The brainchild of two sisters, 1 Hair Stops was founded in 2019. A Hyderabad-based startup is a successful hair extension and topper brand founded by Richa and Raina Grover. With a mission to empower women through the transformative power of affordable human hair extensions platform offers a wide range of high-quality hair products and has become a go-to destination for women seeking hair care solutions. 1 Hair Stops make hair toppers using only original human hair, not synthetic hairs, making the brand sustainable. The success of the brand can be attributed to the founders’ family business, Hritik Exim, one of India’s largest hair exporters. The family’s expertise in the hair industry and Richa and Raina’s entrepreneurial spirit led to creation of a seamless brand that provides modern women with a range of hair care solutions. The brand is now focused on becoming a hair innovation powerhouse in India, with plans to expand offline and diversify its online presence.
Both sisters had a keen interest in fashion from a young age, and when they combined their skills, they realized that hair extensions had not yet become a trend in the Indian market. This sisters duo brainstormed and designed products based on the latest trends, utilizing their existing manufacturing setup with minimal upfront investment. Starting with messy buns and bangs, they initially had zero inventory on hand and only a few samples. In January 2020, Raina built the Shopify website and shot Richa as its first model during a family vacation to Croatia. Further, they created social media accounts on various platforms and began pushing content relentlessly. With the assistance of one of Raina’s friends, Praneeth, the sisters launched their first advertising campaigns, allocating a modest budget of just 10,000 rupees to Google and meta ads.
We realized our mission went beyond hair and beauty, said Raina. “When we became more deeply involved and personally conducted trials in our factory weekly, we realized our mission went beyond hair and beauty. We discovered that our products held different meanings for different individuals and had a profound impact on their lives. This realization touched us deeply and drove our unwavering focus on product quality and our sincere understanding of our target audience. Our ultimate goal is to empower women to be their true selves and embrace their chosen identities”.
Raina shared how the family business has affected their methods to grow their business. “The family business setup has had a significant impact on our business. The advantages of being in a family-owned and run firm have provided a strong foundation for our growth and success at 1 Hair Stop. One key aspect is the commitment and unified leadership that comes naturally in a family business. With a shared vision and identity, all family members, i.e. our parents, our brother, Richa, and I, demonstrate a high level of dedication to the firm. This commitment creates a cohesive and consistent vision, opening up more opportunities for business development and long-term success. It also fosters a sense of loyalty among us and other employees, leading to a more unified leadership and a solid organizational culture”.
The company is on a mission to redefine the perception of hair extensions in today’s industry. They aspire to eliminate any negative social connotations associated with hair extensions and instead foster a sense of social acceptance and appreciation for their transformative power. Sisters firmly believe that a woman’s hair is her crown, and their products go beyond enhancing beauty. They empower women, boost their confidence, and contribute to their overall well-being. “This cause holds a special place in our hearts, and we are dedicated to making a positive change in the way hair extensions are seen and embraced by society”, affirms Raina.
Raina shared the upcoming plans at 1 Hair Stop:
Over the past three years, our primary growth strategy at 1 Hair Stop has been focused on aggressively expanding our online direct-to-consumer (D2C) sales. Through this approach, we have successfully positioned ourselves as a premier hair extensions company in the market. However, as we continue to evolve and grow, we are now exploring new avenues to expand our business.
To further enhance our customer experience and reach, we are excited to announce the upcoming launch of our own studio and experience center in Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad in August 2023. This physical location will serve as a hub where customers can immerse themselves in the world of hair extensions and receive personalized consultations and services. It will provide a unique and engaging environment for customers to explore our products and discover the perfect solutions for their individual needs.
In addition to our studio, we have strategic plans to venture into the market of semi-permanent hair extensions. We aim to gauge the demand and carefully assess the market dynamics to ensure a sustainable and successful entry. By strategically diversifying into offline sales, we will be able to cater to a broader customer base and establish a strong presence beyond our online operations.
As we embark on this new phase of growth, we remain dedicated to our core principles of delivering exceptional products, fostering customer satisfaction, and continuously innovating in the hair extension industry.
The success 1 Hair Stop achieved within a relatively short period can be attributed to its organic growth strategy, prudent inventory management, commitment to quality, and customer-centric approach. By staying true to these principles, the Grover sisters have achieved significant milestones and established 1 Hair Stop as a reputable and trusted brand in the industry.
