211: Nina Pinidi Addresses Textured Hair Care Needs in the Military Community

Jen Amos 0:00

Music. Do you want to do more than follow orders? Think outside of the box and manifest your dreams? Then you've come to the right show. Welcome to the award winning podcast, holding down the fort by us that wealth. I'm your host, Jen Amos, a gold star, daughter, veteran, spouse and entrepreneur. For season nine, we continue our partnership with the Rosie network to highlight motivational stories of personal growth, financial awareness and autonomy in our military community. We're also excited to continue showcasing our partnership with blue water advisors. Now let's get started.

You Hey, everyone, welcome back. Got a question for you. Have you ever struggled to find the right hair products while serving in the military? Listen to how Nina panidi founded Salim royal hair to deliver All Things Hair free of harmful chemicals and eco friendly products for all people, because, as her website says, your hair is your crown. Facing hair loss and challenges with military grooming standards, Nina turned her personal experiences into a mission to serve the military community. She discusses the importance of finding chemical free hair products her struggle with alopecia and the launch of her business aimed at helping those with textured hair. As a new entrepreneur, she highlights the invaluable support of the Rosie Network Services CEO program, appreciating the free resources given and its strong support system. And whether you're a veteran looking to start your own business, have textured hair care needs or simply seek inspiration, this episode is for you, Nina. It was a pleasure having you on our show. For everyone that wants to get a hold of Nina, please check out the show notes of this episode. This is episode 211, if you're listening to this at the time that the episode is released, you can visit Holden on the fort podcast.com and you will see her episode on the very top, the first one that has been published for this week. You can also go to the search engine that we have on our website and type in the numbers 211, that's Episode 211, and her episode, her episode, will pop up. So with that said, thank you so much for listening, and I hope you enjoy this conversation that I have with Nina. Enjoy. Hey everyone. I'm really excited to introduce you all to Nina piniti with Salim royal hair, Nina, welcome to holding on the fort by us. Pet wealth.

Unknown Speaker 3:00

Thank you, Jen, I'm glad to be here. Yeah,

Jen Amos 3:02

and I guess I should ask you, because you have actually been listening to the show already. How did you happen to find the show to begin with,

Speaker 1 3:10

I actually was at a time where I was looking for information on basically what veterans do to start their own businesses. So I think I so of course, I tried Google LinkedIn, like, you know, just type in different things to see what will come up. And I love listening to podcasts. And so I'm like, You know what? Let me just like, type these keywords in the podcast search, and holding down the fourth came up. And I remember listening to an episode that was like, so close to what I was looking for and so, yeah, this is when I started,

Jen Amos 3:42

wow. Well, thank you for sharing that I you know, part of why I ask that question is because I just, it's really market research. It's like, how do people even find the show? It's, I mean, it's a mix of everything. So sometimes, like you said, people just happen to find it by googling. Sometimes it's word of mouth. Sometimes it's just through my own personal invitation. Of like, hey, I need guests on the show that was in the early stages. Now I don't do that now I am so grateful to you know, be in partnership with the Rosie network to interview people like you. I have to tell you, like, if anyone ever gets into podcasting, especially interview style podcasting, like, what I do the hardest thing is to find quality guests and partnering with Yeah. So fun, fun fact there. So partnering with the Rosie network has been God said to me. So Thank you Stephanie and ebeth and Trisha and Ken and Kiani and everyone behind the scenes who have really helped make this partnership possible. So that being said, That aside, I just want to focus on you, Nina, for people that are getting to know you for the first time. Just give us a quick snapshot of your life. Particularly, you know what keeps you busy or excited about life nowadays?

Speaker 1 4:48

Well, what keeps me busy, definitely the business, I think, is the point intended, busy. Busyness, yeah, but it does win in a very good way, because. Because I'm doing something that I truly enjoy. And, you know, it's I have ideas at random moments, then I go to sleep. Oh, maybe I should look into this kind of product, or I'm watching TV or seeing something on social media, and I'm like, Oh, let me reach out to this supplier and see if they do wholesale. So the business keeps me busy in that way, also, because it's I'm new to this, I'm learning to figure out how I can reach the customers that I want to serve. So that keeps me busy looking for places, locations, venues, that would allow me to serve their customers. So

Jen Amos 5:38

yeah, and I want to backtrack here a little bit, because you went from serving in the military for 17 years to getting into hair products. Okay, so give us the bridge here. Like, how did you get from point A to point B?

