Ngozi Opara

Ngozi Opara is the Founder and CEO of Heat Free Hair, a company specializing in natural hair extensions for African American women.1 She launched Heat Free Hair in 2012 with the goal of providing high-quality protective styling options that wouldn't damage natural hair.2

Background and Education

Ngozi graduated from North Carolina A&T State University with a degree in Finance and Accounting.2 After graduation, she initially worked as a financial analyst for the District of Columbia Government.5 However, she always had entrepreneurial aspirations and gained experience by working for eight different entrepreneurs before starting her own business.2

Career Path

Early Career:: Ngozi opened a small hair studio in Washington, D.C., where she tended to clients after her day job.2 Her experience as a salon owner led her to identify a gap in the market for natural hair extensions that wouldn't require heat or chemical processing to match clients' natural textures.13

Founding Heat Free Hair:: In 2012, Ngozi launched Heat Free Hair, offering 100% virgin hair extensions designed to match natural hair textures and curl patterns.2 The company quickly became a pioneer in the natural hair extensions market, carving out a niche in the $500 billion black hair industry.2

Achievements and Recognition

• Named one of the 2014 Top 30 Under 30 by WKYS 93.9 FM in Washington, D.C.4
• Recognized for revolutionizing the natural hair industry with HeatFreeHair extensions1
• Successfully expanded her brand, reaching over half a million women worldwide3

Business Philosophy

Ngozi is deeply involved in all aspects of her business, from concept to manufacturing, selling, and marketing.1 She emphasizes the importance of empowering women through her products and services.4 Her company's mission goes beyond selling hair extensions; it aims to celebrate and champion the beauty of natural hair textures.3

Ngozi Opara's journey from financial analyst to successful entrepreneur in the natural hair care industry demonstrates her innovative thinking and commitment to addressing the needs of women with textured hair.