. From a small sewing operation to a
multi-million-dollar brand, she has proven that passion and hard work can turn
dreams into reality.
Timeline for story
2016 – Founded You Go Natural (YGN) to create easy styling
solutions for natural hair.
2016-2017 – Handmade production began with her mother’s
help.
2018 – Hired local seamstresses to scale production.
2019 – Secured a 7,500 sq. ft. production facility in
Dallas, Texas.
2023 – Appeared on Shark Tank USA (Season 14) and secured a
$400,000 investment.
Present – Continues expanding YGN with a focus on innovation
and community impact.
