More Than Hair: Confidence, Care & Building ORS Unapologetic

Summary

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Keep it Positive, Sweetie – “More Than Hair: Confidence, Care & Building ORS Unapologetic”

Host: Crystal Renee Hayslett (The Black Effect Podcast Network & iHeartPodcasts)
Date: June 7, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode of "Keep it Positive, Sweetie" centers on host Crystal Renee Hayslett’s deeply personal journey launching her haircare line, ORS Unapologetic. The conversation highlights the emotional ties, cultural resonance, and entrepreneurial lessons that informed the creation of the line, the impact of hair on confidence and identity in the Black community, and the meaningful community support around the product’s rollout. Crystal delves into her own hair history, shifting perceptions of beauty standards, product creation, and the collaborative spirit behind her partnership with ORS. The episode is authentic, accessible, and filled with love and humor, offering wisdom for entrepreneurs and anyone exploring a healthier relationship to their hair.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

Hair Memories: Nostalgia and Growth

(04:02 – 08:40)

• “Hair Memory” Game: Crystal reflects on formative hair moments from childhood through adulthood.
  • Most “grown” childhood hairstyle? “A good rod set with the Shirley Temple curls. Y' all couldn't tell me nothing.” (04:14)
  • A style she now regrets: “I used to do this bang where I would take my bang and part it in half… It was like over but down… I don't know if that was Paula Abdul. I don't know who inspired that.” (04:47)
  • First salon memory: “There was this salon… just one chair for the women and one for the men… I would get perms from her and my hair would look so good. I loved going to her. It felt very grown.” (05:45)
  • Iconic hair scents: “The smell of a hot pressing comb… neck already on fire.” (07:00)
  • Patience lessons from braids: “My mother would do the braids with the beads on the end… that definitely taught me patience.” (07:14)
  • Hair mood-ruiner: “Humidity. When that humidity hits a fresh curl, you like, dang it.” (07:37)
  • Only Black women understand? “The nighttime routine… we all have some type of scarf or bonnet.” (07:57)
  • Hair as self-care: “Doing my hair used to feel like a chore. Now it feels like a form of self care.” (08:28)

The ORS Unapologetic Journey: From Inspiration to Impact

The Transition to Self-Love and Acceptance

(08:55 – 10:43)

• Crystal discusses shifting from viewing her hair as a chore to embracing its natural texture:
  • "I would have never known my hair could even do this if I hadn't stopped trying to fit into what society said was beautiful... what is beautiful is what God actually gave you." (09:40)
• Natural hair journey started in Atlanta in 2009, informed by the Black natural hair movement.

What Makes a Real Partnership

(11:29 – 12:31)

• ORS collaboration is emphasized as deeply collaborative, not just performative branding.
  • “I didn't just want to be the face of this brand. I wanted to be a part of it. I wanted to collaborate and make sure it actually worked… they wanted the same thing that I want.” (11:45)

Defining “Works” and Building the Line

(12:42 – 15:38)

• “Works” means the products function harmoniously and deliver real results across different hair types.
  • First batch didn’t impress—Crystal insisted on going “back to the drawing board.”
  • Breakthrough: Gel formulation which restored curl quality and moisture.
  • “My tailor… said, after day three or four my hair was still curly… my hair is still cute! Just to hear that made me feel good.” (31:03)
• Need for a full system: Mousse, gel, and more—wanted all products in the same line to eliminate "product hopping".
• Non-negotiables: No heavy alcohol (which dries hair), plenty of water, organic and ethically sourced ingredients, botanical oil directly from Honduras.
  • “We wanted to make sure... the real botanical oil from Honduras... it’s your crown... so we want to make sure that we're taking care of you as well.” (15:38)

Luxury Hair Experience: Sensory & Emotional Connections

(16:53 – 18:22)

• The smell of the line was crucial: “That first experience is a make or break. If they don’t like the smell, they’re going, ‘Ugh, I’m putting this back down!’… We did so much work to make sure the coffee smell wasn’t as potent... people open it and say, ‘Oh my goodness, it smells like a candle.’” (17:11)

The Business & Brand Builder’s Path

The Realities of Creating a Product

(20:24 – 21:16)

• “It’s not a cookie-cutter microwave process… We didn’t do a white label... We actually took time to really create these formulations and got it right.” (20:31)
• Several launch delays until the product met Crystal’s standards.