Speaker 1 5:54

ards the end of my career, in: 2014

Jen Amos 9:12

bout just rehashing, like the: 1920

: 10:29

huge. I mean, from day one, from the time that you step into boot camp, this is the day you get there, this is literally your hair. Is what makes the difference between you being a service member and a civilian, right? Yeah, male, they get a bus cut. This is how you're being like, you know, immediately visually identified as a person who's serving. And then for females, up until 2013 or 2014 in the Navy, females that came, that went to boot camp with long hair, they would get a bob cut, you know? So, yes, so hair is important. It's important to to all of us, that's part of of who we are. For some people here is part of their spirituality, religious belief. So here's very important. And yes, in the military, it's, it's part of our appearance, but it's also, it's also our, a piece of our personality and identity. So, yeah,

Jen Amos: 11:20

I mean, I take it for granted. I you know, right now it's at the time of this recording. It's summertime, and the last thing I want to do is anything with my hair, so it's going to look like this, like just up in a bun, you know. I mean, I like it because it just, it's very practical for me for so many reasons. And I get to wear, like, cute earrings and stuff to compensate. But like I said, I you really expanded my perspective on, like, the grooming side of the military, and, like you said, like without even really understanding why you can tell the difference between a service member versus a civilian just by how polished they are, how kept they are, how in uniform they are with other service members.

: 11:56

Yes, yes. So here is very important. The other thing too, that I'd like to share is that, you know, as I had already started the business, so I started last year in 2023 is when I officially had the business registered and started the the online website. But in the midst of all of this, I was diagnosed with breast cancer, yeah, as all of this was happening, and so as I was growing my hair back from the different issues I had in the military. So basically, I did find out that the reason why my hair was falling off, it was because my scalp was very dry, and therefore my hair was growing into a dry environment, therefore also and and breaking off. So and I found that out through I had gone through several dermatologists over the years, and it's as a veteran, when I went to the VA, shout out to my dermatologist at the VA, because it's awesome, because it took the time to explain exactly what was happening. And so that led me to also, at least that confirmed that I was doing the right thing with the business, because I also wanted to share what I was learning, because I know that it's not the only one experiencing this. And as a matter of fact, my dermatologist explained that the condition of like having a dress scalp and then dry hair that break off. They say it's very, very, very common in the African American community, and unfortunately, it's coming. But people don't know, right? Because they don't go to a dermatologist. What we do is go to the store, buy products, hoping it worked, or just cutting it off, hoping that the hair grow back fine without addressing cause. So,

Jen Amos: 13:27

yeah, no, definitely. I think it's, uh, amazing that, you know, not only did you understand the root of the problem, just funny is like, root of your hair, the root of the problem, but you wanted to do something about it, you know, and you realize that there was this huge void in the marketplace. And I do think about even like the Navy exchange and the commissary, and like, how they're they offer a lot of standard things, like, it's great, we need it. It's also tax free. So that's even better. At the same time, you know, when it comes to customization or any special treatment, in this case, to the hair. It's just great that you, you know, saw that void. Now you mentioned how you've personally tried all the products that you sell. Is that correct? Like, it's important for you to have been the guinea pig?

: 14:13

Yes, yes, it's very important. So, like, right now, if you're going so the majority of them, because, I say majority, because it takes time. Like, I want to make sure that I take the right time to be able to judge the product. Like, for example, if I choose to start using a shampoo, I'm going to use it for an entire month, or until the bottle runs out, because the hair cycle takes that long, right from like, a hair falls off, grow back, falls off, and it takes 3060, days. Like, I'm just saying numbers so professionals, I don't correct me and but I know it does take a long time. And so it's the length of time that it takes for products to be effective. But yes, I do purposely use the product myself so I can talk about them. Like, you know, if I have a great experience with the product, then even better. And if I. Did it, then I want to share that also. But so far, I I've been lucky with, like, good brains, yeah,

Jen Amos: 15:06

yes, you know. And also, I imagine that when it comes to hair maintenance, it's, it's also more than the product, sometimes too, right? It's, I mean, I imagine that there are other symptoms to hair loss, like I think about my own personal experience a number of years ago where I just remember I was so stressed, and I remember I would comb my hair and I had more hair fall out than I normally would. So I'm curious if, if you can speak on that as well. Like, is that part that could be part of a symptom of hair loss? Is maybe stress, or any other ones? I mean, I have mentioned, yes,

