Suggestions
Vanessa Lopes
Founder of The Wild Curl, a natural curly hair care company
Vanessa Lopes is a Finnish-Bissau-Guinean entrepreneur and the founder of The Wild Curl, a natural hair care line dedicated to curly hair. She transitioned into entrepreneurship after struggling to find suitable hair products for her own curly hair, prompting her to create her own formulations in her kitchen while living in London. This side project evolved into a full-time business when she decided to focus on it entirely in 2020, especially during the pandemic, after moving back to Spain with her fiancé, Albert.13
Background and Education: Vanessa was born in Hämeenlinna, Finland, and has a diverse cultural background, with her father from Guinea-Bissau and her mother from Finland. She has a history in rhythmic gymnastics, having been part of Finland's national team, which fueled her passion for travel and cultural exchange.1
The Wild Curl: The Wild Curl is characterized by its commitment to being 100% natural, cruelty-free, and vegan. The brand aims to provide quality hair care products specifically for curly hair types, filling a gap in the market that Vanessa identified through her personal experiences. Her journey reflects a broader mission to address the needs of underserved markets in the beauty industry.24
Current Endeavors: As of now, Vanessa Lopes continues to lead The Wild Curl while navigating the complexities of running a business in Spain, which she describes as more bureaucratic compared to her experiences in the UK. Her work not only focuses on product development but also on creating a supportive community for individuals with curly hair.1