Learning from Entrepreneurship & Acting

(21:16 – 23:06)

• Being a founder builds new confidence and draws on authentic, lived experience—parallels with Crystal’s acting:
  • “It’s solely based on me… But knowing that this is based off my own personal experiences… Actually, it’s all the same [as acting].” (21:38)
• “You probably can be a founder or something... pull those skill sets into something else.” (22:31)

Community, Support, and Representation

(26:17 – 29:12)

• Times Square billboard moment: “It felt different to see my billboard… with just my face on it... But knowing, like, every time we accomplish something, it’s not just me. It’s Ashana, Wes, Herman... It’s always a collaborative effort.” (26:17)
• Launch event turnout in the rain/cold: “People really showed up in the rain, in the cold. That spoke volumes to the support that I have... people know, whatever Crystal’s doing, we want to get behind it.” (27:35)

Cultural Impact & Universality

Building for Every Hair Texture & Experience

(29:30 – 30:36)

• Crystal speaks to Black women’s layered relationships to hair:
  • “It doesn’t matter what type of hair you have… I don’t think any girl has been omitted from feeling kind of lost in that transition of like, what do I do with this hair? … We created something that is for all hair textures, that can make you feel confident no matter what hair type you have.” (29:30)
• The product aims to solve real problems across “mixed girls, girls with thicker or coarser hair,” and parents unsure how to care for their child’s texture.

What’s Next for ORS Unapologetic?

(32:10 – 32:43)

• Plans for:
  • Deep moisturizer: “I’m a big deep condition girl… we’re actually formulating and making sure we have it right.”
  • Conditioner to accompany shampoo.
  • Edge control: “I need to make sure that it is Houston, Texas approved.” (32:39)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Crystal Hendricks: Hair memory joy (04:14)
  • “A good rod set with the Shirley Temple curls. Y’ all couldn't tell me nothing.”
• On embracing herself (09:40)
  • “I would have never known my hair could even do this if I hadn’t stopped trying to fit into what society said was beautiful…”
• On partnership demands (11:45)
  • “I didn’t just want to be the face of this brand. I wanted to collaborate and make sure it actually worked.”
• On self-care transformation (08:28)
  • “Doing my hair used to feel like a chore. Now it feels like a form of self care.”
• On non-negotiables (15:38)
  • “We wanted to make sure that we went and got the real botanical oil from Honduras... We talk about, everything I do is in excellence.”
• On the Times Square launch (27:35)
  • “To my surprise, people really showed up in the rain, in the cold. And that spoke volumes to the support that I have…”

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Important Timestamps

| Segment | Timestamp | |---------------------------------------------------|----------------| | Childhood Hair Memories (“Hair Memory” Game) | 04:02 – 08:40 | | Evolution of Crystal’s Hair Journey | 08:55 – 10:43 | | The ORS Partnership (collaboration focus) | 11:29 – 12:31 | | Product Development, Breakthroughs, Non-negotiables| 12:42 – 18:22 | | Building the Brand—Patience & Integrity | 20:24 – 21:16 | | Lessons from Founding & Acting | 21:16 – 23:06 | | Teamwork & Times Square Launch | 26:17 – 27:35 | | Community/Universal Impact of Product | 29:30 – 30:36 | | Audience Feedback & Real-Life Results | 31:03 – 32:06 | | Next Steps for the Brand | 32:10 – 32:43 |

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Conclusion

Crystal Renee Hayslett’s episode “More Than Hair: Confidence, Care & Building ORS Unapologetic” is a celebration of authenticity, collaboration, and the power of embracing natural beauty. Rich in nostalgia, business wisdom, and genuine gratitude, the conversation is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, natural hair lovers, and anyone seeking inspiration around confidence, self-care, and effecting positive change in their community.

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Transcript

[Host]

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[Crystal Hendricks]

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[Crystal Hendricks]

Calling all my sweeties to the forefront, I'm your host, Chris Renee Hazlet, and this is the Keep It Positive Sweetie Show. Welcome to Keep It Posit Sweetie, the place where we heal, grow, and learn together. Today's episode feels extra special because Sweeties. We are talking about my ORS Unapologetic line. The launch, the love, the Times Square moment, all of it has honestly been so surreal. And because this line is so personal to me, I wanted to sit down and really talk about the journey behind it. Not just the products, but confidence, identity, self care, and the relationships so many of us have with our hair. So today we are getting into all the things. Shelley, what are we talking about today?

