Nancy Twine’s story is a powerful reminder that entrepreneurship is about more than just business—it’s about purpose, passion, and perseverance. As the founder and CEO of Briogeo, a billion-dollar brand known for its natural hair care products, Twine has proven that success is earned through dedication, strategic decisions, and staying true to one’s vision.
Her journey is not just an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs but a testament to the strength and resilience of Black founders breaking new ground in industries that have often overlooked them.
Building with purpose: Trusting raw talent and vision
Twine developed Briogeo by building a team that shared the brand’s ideals as well as the essential skills. One of her most critical decisions was hiring someone who was learning English and had minimal logistics or beauty industry expertise. Twine noticed passion, determination, and a deep understanding of Briogeo’s objective in this person, despite their appearance.
This hire helped the brand succeed, showing that untapped potential and a genuine passion for the job can be more valuable than attractive résumé. Twine succeeded by fostering a team environment where everyone cared about the brand.
Building a strong brand foundation
As Briogeo grew, Twine noticed her brand’s messaging becoming fragmented. Social media, email marketing, and other customer touchpoints all told different stories, confusing her customers. Realizing the need for cohesiveness, she took a bold step and hired a branding agency to craft a unified style guide. This investment paid off, as it created a more consistent and recognizable brand experience, reinforcing Briogeo’s identity in the beauty industry.
Twine’s entrepreneurial journey also taught her the value of delegation. In the early days, she was the company’s everything—wearing every hat out of fear and habit. However, she reached a turning point when an executive coach helped her understand the importance of delegating and trusting her team. This shift in mindset allowed her business to scale rapidly.
Today, Nancy Twine is not just a business leader but a mentor, empowering new Black founders through initiatives like her Makers Mindset Accelerator, pushing others to reach their full potential and take their businesses to the next level.
Key Takeaways
Nancy Twine’s journey as the founder and CEO of Briogeo highlights the importance of purpose, passion, and perseverance in entrepreneurship, especially for underrepresented founders.
- Impact: Twine’s success demonstrates the power of building a team based on passion and vision rather than just experience, challenging traditional hiring practices.
- Action: Entrepreneurs should invest in creating a cohesive brand identity and learn to delegate effectively to allow their businesses to scale.
- Empowerment: By mentoring and supporting other Black founders, Twine is fostering a community that can break barriers and achieve greater success in the industry.
