DETROIT, Mich. — Gwen Jimmere, CEO/founder of Naturalicious has become the first African American woman in history to own a U.S. patent on a product made with all-natural ingredients. News of this groundbreaking moment has been highlighted across the country in media such as Entrepreneur magazine, Black Enterprise, Fast Company, and the Tom Joyner Morning Show.
Jimmere received a patent for her Moroccan Rhassoul 5-in-1 Clay Treatment, the first hair care product that allows you to wash, condition, deep condition, leave-in condition and detangle all at once, thereby saving you significant time and money without sacrificing healthy and safe ingredients. With over 100 5-star reviews across the web, the product is exceptionally popular among the natural hair community. This innovative hair product can be purchased separately or as part of her #1 selling OooLaLocks Hair Box – the first and only hair care system that does the work of 13 products in only four steps.
Upon hearing about Jimmere’s remarkable accomplishment, the Walker Theatre, home to Madam C.J. Walker’s historic company headquarters and manufacturing facility, reached out to her to congratulate her and pass the proverbial torch–letting her know that Madam Walker would be especially proud of her. For Jimmere, this was sweet validation and a welcome surprise.
“Madam C.J. Walker has always been a huge inspiration to me,” said Jimmere. “Having defied the odds (at a time when she was expected to be a washer woman at best) she was always proof to me that impossible is nothing. So for her headquarters to reach out and give me their blessing–that was enormous, and I am definitely humbled.”
Jimmere, who is based in Detroit, was subsequently invited to Indianapolis for a private tour of the historic building that housed the brainchild of America’s first self-made female millionaire almost 100 years ago.
“I already knew a lot about this great woman, but I learned so much more about her business acumen, how far into the future she planned for, and how she created self-sufficiency and career opportunities for over 30,000 other Black women. She’s the epitome of the greatness I strive toward,” she said.
To commemorate Jimmere’s historic achievement, Nissan is sponsoring The History Maker gala in Detroit on April 17. Jimmere is donating all proceeds from the gala to benefit early STEM education for disadvantaged children in the inner city.