[Host]

We are talking about you, duh. But no, we're talking about ORs. Unapologetic. The line.

[Crystal Hendricks]

All right.

[Host]

It's been out. This is exciting.

[Crystal Hendricks]

Yes. We're about a month in.

[Host]

I am excited. I love it.

[Crystal Hendricks]

Thank you.

[Host]

It's crazy.

[Crystal Hendricks]

Thank you. To hear the result. I mean, the results and the response and the testimonials has been incredible.

[Host]

We're gonna get into all of that.

[Crystal Hendricks]

All right.

[Host]

But, you know, we like to play a little game.

[Crystal Hendricks]

We love a game.

[Host]

So this one is called Hair Memory.

[Crystal Hendricks]

Okay. Oh, okay.

[Host]

So I'm just gonna say some different things, and you let me know what comes to mind, because I feel like we all have, for sure. Hair Memories.

[Crystal Hendricks]

Yeah.

[Host]

So what's the hairstyle that had you feeling the most grown growing up?

[Crystal Hendricks]

Oh, honey. A good rod set with the Shirley Temple curls. Y' all couldn't tell me nothing.

[Host]

So you sit under the dryer. You would do all the things.

[Crystal Hendricks]

All the things. It was the rolling and then the mousse, the foam mousse, and then sitting on the dryer all that time. I did not like sitting on the dryer, though. That was the least favorite part about that.

[Host]

But did they used to have the ear. Like the little pink little ear covers to make sure.

[Crystal Hendricks]

I only know those were created back then.

[Host]

Okay. A hairstyle you defended at the time, but now you look back like that was not hot.

[Crystal Hendricks]

A hairstyle I defended at the time. So I used to do this bang where, like, I would take my bang and I would part it in half, and I would roll, curl one part backwards on the top, and then the bottom down. And then kind of like do this comb over thing. I don't know if that was Poly Abdul. I don't know who inspired that. But yeah, you know what I'm talking about.

[Host]

That is so funny.

[Crystal Hendricks]

You know? Yes.

[Host]

It's like over but down. But then over, then you take and

[Crystal Hendricks]

you do this little thing. We have to find.

[Host]

You have to find it.

[Crystal Hendricks]

We got to find it. We had to insert.

[Host]

Yeah, we're gonna have to. Because.

[Crystal Hendricks]

Yes. I think I actually have a photo of me.

[Host]

The fan. And you put your hair.

[Crystal Hendricks]

Oh, my gosh. The memories.

[Host]

The memories. Okay, so back to. So at the salon. What's your first salon memory? So you get the. What's your first time?

[Crystal Hendricks]

Yes. I remember there was this salon. It was on the corners right by the railroad tracks in Martin, Tennessee. It was really, really small. One side. It was just one chair for the women and one chair for the men. It had a barbershop and a female side. A salon on one side. And I cannot remember her name. Maybe it was Ms. Brenda, but she was a stylist. And I would go get perms from her and my hair would look so good. I loved going to her. And I felt grown. It was just something about going to the salon that felt very grown at a very young age.

[Host]

Very.

[Crystal Hendricks]

The conversations that were being had. Cause you could hear what the men were talking about, what the women were talking about, all the gossip. It was good. It's just a fun memory.

[Host]

That's definitely good. I think that everyone has that memory. If you went to the salon back in the day. I hate that they don't have it like that now.

[Crystal Hendricks]

Cause it was good. I feel like men still have that with the barbershop.

[Host]

Yeah.

[Crystal Hendricks]

But I feel like women not as much. Cause I go to the salon when I do go to Destiny, and we don't really talk as much like me and her talk. But most time we're reading books or just kind of in our own little world or on our phones. But yeah, I feel like that salon culture is definitely different.

[Host]

Yeah. Okay. What is a smell that instantly reminds you of doing your hair growing up?

[Crystal Hendricks]

Honey. The smell of a hot pressing comb triggered smell.

[Host]

Neck already on fire.

[Crystal Hendricks]

Right?

[Host]

Okay.

[Crystal Hendricks]

Already sweating.

[Host]

What is a hairstyle that taught you patience?

[Crystal Hendricks]

Braids. Getting braids. My mother would do the braids with the bees on the end. That hairstyle definitely caused me to have patience and talk to you.

