1. Can you please tell us more about your business?
TAUPE TOOLS is a Black-owned brand that offers high-quality hair tools and accessories for professional stylists and everyday users. We focus on innovation, durability, and functionality to ensure our products enhance styling efficiency while maintaining hair health.
Our collection includes everything from styling combs and brushes to heat tools and essential accessories designed to help create flawless looks effortlessly. A standout product is our TAUPE TOOLS Silk Press Straightener, designed to achieve sleek, long-lasting silk presses in just one pass. Featuring titanium plates and ionic technology, it smooths hair effortlessly while minimising heat damage and preserving moisture.
2. When, how, and why did you start your business?
TAUPE TOOLS was born out of my own experience as a hairstylist. I struggled to find high-quality, professional-grade tools that were both effective and durable. Seeing this gap in the market, I decided to create my own line of tools that met the standards I needed for my clients. I started the business by curating and testing products that I personally used and loved, ensuring that they delivered on quality and performance.
3. What is your role in the business?
As the founder and CEO, I oversee product development, branding, and strategic direction. I also work closely with my team on marketing, customer engagement, and ensuring that every product or tool we release meets the highest standards.
4. Where did you study and what did you study?
I studied at the Sassoon Academy in London, but much of my expertise comes from working with and learning from salon owners who prioritise premium client experiences. Essentially, my journey in the hair industry and business has been shaped by hands-on experience and continuous learning. While I have formal training in hair styling, my business knowledge has been built through real-world experience, industry research, and mentorship from successful entrepreneurs.
5. How did you finance your business?
I initially self-funded TAUPE TOOLS, reinvesting earnings from my salon business. As the brand grew, I continued to scale through strategic reinvestment, ensuring we could expand without compromising on quality.
6. Describe your average workday, if such a thing exists.
No two days are ever the same! Some days, I’m in the salon working with clients, testing new tools and products, and gathering real-time feedback. Other days, I focus on business operations i.e., managing product development, overseeing orders, refining marketing strategies with my team, and improving the overall customer journey. I also set aside time for social media engagement and responding to customer enquiries to stay connected with our audience.
7. How do you balance your home life and your work life?
It’s a constant work in progress but I’ve been more intentional about it this year. I’ve learned to delegate tasks in both my business and home life so I can focus on what truly matters. Having a strong team and setting clear boundaries helps me maintain balance, but I also remind myself that some seasons require more focus on work, while others allow for more personal time.
8. What drives you and inspires you?
I am driven by the desire to create high-quality products that make a difference for stylists and clients. Seeing people use and love TAUPE TOOLS products inspires me to keep pushing forward. I also find motivation in building a legacy – something that outlives me and impacts the beauty industry positively.
9. Where and when do you have your best ideas?
My best ideas often come while working in the salon. Being hands-on, engaging with clients, and receiving direct feedback enables me to identify gaps in the market and develop solutions in real-time. That’s exactly how the TAUPE TOOLS Silk Press Straightener was created – I saw the need for a professional-grade tool that could deliver sleek, long-lasting results without excessive heat damage.
I also find inspiration when I travel, as it exposes me to new techniques, cultures, and business trends. Observing different styling methods and hair textures around the world helps me refine and improve our product offerings to meet diverse hair care needs.
10. Where and how do you market/advertise your business for sales leads?
We leverage social media heavily – Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube are key platforms for showcasing our products in action. We also use influencer partnerships, word-of-mouth marketing, and targeted digital ads to reach our audience. Additionally, our salon clients often become customers, as they see the tools in use and want to recreate the same results at home.
11. What is next for your business?
We’re expanding our product range with new innovative tools designed to elevate the styling experience. I also want to push TAUPE TOOLS internationally, making it more accessible to stylists and consumers worldwide. Long-term, I’d love to collaborate with major retailers and create education-based content to help stylists maximise their skills using our tools.
12. What advice would you give to female entrepreneurs hoping to start their own business?
Start with a strong vision and stay committed to it. The journey won’t always be easy, but consistency and adaptability are key. Surround yourself with a supportive network, invest in learning, and don’t be afraid to take calculated risks. Most importantly, believe in yourself and your brand – confidence in your product or service will translate into success.
Biography
Fola Fash is the CEO and founder of TAUPE Tools, a haircare brand that has swiftly gained popularity among hair enthusiasts. With nearly a decade of experience, including training at the renowned Sassoon Academy and working in top London salons, Fola has become a sought-after stylist beyond Africa.
Her expertise in textured hair and vision for creating premium products led to the launch of TAUPE Tools—a brand designed to meet the needs of both clients and professionals. TAUPE Tools has been tested in salons, on set, and behind the scenes with A-list celebrities, establishing itself as a key player in the haircare industry. Fola is redefining haircare with a focus on innovation and inclusivity.
Rooted in Africa, TAUPE Tools now reaches the UK, US, and Europe, inspiring a new gen eration of stylists, especially from Africa and the global diaspora. Fola’s strategy for TAUPE Tools focuses on creating a high-end brand experience that is both aspirational and relatable, while maintaining a strong connection with the consumer base.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Fola adapted the business by concentrating on online tutorials and home-based haircare, ensuring TAUPE Tools’ continued growth. Through her work, she advocates for a more inclusive and innovative haircare industry.