: 15:38

there are several reasons. So like, for example, like what you mentioned, is very common, right? Like, for women, for example, that lose their hair the same way after they give birth, right? So, and there's also hair loss due to being perimenopausal. So it's like, of course, now I'm addressing issues that are, you know, pertaining to being a woman, and, like, the different circles who go through life, because these cycles affect our hair health, you know, and also just simple fact of getting older. I mean, you know, like, sometimes we don't look like what, not our age, but our body is still following certain things that with the life cycle, you know, everything. So get thinning, for example. Sometimes it happens simply because we're getting older. But when it comes to the military, a lot of the hair issues comes from the headgear that we wear. So different hats, like, for example, my job, I used to be in construction. I was just a navy CV, and we have, when we on construction site, we wear a hard hat. And your hard hat, the inside is not nice to hear, definitely not to textured hair, because you have these little plastic rings that every time you take off the hat, pulls out your hair so that cause breakage. Things like, we don't think about this, right? But over the years, doing this several times, you're going to have some damage. And then the infamous bun, right? That you know women when long hair, where the Marine Corps, the Navy, yes, then the bun is slick. It really nice. But there's some damage that come from pulling traction alopecia, and you would see receding hairlines from, you know, pulling so much and or something else that I remember seeing when I served as a record division commander in if your boot camp is recruits would put the pull the hair so tight in the blend that at their nape you would see, you know, like small pimples, because they have tongue like, this is your body telling you this is too tight. Yeah, you know, yes. So there's so many, so many reasons to why hair loss can happen. So because of what I've gone through, that's why I always say you could try products first, or, you know, if you have access, like most of us that are military related, will have access to health care. So go see your primary care provider, let them know what's going on. Because sometimes it's all no issues, you know. So there's so many reasons, so that's I want people to be more aware of that, that hair loss or hair breakage of a or any type of hair issues is your is your body telling you there may be something else going on, right? And only a medical professional can tell you about that and and, of course, this is outside of hairstyles, like some hairstyles cause hair issues using too much heat. Seeing products with too much alcohol in it, by the way, is like the number one reason why your hair can get dry, because alcohol dries out everything, doing tight braids, tight buns, tight ponytails, tights, anything so outside of standing here itself, or, like, you know, wearing weaves that are too tight or not washing your hair enough. They're like, so, so, so many, and these are things that I'm learning to during the business because if I find a product, I want to know why that person created the product, and so forth and so on. And so I find, I found, also issues that the different brand owners are trying to solve because of personal issues that if they've had also, you know. And so, yes, like, there's so many reasons to why hair loss can happen, so I want to do my best by promoting product that would enhance healthcare so that we don't have to worry about that.

Jen Amos: 19:10

Yeah, well, as a young business owner, tell us the journey of making a business model around curating the right hair products for your audience. All

: 19:22

right, so this is the, one of the very fun parts. And so again, because of the different personal issues I've had myself and what I know other people experience, it was very important for me to pick products that are free of harmful chemicals, right? I'm like we naturally exposed to, like so many other things, and using personal care products, things like that. So I'm like, if we can use products for our hair that are better for us, for our health and for the planet, why not? And so that started with me looking for chemical for braiding hair. And I remember one day, you know, just Googling, and I saw a few brains come up. And. I was surprised, because I had never heard of those brands, and some that day that I specifically Googled chemical free braiding hair. And so I was wondering, where do we find this brand? And that did two things for me. I was like, number one, it's confirming what I want to do. Because I want Solomon royal here to be the one stop shop for this product, because people have different kind of issues, sometimes activities. So and some somebody that has allergies or skin issues, they may have to spend a lot of money to get prescribed medication, not knowing that they are everyday products that are made that are free of chemicals, because they may be in different stores or other state or things like that. So I want to be the least work. When you come to my store, you don't have, you know that the hard work has already been done, right? So I want to make, yeah, so it's, it's very important to me to make sure that the products that I find are from home for chemicals. And the other thing that's big is that the brands, not the Necessarily, not on other big platforms like Amazon or big stores like altaus, Sephora, some a few are, but the majority are not. And that's something else that I'm I want to do on purpose. I want to be that that place where, you know, those other companies, they only have so much shelf space. Product number one, number two, everybody, although they popular places, everybody does not necessarily go to those places, especially when we have the extra hair, because they now they making the effort to answer that need, but that's not what they're known for. That's why I want to make sure that solemn right here is known for that. And I want to lift up those other small businesses and make them known by other, you know, by but the by the community I'm serving. And I think that so far, the experience has been great because people buy the products, and they sometimes like, I've never heard of them, but I tell them, what the solution? What the what, what solution they can get from using those products, and they come back saying, oh my gosh, you were right. So for me, that's like confirmation. That's like the best thing ever when I get these feedback from customers, because I want people to know that I'm choosing those product based of issues that no one else is addressing, like the products created, but you're not you don't know they exist. And so I want to bring them at a place where it's easy for you to find, you know, so, yeah,

