ByBlacks
These Black Canadian Businesses Are Thriving Despite The COVID-19 Lockdown
Written by Camille Dundas
Businesses, big and small are closing at unprecedented rates globally, but that doesn’t mean some of us aren’t still thriving. In fact, some of us have mastered the pivot and are making serious bank!
Mimi Simmonds and her mother are the family duo behind relatively new business Kosa Wrap Shop, selling satin-lined turbans and accessories. They’ve seen a spike in demand during the lockdown, and are now on track to six-figure sales, all within their first year of business.
“We were surprised by the speed of growth, but not by the need for the product,” says Simmonds. “We saw an opportunity in the market for our satin lined turbans, so the business potential was always there. Our product has been selling internationally, which has been really exciting for us.”
Simmonds says the increase in sales likely has something to do with the overall increase in online shopping, with so many people now at home. “People are also looking for hair care and styling solutions in the absence of traditional salons,” says Simmonds.
But her small and successful business isn’t without challenges. “While product demand is high, we are growing at a time when many businesses including ours are being impacted by shipping delays and reduced access to raw materials. We have to focus on being creative and nimble in order to face these challenges. We are fortunate that our products are handmade and so production has continued. We are also currently working on a plan to add capacity to our team to support our rapid growth,” says Simmonds. Like many Black Canadian designers (such as Beni Boo, Kaela Kay and Kejeo Designs), Kosa Wrap Shop has also added cloth masks to its inventory. Kosa is also donating masks to essential workers and other local businesses.
For more on Black businesses thriving during COVID-19, read the rest of the article on ByBlacks.com