Karen pauses briefly and rather shyly poses for the camera. In person she is strikingly beautiful, taller than we expected and has a bright smile. She invites us to “Take a good look around!” then returns to work.


As nexrastore snap row upon row of sexy black bottles, we talk casually to Karen about her background and life as a successful businesswoman, wife and mother.


Born and raised in New York City to Guyanese parents, Karen began her first ever business making and selling gourmet gift-baskets while still a student at the University of Virginia. After graduation, she worked on Wall Street as a research analyst before deciding to become a high-school history and economics teacher. Despite having a solid background in business and economics, it was Karen’s personal experience of growing her hair naturally which first prompted her to think of starting another business.


After transitioning to natural in 2003, Karen made a depressing discovery,


“I realized that the products I used on my permed hair didn’t work on my natural hair,” she recalls, “so I spent the whole summer experi- menting with natural ingredients.” Karen’s initial inventions were for her use only, “Since my hair was always dry and a chore to comb, the


“Products made with natural ingredients tend to give better results. ”


first product I created was a leave- in conditioner.’ she tells nexrastore. “When I realized it detangled, moisturized and softened my hair I was ecstatic!” she laughs. “Not only that, it worked for my friends and co-workers too!” As Karen received more and more positive feedback from family and friends about her natural haircare


www.nexrastore.com | June/Aug 2011


products, she decided to put her business hat on once more and, with the help of fellow history teacher and husband, Damani Saunderson, she opened a store in 2004.


The store focused on making natural, holistic hair and body product with the very best natural ingredients. Word of Karen’s good quality products spread throughout the local community and the brand was born.


Since opening the store 7 years ago, Karen’s commitment to natural hair and body care is as passionate as ever. “Products that are made mainly with natural ingredients tend to give better results,” she explains moving efficiently around the kitchen,


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