CATERING to the needs of those who have done the big chop, are transitioning or are just looking for the manageable natural hair, Koko: Love Every Strand, opened its doors to the public last Saturday.Located on Robb Street in the Mini Mart between Camp and Alexander Streets, the ‘natural hair store’ as it is commonly called by natural hair enthusiasts has garnered lots of support on social media in the months preceding its launch.

Owned by 27-year-old Denisha Victor, the store provides a wide array of natural hair products for the various hair types. Victor told Guyana Chronicle that her move to open Koko followed her constant frustration when in search for quality hair products for her hair type in Guyana.

She explained that many of the products recommended or promoted online were not available here. “With my natural hair and not being able to find products I said you know what I should do this. When I cut my hair I realised that finding products that you were seeing on the Youtube videos were very difficult, you only had a selected amount of products here in Guyana so I decided why not, and I’ve always been interested in business, hence the reason Koko started,” She noted.

Victor said she toyed with the idea of establishing her own business to cater to the growing natural hair populace. At the opening on Saturday, the store was flanked with women and men considered “natural hair freaks” in search of the ideal products for their hair. The response Victor told Guyana Chronicle was way beyond her expectation and expressed gratitude. “It has been crazy. Although we’ve been doing a lot of stuff on Facebook and so on, I really didn’t expect the type of response. The response has been overwhelming, and I’m so really thankful.”

The 27–year-old who only started her natural hair journey eight months ago said the ‘Cantu’ line of natural hair products is her favourite. Her store supplies Cantu, Eco Styler hair gels, As I am, Aphogee, Black Castor oil, Shea Moisture and Eden Body works hair products.
But while the store is aimed at serving the natural hair community, those with relaxed hair can also find products at Koko.

Those who purchased products from Koko on Saturday benefitted from free giveaways and discounts. “We aim to have very competitive prices, so most of our prices here will be lower than you will find anywhere else. I believe that every time someone comes to Koko they’ll be able to get a deal because of the amazing prices,” she explained.

Meanwhile, Victor will be partnering with the organizers of the upcoming natural hair expo, Curlfest Guyana, which is scheduled for October 9, in the Promenade Gardens. (Tamica Garnett)