[Host]

And you love it. So much. So it's like I've got to sit through it.

[Crystal Hendricks]

Oh, yeah. I couldn't wait to shake my hair and hear the bees clacking. I love that.

[Host]

What's the quickest way to ruin a good mood? Hair wise.

[Crystal Hendricks]

Oh, my goodness. Humidity. When that humidity hits a fresh curl, you like. Dang it.

[Host]

And you don't know what you looking like either.

[Crystal Hendricks]

You just looking like a Chia Pic. I left out looking good and now I look crazy. Yeah.

[Host]

No. What is something you would say only black women understand about hair day? Mm.

[Crystal Hendricks]

I think the nighttime, I feel like black women understand the night routine. We all have some type of thing, whether it's the pillows that we sleep on or if it's the scarf or the bonnet. I feel like we all have something that we have to do at night that we implement into our nighttime routine that other women probably don't have to.

[Host]

No, that's a good one. Because you also know if you don't do it, you already know when you wake up. Like, I'm gonna need that extra hour.

[Crystal Hendricks]

Listen to redo it. Yeah.

[Host]

And then last one. Doing my hair used to feel like. Now it feels like this.

[Crystal Hendricks]

Doing my hair used to feel like a chore. Now it feels like a form of self care. Okay, good.

[Host]

We're gonna get into more of that. Okay.

[Crystal Hendricks]

Yes.

[Host]

I love that. That was cute.

[Crystal Hendricks]

Yeah. Thank you.

[Host]

So, like I said, we're talking everything ors unapologetic, and you've done your miniseries on ig, so I love that. People really got some really good insight. We got to feel how you feel felt with like, the prelaunch, but now it's here.

[Crystal Hendricks]

It's here, baby.

[Host]

It's here. Woo. So tell me, how does it feel knowing that you talked about your hair journey and when you were younger, how does it feel knowing, like, your hair is goals, like people are using you as you're on the Pinterest boards? How does little Crystal feel about knowing that something that once was just the bane of her existence is now something that people aspire to?

[Crystal Hendricks]

Yeah. You know, I've had a lot of hair ever since I was a kid. And it was a lot for my mother to manage. It was a lot to maintain. And the easiest thing to do was to throw a perm on it. So it was more manageable and easier to manage. And at that time, I was just like, okay, I gotta do this. And it almost felt like it was a burden on whoever had to do my hair. And then also a burden for me as a child had to sit there and go through it. But now to see, probably for me, it was like 2009, when I moved to Atlanta and this whole natural thing was kicking off, and it was like, what is this? We're not doing perms anymore. It's not good for us. They're trying to kill us, like, all these things. And I said, you know what? I'm gonna try it. I would love to see what my natural hair looks like and what it can do. And I would have never known that my hair could even do this if I hadn't stopped trying to fit into what society said was beautiful, which is the straight hair, the soft, curly hair, which that is beautiful. But also what is beautiful is what God actually gave you. So embracing that and actually exploring and figuring out it was a process. Cause my hair had to go through a lot of changes to even get to this point. But to go through that and then to see, wow, like, this is something that people really like. They aspire to have a hair like mine. And to know that I've been able to build something where people are now seeing, oh, my goodness, I didn't know my hair could do this. And they're loving it. So it's beautiful.

[Host]

I love that. So you talk about self care and how that's how it is now. When did that stop feeling like maintenance? When did you have that transition, you think?

[Crystal Hendricks]

I think honestly when I started doing my YouTube videos and it became fun, you know, it didn't feel like work anymore. It didn't feel like a chore. I started really taking care and exploring with different products and seeing what worked for me. And I think that's when it became more like, this is actually a form of self care. This is something I'm going to do on Saturdays before I get out and hit the streets, you know? So I think that was one of the things that really switched it for me is when I started doing the videos and really got into my hair

[Host]

and kind of like a mindset shift to like, okay, let's not make this a thing. Let's embrace it.

[Crystal Hendricks]

Absolutely. Yeah.

[Host]

So ors, it's an iconic brand.

[Crystal Hendricks]

Yeah.

[Host]

Been around. This is major, major, major. You popped out with it. What does. What did that alignment feel for, like, the partnership, not just you choosing the brand, but, like, what was it having both of you guys at the table? What did you know you wanted that partnership to be?