Jen Amos: 22:22

when I hear you talk about curating these hair products, it gets me to think of like you're kind of like this online farmers market in a sense that you're bringing together maybe not so popular brands, or not so well known brands, because these small businesses only have so much of a marketing budget or the connections to end up in the big chain companies or big chain businesses. And so you're here to curate all that and say, Hey, there's a whole other, whole other product lines, like hair product lines out there that are actually healthier for you, healthier for your hair, and, you know, eco friendly, and you're supporting small businesses. And so I just love the the ambition you have to really just be more to have more quality, like, like promoting more quality in the products, but also like the people who make the products, and then how you want to educate them, by saying, Hey, I've tried the majority of these products. They work well. And you can ask me personally, I can give you that information. So I love that, that due diligence you know that you do for your business. And I'm curious, like, when you when you curate the hair products, like, what kind of conversations do you have with, let's say, the vendors you know? Like, do you say, Hey, I'm I started this brand. I'd love to have you on my platform. Like, how do those conversations go for you?

: 23:36

Uh, yes, it varies, but sometimes it's just like you, like you said. So for example, something happened like that. Well, almost like every week, as I always see if there's a brand, for example, I've never seen and I just like, scroll through social media, yeah, and it pops up, and I'm like, Oh, this is an interesting product. And so if I'm interested in it, I go on their website to see what it's about, and if I like it, well, besides going on the website, doing some research like YouTube and reading what, what customers have said, and things like that. Once I see that the product aligned with, you know, with the store, with selling royal hair, I go in their DM like,

Unknown Speaker: 24:12

hey, yeah. I'm

: 24:12

like, hey, you know, my name is Nina. I own sunny royal hair. Or, you know, a lot of time directly, is typically from the company website. So I'm like, Hey, I would like to know if you have a wholesale platform. Sometimes they're like, yes or no or and then, you know, it goes from there. But I let them know, Hey, I'm a disabled veteran. I'm catering to the military community. It's certainly that I know your product is addressing that products that we currently have access to, you know, on military bases don't address and I feel like your product would be a great fit. Or, you know, it goes, it goes that way. And,

Jen Amos: 24:46

well, I mean, if you never ask, the answer is no. So I just love that you just go in there, you slide into their DMS, or, you know, fill out their contact us on their website. Sometimes I wonder if people actually respond to the Contact Us on their website. So it's good to know that at least the people you've reached out. To have done that, and just really, really amazing to hear how organic it is, like, how they're like, yeah, like, we could use the help. We can use the marketing. I think it's a great partnership. I'm curious to know, because you're, you're mentioning, you're hinting a lot at harmful chemicals. So for the average person that doesn't even know what to look for, are there, like, key chemicals to avoid in hair products, and then also key, key ingredients that they should look for in hair products, yes.

: 25:30

So for example, when it comes to hair products, any product that have alcohol in it you want to avoid it, okay, yes, because alcohol dries out. Everything like, if think about it, if you take rubbing alcohol right now, put it on cotton ball, or put on your skin like you see, what it's going to do is going to wipe everything out. It's going to dry everything out. Listen, you don't want that in your hair, right? So any product that have alcohol in their formulation, when you when you read the ingredients list and you see alcohol, put it down, unless you plan on doing something else with it. But like, for your hair, don't do it. Don't do it. Yeah, at least you know that's for the for the most part, I would say ingredients, to avoid, typically, anything you can pronounce. Like, if it's like, really long names and you're like, Okay, no, you want to that's

