Sherry Gutlieb
Fishers resident Sherian Gray got her first hair styled job for $50 at age 15 and has since built a career in Hamilton County, working at multiple salons in Fishers.
In 2013, Gray developed her own hair and scalp oil for her children and herself. She said the idea started when her children were diagnosed with eczema and were struggling to manage the symptoms.
Gray said she tried numerous products but saw no improvement. She researched and developed a blend of all-natural ingredients to create a hair and scalp oil that soothes itchiness and eliminates skin spots. She said these products reduced hair loss and improved overall hair growth.
“I’ve benefited over the years and it’s amazing,” she said. “We decided to sell it at salons as well.”
After learning all she could about proper product storage, logo design, and trademarking, Gray packed and labeled hundreds of bottles. The product was sold at 506 Salon on Uptown Drive and sold out almost immediately, giving her the impetus to expand her offering. The result of several months of work is an expanded line of organic, pH-balanced, plant-based products called Cherian’s Bare Canvas, available in stores and online.
“There were no breaks. I was up all night and didn’t get much sleep,” she said.
Gray will compete on the upcoming season of Amazon Prime’s “The Blox,” a reality show showcasing startup companies.
She said the opportunity is exciting and allows her to gain national exposure while networking with others who share her passion. According to primevideo.com, businesses from across the United States compete in an intensive week-long bootcamp designed to take their companies to the next level.
Gray said her entrepreneurial journey has taught her about personal growth and professional development. She is interested in mentoring people who want to create their own brand and would like to write a book on the subject.
“Being an entrepreneur isn’t about selling what you love, it’s about solving problems that people have,” she says, adding that those interested in the journey should “understand what your core values are.” We need to understand what that is,” he added. If you don’t have any, develop them and find out what your non-negotiable core values are. Mindset is everything. ”
For more information, visit barecanvasbysheriann.com.