[Crystal Hendricks]

I knew that I wanted it to be very collaborative. I think that a lot of times as a brand ambassador or an influencer, a lot of times you don't have the creative control or the voice to say, hey, this is What I would like to see, it's really like, this is what we're experts in. We just need you to be the face of it. So coming in, I knew I didn't just want to be the face of this brand. I wanted to be a part of it. I wanted to collaborate, and I wanted to make sure it actually worked, you know? So those are things that were important to me. Cause if I'm gonna speak on something, I had to know that this actually works. Yeah. So when I sat at the table for the first time, that was something that was made very clear on both ends and which made me feel comfortable knowing that, wow, they want the same thing that I want.

[Host]

Yeah. They want a true partnership, not just the face.

[Crystal Hendricks]

Exactly.

[Host]

Yeah. So when you say you wanted to make sure it works, explain what works means to you. Like, what was this supposed to be solving for the woman that you or the man. What problem was this supposed to be solving?

[Crystal Hendricks]

Honestly, something that. When I say it works for my hair and works for all hair types, it's what. When you put the products and everything mixes together, do they work cohesively together? When you put it on your hair, how does it react? Does your hair love it, or is your hair like, oof, I don't like that. We saw in the first batch, my hair was like, girl, what is this?

[Host]

This ain't doing nothing.

[Crystal Hendricks]

This ain't doing nothing. We gotta go back to the drawing board. And also because of. I guess it was research at the time, me playing with different products and trying to figure out what worked for my hair, I had done so much research through my YouTube videos and playing with products that I knew what I needed. And when we went back into the lab and we figured out the gel formulation, that was the component that really. Game changer. And I hear so many people saying, girl, the gel. The gel. My hair has never looked like this. My nephew, he was born with beautiful, curly hair. And his mom hit me the other day and said, crystal Hendrick's hair has not looked like this since he was born. Like, we. This is like. It solved the problem, you know, so bringing the softness back to your hair, moisturizing it, and then having those curls really pop the way you know, they can is what this product has solved. Because a lot of times people try stuff, and it's like, it's not. It ain't working. It's not hitting. Yeah. So we got it figured out.

[Host]

Yes. Integrity of the hair back. So that kind of goes back into. Did it start off with, you knew you Wanted a system of products or how did. What was that like to get. Cause you have 1, 2, 3. We talking the full six skis right here. Six products? Yeah. So how did you decide that?

[Crystal Hendricks]

Honestly, doing my hair, I've learned what works. Like I'm a mousse in gel. Girls with softer textures can just throw some mousse and water in it. And it does the same thing that my hair does when I use mousse and gel. Sometimes if I just. If I don't want a super hold, I'll just use the gel. But that mousse and gel combination for me works wonders. What we tried at first was to do a mousse to gel in one bottle, but it wasn't thick enough. I need the jelly.

[Host]

Yeah.

[Crystal Hendricks]

So I was like, let me try both. And what I've learned is that with all. When I was even doing hair, I used so many different products from different lines. And I was like, I need to figure out how I can create this in one line where I don't have to go to all these different lines to figure it out because somebody's moose may work for me. And then I had to go get somebody else's jail here. I can literally use all one line instead of having to jump around and figure it out. We've done. We've done the math for you guys. We figured out all the problems. We got you. This is one stop shop over here.

[Host]

Yeah. No, seriously, it's nothing like just going one aisle. Pick it up.

[Crystal Hendricks]

Let's head up, girl.

[Host]

There's nothing like it.

[Crystal Hendricks]

Yeah.

[Host]

So you say all that. You know, what your hair needed. What were some of the non negotiables? That. Because of course, like you said, you're a product junkie, basically. You know, all the things. What were some non negotiables? You were like, oh, no, my line can't have this or my line can have that.

[Crystal Hendricks]

Yeah. Heavy on the alcohol because alcohol dries our hair out. So I was really particular in that. Making sure it had enough water in it to really moisturize our hair. Our hair types need water. I know for me, my hair drinks it until it can't take anymore, and then it takes forever to dry. Right. So, so understanding what my hair needed and what helps it flourish, that was one non negotiable. And then making sure that we were using good, clean, organic products. Making sure that the botanical oil wasn't some rip off. We wanted to make sure that we went and got the real botanical oil from Honduras. Those things were important. Keeping the Integrity of the products, because you can slap a batona oil stamp on anything. But if it's not that 100% from Honduras, you know that it's been sourced from a really rich soil. So I wanted to make sure that one. The integrity of the product stood up to my standards. We talk about everything I do is in excellence. I wanted to make sure that even with this, because this right here, this is what is going on your hair, it's your crown, and it's going into your body. So we want to make sure that whatever you are putting, that we're taking care of you as well. So that was a non negotiable for me when it came to also, again, putting my name behind something.