Jen Amos: 26:18

like food. That's like food, like reading food ingredients. If you know, that's what I learned, too. It's like, if you can't pronounce what's in the ingredients, probably, it's probably like a, like a chemically made different, morphed form of sugar. And you might as like, it's just whatever it is. It's not good for you. So it sounds like it's similar to hair products. Oh,

: 26:37

yes, it is. It is. And then, you know, if you think about it, a lot of those ingredients that we should avoid that are in personal care products, hair products and food. A lot of time they buy the same companies. You know, it's like, yeah, so huge conglomerates that own everything. So that's another reason why I like smaller businesses. Because, like, for example, I'm going to talk about one where a couple of, like, oils that I sell. One of them, you you could see the brand owner at home making the product, because she posts the whole process online. You know, like, she posts everything. And the other thing is that when she makes the oil, okay, she lists the ingredients. You could see her making it, and then she shows how before doing it and selling it to the masses. She was actually just doing it for her children, you know, to take care of, yes. So when you know I see that, I'm like, okay, but So yes, it's important to avoid ingredients that you can pronounce, ingredients that like alcohol, and then there are like, so there are also some ingredients that are that we call endocrine disruptors, and these are ingredients that basically disturb the hormonal system in women, you know. So now, years later, we're having issues, and we don't know why. It's because of these products that we've been exposed to, ingesting, drinking, eating, you know, over the years, like, so what we call endocrine disruptors are things that, for example, later on, we're like, hey, we'll have fibroids, or my periods came, you know, like, I had menopause early, or things like that. Like, things that, that, yeah, body is like, off. It's because of that, you know, we just, we a lot of some people are like, Oh, we don't know why that's that's why. It's because we've been using products that are harmful to us, you

Jen Amos: 28:24

know? And it's so it's so subtle. It's like we just have no idea that it's actually happening because it's so subtle, and we just make it as part of our day to day lives to take in these products, whether we consume them or put them on our skin or on our hair. And it's almost criminal not to get political here, but it's, I mean, I'm sure there's reasons that we will never know, but nonetheless, I think having this open conversation and dialog and giving out this education and awareness is really important, and hopefully it helps people who can at least start to think, like, if they're going through something similar, they can start to think, Okay, well, what can I replace in my home that could be a healthier option? You know, whether that's food, in this case, whether it's hair products, like skin products, and then see how that plays out. By I mean, I just, I appreciate the conversation, because I'm like, Yeah, it's amazing how there's so many things in our own home that we don't know could really be altering our own, you know, body and our home, our hormones. Why can I say that our hormones? I mean, I'm speechless, even just thinking about it. So I appreciate the the education around this,

: 29:34

of course, of course, and also something else that I'd like to say, the data is out there. Like me, personally, I always like to research things I don't know. Like, like, how you mentioned earlier that you're a nerd. You're not a nerd, because I can tell you really good and so and so. One that I, that I had watched was called, can we say? I don't know if we can say names of of shows, but anyway, I'm just, yeah,

Jen Amos: 29:56

it's your it's your conver it's your interview. You could say whatever you want.

: 30:01

Okay, so the documentary that I have watched that even confirm, yep, I need to do what I need to do by putting all these, you know, chemical free product on the wrong roof. It's called not so pretty. It was on HBO Max, maybe, like, two years ago or something, and, oh my gosh. So it's called, not so pretty, but they focused on, like, one brand in hair care. They focused in a nail industry. And then, okay, so it was like three parts, and they focus on each one of them, and, yes, like, literally, for every single one of this product, you know, they were talking about the ingredients that are in there that even super expensive brands. And that's another thing too. Like we tend to think, if something is expensive, it has to be good, not necessarily ingredients in there, you know, or celebrities endorsing it, or has name on it, not read the ingredients. It doesn't matter who made it. Read the ingredients. If you have this long name, long names that you can pronounce, and it's not because there's also this thing that's called greenwashing, where a lot of brands say that it's, you know, cruelty free, vegan, something vegan, vegan just means there's no animal products in it, right? So the fact that something is vegan doesn't mean that there's no toxic product in it, vegan, no animal product. It doesn't mean,

Jen Amos: 31:23

yeah, there's no toxin. They're just appealing to the vegans. That's what they're doing, right? You

: 31:30

know? Like, so this, this part of the green, green washing, like the using these terminologies, or putting our bunny certified, whatever, like all those different things. Just read the ingredients. Don't worry about the little shiny, you know, awards or whatever. Read the ingredients. That's it.

