tgin CEO carries on legacy for multicultural haircare company

Aris Singleton is the CEO of Thank God Its Natural (tgin) a multicultural hair care company based in Chicago. Photo provided by Agency Abron.
Aris Singleton is the CEO of Thank God Its Natural (tgin) a multicultural hair care company based in Chicago. Photo provided by Agency Abron.

tgin CEO carries on legacy for multicultural haircare company

By Tia Carol Jones

Thank God It’s Natural (tgin) has experienced some changes in the last few years. Aris Singleton, CEO of tgin, talks about those changes and new products the hair care company recently released.

Citizen Newspaper: Talk to me about continuing your aunt Chris-Tia Donaldson’s legacy with tgin. How have you been able to keep the missions and goals of the company, while bringing parts of yourself into the company?


Aris Singleton: tgin’s mission is to empower women to feel confident in their natural hair, regardless of texture or curl pattern, by providing high-quality products that nurture and enhance their unique beauty.


As the CEO of tgin, I am honored to continue the legacy of my aunt, Chris-Tia Donaldson. Many may not know that before assuming this role, I worked alongside her at tgin and even experienced being fired. This firsthand experience has deepened my understanding of what this company meant to her, and I am proud to carry on her vision.


Having worked closely with my aunt for an extended period, the company's mission and goals are ingrained in me. However, this collection marks my first line as CEO, reflecting my commitment to promoting wellness among our customers and product users.


Wellness, self-care and the recognition that hair care is often the only self-care routine some women can spare for themselves are at the core of my passion. This collection is intentionally formulated with transformative ingredients, each addressing a wide range of styling needs while maintaining a refreshed appearance.


CN: What have you learned about running a Black-owned haircare company since you were named CEO?


AR: As the youngest CEO of a multi-cultural haircare brand, I have gained valuable experience running a Black-owned haircare company since my appointment.


This job brings incredible rewards. tgin aims to create a community that empowers women to become the best versions of themselves, a goal we continue to achieve. My commitment to excellence is unwavering as I oversee daily operations, sales strategies, and strategic partnerships.


Beyond my role at tgin, I remain dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs and uplifting fellow women-led businesses in the beauty industry. Through the tgin Foundation, I carry forward Chris-Tia's mission, values, and legacy by supporting women undergoing breast cancer treatment, particularly those facing financial hardships. I also strive to raise awareness about health disparities affecting survivor outcomes in the Black community.



CN: The Miracle Styling Collection recently launched. How does it fit into the overall tgin line? What does the collection help with when it comes to hair and styling?


AS: The Miracle Styling Collection marks a significant evolution for tgin, representing our commitment to holistic haircare and self-love. Inspired by my aunt Chris-Tia's transformative journey in Bali, this collection goes beyond styling to nurture both hair and well-being.


The collection integrates into our existing product line by addressing a crucial need: versatile, effective styling solutions for all hair types and textures. Whether you have braids, twists, curls, coils, or wear wigs and weaves, the Miracle Styling Collection offers products that nourish, define, and enhance your natural beauty. We've carefully formulated each product to promote healthy hair, from root to tip.


For example, our Water Activated Curl Elongating Gel is a game-changer for those with curls and coils, providing hydration, definition, and frizz control. The Ayurvedic Hair & Scalp Oil, on the other hand, nourishes the scalp and promotes overall hair health. Our Smooth & Sleek Edge Control Wax Stick tames edges and flyaways for a polished look.


But the Miracle Styling Collection is more than just products. It's a philosophy of haircare that prioritizes self-care and celebrates individuality. Our accompanying campaign encourages women to embrace rituals that nourish both their hair and their soul, because we believe that true beauty radiates from a place of self-love and confidence.


CN: Which product from the new collection is your favorite and why?


AS: Choosing a favorite product from the new collection is as challenging as asking a mother to pick her beloved child. The line features a remarkable WATER ACTIVATED CURL ELONGATING GEL, which bids farewell to shrinkage and welcomes beautifully elongated coils and curls. This gel is ideal for effortless "wash and go" moments, providing a perfect solution for defining and enhancing your natural curls with ease.


CN: Going into the summer months, what are some haircare tips for Black women to keep their hair healthy during hot and humid Chicago summers?


On hot and humid days, textured-hair girls are primarily concerned with controlling frizz and maintaining a smooth, sleek look. That's why we intentionally released our hair care line during the summer months - to address this specific need. When using heat appliances like blow dryers or flat irons to achieve that sleek, smooth look, I highly recommend using a heat protectant spray. Our new 3-N-1 HEAT PROTECTANT SPRAY is specially formulated to help prep and protect hair, leaving it silky and smooth.


For those who want to maintain their hair's natural texture, our MULTI-USE SETTING FOAM is a great option. This setting foam will give your silk press or natural curls a brilliant, glossy finish while providing a medium-soft hold that keeps your hair in place.


While styling is important, overall hair health is essential. That's why I recommend using a nourishing oil like our AYURVEDIC HAIR & SCALP OIL. Rooted in restorative practices, this oil nourishes both hair and scalp, promoting overall hair health.


CN: How does haircare fit into self-care?


AS: Hair care is an essential part of self-care, allowing us to take time for ourselves and prioritize our health and well-being. This ritual can include various activities, but I find that the most nourishing and rejuvenating routine involves several key steps.


Scalp Massage: I start with a gentle scalp massage using my fingertips or a soft-bristled scalp brush. This helps to stimulate circulation, promote relaxation, and invigorate the scalp, creating a healthy environment for hair growth.


Deep Conditioning: Once a week, I apply a deep conditioner or hair mask to my hair. I leave it on for at least 30 minutes, allowing the rich nutrients to penetrate and repair damaged strands. This helps to improve hair texture, reduce frizz, and add shine.


Hot Oil Treatment: Every two weeks, I treat my hair to a hot oil treatment. I warm up a natural oil, such as coconut or argan oil, and apply it to my scalp and hair. I then wrap my hair in a warm towel and let it sit for about an hour. This treatment nourishes the hair follicles, strengthens the hair strands, and helps prevent split ends.


Trimming: Regularly trimming the ends of my hair helps to eliminate split ends and keeps my hair looking healthy and fresh. I usually get a trim every 6-8 weeks or as needed.


Mindfulness Meditation: While I'm pampering my hair, I also take the opportunity to practice mindfulness meditation. This involves focusing on my breath and being present in the moment. It helps me to relax, reduce stress, and cultivate a sense of inner peace.


Taking time for hair care and self-care is crucial for overall health and well-being. It allows us to nurture ourselves from the outside in, promoting physical, mental, and emotional well-being. When we prioritize self-care, we invest in our happiness, confidence, and resilience.


CN: What is your favorite haircare and self-care ritual, and why is it important to take time for health and wellness?


AS: In a society that emphasizes the pursuit of success, money, and career advancement, it's crucial to prioritize health and well-being. The hustle and bustle of everyday life can be draining mentally, physically, and emotionally. While this lifestyle may appear glamorous and alluring, it can take a toll on our overall well-being.



My personal self-care routine includes exercise, journaling, and meditation. These rituals help me unwind and rejuvenate. Taking time for self-care is essential to maintain balance and prevent burnout. If we don't prioritize our health and well-being, achieving success becomes futile because we may not be in a state to fully enjoy its benefits.

 

For more information about tgin, visit tginatural.com.

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