[Host]

I love it. It's the whole luxury hair experience.

[Crystal Hendricks]

Yeah.

[Host]

You know, so my favorite thing was when I opened it, I was like, what is that smell? Oh, my goodness, I'm about to eat the jail. So I'm assuming, like, what did you want women to feel the moment they opened the products? Cause I know how I felt when I smelled it. I was like, oh, my goodness.

[Crystal Hendricks]

The same way we feel when we walk on an aisle. Any hair product, I don't care what it is, the first thing you're gonna do is open and smell it. Right? So I wanted people to, like, immediately. That first experience is a make or break. If they don't like the smell of it, they're going, ugh, I'm putting this back down. I've really only had, like, one person who doesn't like the smell of coffee. And they were like, but I love the way the product works on my hair, so I can. They could get past it. Cause, like, I just love the way it works on my hair. But anyone else, like, we did so much work to make sure that the coffee smell wasn't as potent as it in its natural state is. Cause Batana smells very, very strong. So we wanted to make sure of that. But that smell, like, as soon as you smell it, it's like, I wanted people to be like, ooh, it's almost like a nervous system regulator. I wanted that. So I think we nailed it because I'm really big on scents. Anybody tell me, like, what's that smell? Like? I can smell anything. So to know that we've mastered it and got that smell to a point where, like, people actually, when they open it and we've taken it to different places and watch people in real time open their products and like, oh, my goodness, it smells like a candle. Or oh, this smells like this it reminds me of this. That's what we wanted.

[Host]

Nice. You know, it smells so yummy.

[Crystal Hendricks]

Thank you.

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[Crystal Hendricks]

What?

[Host]

Yeah.

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[Crystal Hendricks]

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[Crystal Hendricks]

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[Crystal Hendricks]

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[Host]

What was the most surprising about the process of building something from the ground up like this?

[Crystal Hendricks]

That it's not a cookie cutter microwave process. This takes time, you know, and if you want to do it right. We didn't do a white label where we just taking somebody else's formulation and slapping a label on it. We actually took time to really create these formulations and got it right. And we've had, I think we had a few launch dates original and we just. It wasn't right so we had to keep pushing it, keep pushing it. So Understanding that you have to be paid. That's another thing. With patience and building a brand, we had to be patient and make sure that whatever we're putting out is right and it's the right time. And I believe we did the right thing. We didn't rush it. And that was probably the most surprising thing, was like, dang, this does take a lot of time, because I had never done it before. Yeah.

[Host]

So continuing into that entrepreneurial journey, this feels like another level up, another beautiful chapter of that journey, and stepping into founder territory, which we hear people say, I'm a founder. I'm a founder. Founder. But you are definitely a founder. What has this taught you about yourself? That maybe acting or some of those other skills that you've practiced, has it that you haven't had to do?

[Crystal Hendricks]

That's a good question. I believe that being a founder and building something from the ground up has taught me one, that this is solely based on me. It's not somebody giving me direction on what to do and how to. These are lines you're gonna say. Now say it. You know, with acting, like, it's a collaborative effort where I'm focused on a scene partner and those different things. And I guess in a way, this also mirrors that when it comes to. This was also a collaborative effort. But knowing that this is based off my own personal experiences and what I've Actually, that's. No, it all is the same. Because even acting is based off my personal experiences when I'm acting. Yeah. So no, it's. I don't know if this taught me anything different, because as I'm saying, I'm like, no, I do the same thing with acting. Yeah. Well, that's good.

[Host]

That's even better. Because you talk about just how your life and all the things you've done, they all kind of come full circle for you, and you use those same skills. So I think that's good for somebody to even hear you say that, that they can know, like, whatever you're doing right now, you probably can be a founder or something, because.

[Crystal Hendricks]

And pull those skill sets into something else. Yeah, okay. Yeah, yeah, I was talking about that. Yeah. Because I use my own personal experiences to be able to build this when I'm acting. I pull from personal experiences to be able to make it real and realistic. So, yes, I think it's all the same.

[Host]

Were you intimidated, though, by going into this space? This space?