Jen Amos: 31:46

I think even just that practice of like looking at the product, turning it to the back, looking at the ingredients, like that, even just exposing yourself to that and getting into that practice, even if you don't know what you're reading, you'll start to pick up on the same ingredients, I think, in products, and start to maybe look it up and see whether or not it's good for you, and especially the ones that you can't pronounce and even type in because it's, I don't know these are chemicals. I don't know how they come up with the names of these chemicals, but it's very it's very clever how they do that, and they make it sound super fancy. And like you said, it gets endorsed by celebrities. So then in your mind, you're thinking, Oh, I trust that celebrity, therefore I can trust this product. I mean, it's all marketing, really, if we really, like, break it down, it's really, really smart marketing. And like you said, the truth though, is turn it over and look at the ingredients, and if you can't read, like, more than two of them, more than two of the ingredients, that's probably a clear sign, plus alcohol, like you said, probably a clear sign that you might want to check out the other things on the shelf. Yes,

: 32:50

absolutely. And then so the other thing with that, so there's a dermatologist that I found, again, through, like, doing research on like, different platform, and I just love, like, how she explains things. So her name is dr, Crystal AGU. I don't, I don't know her. I never met her, but I just found her material, and then I know that she basically like somebody else, like, I think it was an influencer that it did an interview on her talking about in details, products and what's in there, and how to, you know, like, basically, how to make better choices. And she explained everything so well to where it's like, again, people need to read and and understand chemistry, because, for example, a lot of products, a lot of ingredients are preservatives, right? Just to extend the shelf life of the shampoos and conditioners that we're purchasing, because it's necessary, versus, if you buy something that's clean and that does not preservative, it probably not, not going to last that long either, right? So that's those thing. And then there are, or they are ingredients that are necessary, for example, to make some chemical reaction, as in, like, lather, like, for example, you know, if you if you want or put to lather, then yeah, it's a chemical reaction, of, like, certain things in there, right? So, inferring chemicals are necessary and may not be, I want to say harmful, but I'm focusing on those that we don't need to have in that harmful. That's why, yeah, the two harmful chemicals, because some chemicals are not harmful and they're unnecessary, you know? So that's why I want to make sure that people understand the difference. Because the products I sell, they're not chemical free. Some of them are chemical free, like some of the oils, for example, but they have chemicals they just, we're just making sure that they're not harmful to you.

Jen Amos: 34:37

Yeah, yeah. It's like knowing the difference between the good and the bad like not all chemicals are bad, but not all chemicals are good. So I appreciate the education on that, because in my mind, I was saying all chemicals are bad, anything I can't pronounce is bad. So again, it's just like you said, like doing your due diligence and like getting yourself educated, especially if you are experiencing hair loss, especially if you have a dry. Scalp. Like it's worth knowing what products you're using to potentially be causing that. So I do appreciate that specifying the, you know, the harmful product part. So I want to go ahead and shift gears now and talk about like the entrepreneurial side, because you are a recent graduate of the Rosie network, so the services CEO program, congratulations. Tell us about that experience like being it. So I believe, like in graduating, you're now, like in your first year of being in business. Is that correct? Yes,

: 35:32

at this point I am. So because I started so service CEO, I registered, yes. So it was all this year, and by the time I started, I was a little bit over a year in business, but let's say that a year, well, okay, I want to say a year as far as the company existing, but I hadn't made, like, many sales, you know, like, if I yeah online, and my struggle was, I don't Know how to find customers to buy online. So with service to CEO, I liked the fact that not only we get this new network, we get a network of other entrepreneurs that are looking to do the same. And so we get to learn from each other, even if we're different industries. And I really appreciate that even if in different industries, we learn different ways to, you know, reach the the audience that we want to serve. And the other thing that I like from the program was the fact that they taught us and led us how to build a pitch deck. And I didn't know that that's what, that's what we're going to do. In my head, I was thinking, you know, we're going to have different speakers with different with different expertise. They're going to teach us different things about running a business, which they did. But in addition to that, yeah, was the the pitch deck, and that just opened my eyes to, um, other possibilities that I didn't that I didn't think, that the possibilities I thought were for people that were more advanced in their entrepreneurial journey, you know, like, because, like, for example, when I see a business of Shark Tank, it seems like everybody has sat there, you know, they already have millions dollars of sales, you know, like, they already, they've been out there already. So, yeah, yeah, how I was like, I don't see how a pitch deck can help me be starting, but after the fact, I'm like, Okay, I see now how, like, for example, just the process of applying, you know, to be, um, on your podcast. I was like, hey, send us anything that you have that can help. I'm like, good. I could send it so they can see. And, um, you were literally like, the first,

