Philomina Kane
Philomina Kane is a Ghanaian-American entrepreneur and founder of KIN Apparel, a clothing brand consisting of satin-lined hoodies with the goal of protecting and preventing breakage and frizz for natural hair.[1][2] She appeared on Season 13 of Shark Tank and received a $200,000 investment from Emma Grede, founder of Good America and Lori Greiner.[3] Her company KIN Apparel is an acronym for "Keeping It Natural".[4]
Personal life[edit]
Kane was born in New York to Ghanaian parents.[5] She received a scholarship to Princeton University where she graduated with a degree in Ecological Biology. Kane played rugby at Princeton University.[4][6]
Prior to founding KIN Apparel, Kane worked as a marketing director at natural haircare startup, NaturAll Club.
Career[edit]
Kane started KIN Apparel with just $500. In 2021, her company generated $355,000 in sales. KIN Apparel specializes in sweatshirts with satin-lined hoods designed to prevent frizz and retain moisture for natural hair. The company also makes pillowcases, beanies, bucket hats and bonnets with satin lining. In 2021, she sold 30% of her company for $200,000 to Emma Grede and Lori Greiner.[3] American investor and billionaire entrepreneur, Mark Cuban, passed on the deal, recommending that Kane work with an investor who could complement her creativity.[5]
KIN Apparel's hoodies are manufactured in China. They cost $13.75 to make and retail for upwards of $80.[7]
YouTube[edit]
Kane has a YouTube channel "NaturallyPhilo" with nearly 187,000 subscribers. On her channel she documents her hair journey and gives tips to “help Black women embrace their natural hair.[5] Her most popular video "BEST Method To Define Type 4 Curls & Coils |Natural Hair|" has 1.3 million views.[8]
References[edit]
- ^ "ICYMI: Philomina Kane's Satin-Lined Hoodies For Natural Hair Land Shark Tank Deal". www.yahoo.com. Archived from the original on 29 January 2022. Retrieved 29 January 2022.
- ^ Spencer, Alexa Imani (18 October 2021). "Meet the 26-Year-Old Natural Hair Hoodie Line Owner Who Landed a Deal On Shark Tank". Black Enterprise. Retrieved 29 January 2022.
- ^ a b "KIN Apparel Update 2022 | Shark Tank Season 13". Shark Tank Recap. 10 October 2021. Retrieved 29 January 2022.
- ^ a b Iadonisi, Matteo (8 October 2021). "Black-owned hoodie business is perfect fit for natural hair revolution". 6abc Philadelphia. Retrieved 29 January 2022.
- ^ a b c Stieg, Cory (11 October 2021). "This 26-year-old started a hoodie company with $500 — now she has $350,000 in annual sales and a six-figure 'Shark Tank' deal". CNBC. Retrieved 29 January 2022.
- ^ "Kin Apparel Update 2022 | Shark Tank Season 13". Shark Tank Recap. 10 October 2021. Retrieved 29 January 2022.
- ^ "Hoodie company lands two Shark Tank investors on Season 13 premiere". www.bizjournals.com. Retrieved 29 January 2022.
- ^ "NaturallyPhilo - YouTube". www.youtube.com. Retrieved 29 January 2022.