[Crystal Hendricks]

I think I was more intimidated acting than going into this space because I partnered with the experts. You know, I was with people who knew exactly what they were doing. And I seen the fruit, all the other launches that they had done and lines that they had helped build. I knew I was in good hands. And I think with acting, once you have the lines and the camera and the director says, action, it's on you, you know, so you're out there kind of by yourself, trying to figure it out with the cameras in your face. But with this, I definitely feel like I had more support and. And I knew that we were in good hands with ors and namaste.

[Host]

Definitely.

[Crystal Hendricks]

Yeah.

[Host]

So this kind of puts you in that beauty space. Did it change the way you felt about, like, outside of entertainment, the things you could do? I know you know that you can do anything and everything, but I'm sure it's kind of got some things brewing. How did it. How was that like doing something that was outside of entertainment?

[Crystal Hendricks]

I. And even more today, I understand that the entertainment industry is changing. It has changed drastically from the day I started in this industry to today. And I think as artists, the sooner you understand that that can't be your end all be all the better off you'll be. So for me, getting into this, and I've always had the brain to work, okay, what's next? Like, how can we build off of this? What else can we do? You think of that graph where it's like the circle in the middle and then you have lines and more circles. Like mine just keeps getting bigger and bigger based off of the nucleus of what I've built. So for me, it's making sure that this is wealth building. This is generational wealth. Things that I can do to continue to help support my family from years to come where if a show gets canceled tomorrow, what am I going to do? You know? So I think it's very smart for creatives, whether you are in an entertainment industry or an entrepreneur, to have multiple strings, because at any day, anytime something could end. So for me, it was more so making sure that I'm good either way.

[Host]

Madam C.J. walker is perhaps.

[Crystal Hendricks]

Yes.

[Host]

How do you balance the creativity with the business side of things? You are super creative and, you know, all these things. How were you able to balance that? Or were you able to kind of just relinquish it all and kind of pour it all into it?

[Crystal Hendricks]

Yeah, we've been able to pour it all into it, you know, and that's the beautiful thing about being a creative. Any product needs some type of creativity to sell it, you know, so to actually be able to put that skill set to use when it comes to selling the product was amazing because when we do our marketing and we have all these different calls on what we're going to do next to push the products, we get to have fun with. That's the fun part, you know, getting to create and. And have fun with the marketing. But I love it.

[Host]

So you are this big time actress and things. So you've seen your name and the lights and the screens. Did it feel the same when you saw the ORs? Unapologetic. Unapologetic. And knowing this product or is the feeling always the same, the same gratitude? Or was it a little bit different because of what, you know, sector this is.

[Crystal Hendricks]

When I look at a product, I think about the team. You know, when we build something, it's not like a I did this. I did this. Yes, I know. Like, I'm the driving force or the face of it and the reason why people like, we want to do this. But I'm none of this without my team. So even with tv, like, I've had billboards in Times Square with the Sisters and with Deval for Zatima, but I think the only moment it felt different was to see my billboard in Times Square with just my face on it. And that was a moment. But knowing, like, every time we accomplish something, it's not just me, it's Ashana, Wes, Herman, everybody that, like, that's on the meetings when I'm not even on the calls that are handling everything to make these things happen while I may be working on something else, you know, so understanding that it's always a collaborative effort and not getting too ahead of myself or ego driven for sure.

[Host]

I love that. So let's talk about the launch. I know. I was so excited to see see the billboard and see the people. It just really felt very personal and like something that was yours and just really happy to see. And it aligned perfectly with just your brand, your hair and everything. Talk to me about that Times Square moment and minus the billboard, like the weather, the people, the people showed up. I saw people that I see at all of your live podcasts and all those things.

[Crystal Hendricks]

Yeah.

[Host]

So tell me, what was that energy?

