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In 2013, I had had enough! My hair was simply out of control and nothing, and I mean nothing, seemed to be able to tame it.
I absolutely love my natural hair and I didn’t want to do anything that would cause damage to it, but all the options for making my hair more manageable, seemed to involve harsh chemicals or methods that would leave my hair in a weaker state afterwards.
So the thought came. “What if I could make my own hair product? Something that would be tailored to suit my own hair and at least I’ll know what I’m putting in it.” After all, there was nothing on the market that was working for me anyway. So why not?
It was 18 months if researching what ingredients existed in products that were already on the market. What did they do? Were they safe? What were the natural alternatives?
The testing took place in my mother’s kitchen at all hours of the night. Blenders and mixers making noise that kept other family members awake (sorry guys!) Some of the formulations were gooey and sticky. Others came out almost as runny as water. There was one in particular that after trying it, my hair literally began breaking up!
Nevertheless, after much trial and error, frustrations and prayers, the first version of the Hair Moisture Therapy was created (it was simply called ‘The Product’ back then), and most importantly, it worked for my hair!
I began using ‘The Product’ in my hair as I got ready for work, church, etc., and before long, friends and co-workers began asking what I was using in my hair? “Something I made at home,” would be my response and they would often ask for some to try. And after using it, they would want more and even offered to pay for it!
Never did I think that my little home made concoction would be valued by other people and that they would be willing to pay for it! I sourced some bottles and began designing a label in Microsoft Word, but I still needed a name. This is when Croissance was born.
The word Croissance means ‘growth’ in French and that’s just what this little side business did. From selling to co-workers and friends, their family and friends began to purchase as well and word continued to spread. My then boyfriend (now husband) and brother spent their lunch hours and after work hours doing deliveries all along the east west corridor.
Eventually, in 2016, we got into our first retail store, Mustapha’s Whole Sale and Retail. The next year, it was Pennywise Cosmetics and today, we’re in over 10 retailers across Trinidad and Tobago and recently began exporting to Guyana.
In 2017, we launched the Stimulating Growth Oil Infusion, followed by our Moisture Rich Herbal Shampoo and Conditioner in 2018. Most recently, in 2024, our Honey and Irish Moss Deep Conditioner was launched.
All of our products are created with the same values that guided me in the first place. They must be effective but also safe to use. Taking care of ourselves, looking great and feeling confident should never come at the cost of our health or peace of mind. That’s why all of our products are made from natural ingredients and don’t contain sulphates, parabens, silicones or anything that can make us ill. Every member of our team and even their relatives use our products, so we take this aspect very seriously.
The last few years have seen us experience many ups and downs, but the support of our loyal customers has helped us to come through it all. From events like the pandemic to the Forex shortages (which we’re still experiencing), you have been with us. From myself and the entire Croissance team, we thank you and appreciate you! We look forward to continuing this journey together and we’re excited for what the future holds!
Yours Sincerely,
Crystal Williams | Founder & CEO