How a promise to my Mum created a protective hair revolution
Building a legacy, one stitch at a time
Hey QUEEN! 👑
In 2019, I had a vision. I wanted to create something beautiful, functional, and deeply rooted in my heritage. I told my Mum -- my bestie, my confidante, and my prayer warrior -- that I was going to launch a business and name it after her. 🤍
But the road from "idea" to "order shipped" wasn’t a straight line.
The "tiny" blocker
I had a grand plan: I would make every single accessory myself. There was just one problem... I didn’t actually know how to sew.
I told myself, "No worries, I’ll just learn." But life had other plans. A broken leg in late 2019 sidelined me for months. Then, just as I recovered in early 2020, my world changed. My Mum was re-diagnosed with cancer. When she passed in May 2020, I almost gave up on my plan. I thought, What’s the point anyway?
The Turning Point
It was a conversation with a dear friend and a "fly like a butterfly" gift in honor of my Mum that changed everything. I realized that the best way to honor her legacy was to finish what I started. 🦋
By July 2020, I was taking sewing lessons from my friend’s mom, whom I refer to as my "second mom." I moved my sewing machine into my bedroom and practiced every. single. day. (and night!) for 10 months. I was determined to become a tailor worthy of the fabrics I was importing from women-owned shops in Nigeria.
Why AYỌCATHY Exists Today
Every satin-lined headwrap and elastic headband we ship is a piece of that determination. When you wear an AYỌCATHY piece, you aren't just protecting your crown with high-quality satin; you’re wearing a story of resilience.
My message to you?
Don't let the blockers stop you. Whether you’re on a natural hair journey, a career journey, or a personal growth journey, remember to keep showing up for what’s important to you. Whatever is worth having is worth the effort.
Stay tuned for future parts of the journey. In the meantime, explore our latest collection of handmade, protective beauty.
Protect your hair with AYỌCATHY
With love and satin,