[Crystal Hendricks]

Like, shout out to the Sweeties. First and foremost, it was people I had never met there. The Sweeties were there. People that I didn't even know were a fan of mine, you know, that showed up and was like, oh. Or one guy was like, my friend told me to come out here, like, she's a big fan of yours. So he literally came in the rain because somebody told him To. I was like, wow. Like, that's crazy. But I remember sitting in my hotel room, and it was me and Ayanna and Herman, and it was called cold. It was rainy. And I'm looking my room, I couldn't see that side of Times Square. And I was just like, man, I was like, y', all, what if nobody comes? I literally had a moment of doubt. And I was like, cuz, I don't know, like, it's raining, you know, like, and it's cold outside, you know, and that's another thing. Black people in their hair. We do not like to be outside in no rain, okay? So they were like, crystal, people are going to be out there. It was something else going on, some type of rally. So it was like a bunch of people outside. But I didn't. I was like, they ain't there for me. You know, they there for this other thing. And that was over with before mine. So when I got outside, I was able to actually see who came for me. And to my surprise, people really showed up in the rain, in the cold. And that spoke volumes. That spoke volumes to the support that I have. That spoke volumes to the brand, overall brand that we've built, that people know, whatever Crystal's doing, we want to get behind it, you know? And it meant so much just to have that moment. I remember going out before, during the day to call my parents and show them the billboard. And it was just a beautiful day. It really was. It was fun. We had a good time.

[Host]

Congratulations.

[Crystal Hendricks]

Thank you.

[Host]

We are also proud. And I know that it's not all of us, but majority of us black women, we have such layered relationships with our hair just because of how we were taught about it, our experiences, our texture. How important was it for this line to feel like it was made for all of those experiences?

[Crystal Hendricks]

It's very important because honestly, it doesn't matter what type of hair you have as a curly haired girl or a textured hair girl, from the mixed girls who have the hair that is most coveted to the girls who have a thicker or coarser hair. I've heard stories from the women who. Have you seen the more finer textures that have dealt with just not knowing where to fit in or, you know, understanding, like, why is my hair different than everybody else's? And sometimes the parents didn't know how to do it, you know, so this is a product where the mom who's trying to figure out how to work with a textured hair daughter, they know this is easy for them. You know, we've made it easy for the mom whose daughter is more kinky or curly. And more texture, thicker texture. We have something for them, too. But I don't think any girl has been omitted from feeling kind of lost in that transition of, like, what do I do with this hair? You know, I think we've all kind of been through that phase where it's like, I don't know what to do with this. So that we created something that is for all hair textures that can make you feel confident no matter what hair type you have.

[Host]

I love that. So it's been out for over a month. It's here, it's live. And I've definitely seen you repost some stuff. But tell me some of the audience responses that have really spoken, especially those people that may not be your friends that have been, you know that people gone out and bought this product.

[Crystal Hendricks]

Yeah, it's been amazing. You know, I believe that. I don't know. I haven't had any. If. Yeah, I haven't heard of any bad reviews on it.

[Host]

I love that.

[Crystal Hendricks]

Yeah, I've not heard any bad reviews. And then friends that I didn't even know had went out and bought it themselves. Like, my tailor came over yesterday, and she goes, oh, my God. She was like, the gel. She's like, girl. She's like, I've never had a. She said even, like, after day three or four, my hair was still curly. I was like, me too. I was like, it was like day six or seven for me. And I was like, my hair is still cute, you know? But she couldn't believe, like, how well her curls are holding up. And just to hear that made me feel good. Because I know for me, after. Before, it would be like, after day three or four, I'd be ready to wash my hair. Or sometimes it was day two, I'd be like, wash it. Get it out. But to know that women are still loving their hair a few days after they've done their wash and go means a lot. I see the comments on Instagram, I see the videos people post, Even them opening up their products as they get. It has been a beautiful thing to watch. And just I'm always paying attention to making sure I thank them for supporting, because you don't have to. That's the thing. People think that you throw something out. People just automatically don't support it. I really appreciate it.

[Host]

I love that. So, I mean, what's next for the brand, man?

[Crystal Hendricks]

We have so many products. I was talking to them about a deep moisturizer because I. I'm a big deep condition girl talked about. We actually are formulating and making sure that we have it because we want to make sure it's right. A conditioner to accompany the shampoo and the edge control is getting formulated as well. Because we had an edge control. I went to Houston and baby that thing did not work. So I need to make sure that it is Houston, Texas approved.

[Host]

That's a great study because it is hot.

[Crystal Hendricks]

Yes.

[Host]

Okay. Awesome. Well Crystal, congratulations ORS unapologetic. You continue to just level up. So we're super excited and thank you for sharing all the deets.

[Crystal Hendricks]

Of course. Thank you. Thank you guys for tuning in. I hope you are loving all the products and please let us know how you're liking it. I would love to know.

[Host]

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[Crystal Hendricks]

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