Jen Amos: 37:41

Oh, yay that I got

Unknown Speaker: 37:42

to send this to, you know. Well, I

Jen Amos: 37:44

gotta talk a little bit about that pitch deck. And this is, this is, you know, one of the many reasons why I love to interview graduates from the service CEO program. It's because of that pitch deck. That pitch deck tells me, in like, less than five minutes, like, you know who you are, your story, what led you to your business, and what you're asking for at the end of it, it's just perfect. It's it's quick, and you know, when I think about people I've interviewed in the past, it's just more concise. It just makes my job easier. So yeah, thank you to the Rose network for that. And most of all, I'm glad that that was helpful for you to even just, you know, have that practice of, like, creating a clear message and a clear ask, because it works. It really does. And I think I've interviewed people who did their pitch deck a couple years ago, and it still works. It's still relevant. So that is definitely a piece of marketing material that's gonna last you for a while. I feel,

: 38:39

yes, I like it. And really the rosy network, I mean, the fact that, you know, it's free, all you have to put in is your time. I don't know what to say about this, but it's just amazing, you know, and, and for me, like, free resources has been a huge part in my entrepreneurial journey. Like, yeah, like, because I'm a person who I love resources like, especially because being retired at 17 years I didn't have retirement. So I'm like, figure something out quick, you know, in the midst of dealing with medical issues, and so I, you know, took the time with, like, Googling a lot of things. Some friends did send me resources that when they went to a webinar or transition program, you know, things that they learn. And so the rosy network I remember I was following their pages, you know, I followed their pages, and then I remember seeing an opportunity to be on a rosy network list. Yes. I was like, oh, like, see if this could help. And I did, like, you know, I put my business on there, but I'm like, it's probably not helping, because who is going to think of only me going there and look for, you know, my business, I don't know, but I felt like that was one way to be connected, you know, to to that. And then I put this on my social media page. Like, when you go in there on Instagram, you would see, you know, I'm her. Me. Literally connected business. I want people to know, but the resources, the quality of of the speakers that came to help, it's in the entrepreneur journey. To me, it's, it's been fundamental, and I think that's the reason why I get to be here, you know, like speaking to you because, like I said before, I used to think that everybody else that's on some kind of, like, interview. They've been in business for a long time. They already done, you know, hundreds of 1000s of dollars. I'm nowhere near like, I'm really, you know, in the very beginning. So, yeah, I hope, I hope that people are going to feel encouraged in knowing that you don't have to have capital, you don't have tithing, you just need to have a good support and a good network. And of course, you know, take the initiative to ask questions to these different organizations, and that's going to help you. Yeah,

Jen Amos: 40:48

absolutely. I think that is really the goodwill that is given to our military community. Are all these resources. And I, you know, I wish that more people would take advantage, especially of something like the Rosi network, because of just how robust that service the CEO program is. I've heard quite often that, you know, cohort members will start out, and as the weeks go on, the numbers dwindle, because maybe people didn't realize how much time commitment it would take. And so the fact that you're a recent graduate, is commendable, and that's really the type of people, at least right now, on the holding down the forts that I hope to feature are those who made it out of the gates of serve as a CEO and have that pitch deck. And you know, I'm just excited to see how your journey unfolds. I've interviewed people in the past who were just new in business, weren't involved with something like the Rosie network. And it's interesting, because right now, I'm going back to old episodes from season one. This is like, all the way back in 2019 it's like, forever ago. And I look up some people, and I mean, there's a mix. Some people are not even online anymore. Some people have rebranded. But some people their businesses actually, like skyrocket. It's a toss up, you know, throughout the years, but I'd like to believe that there's a higher probability of success because, you know, people like you go through the Rosie network, the service CEO program. I mean, just the commitment to go through that and to be clear on your message, I just feel like you, in my opinion, I feel like you've invested too much time to not keep going forward, you know, and and making this work.

: 42:21

Yes, I agree. That's a great point. I agree with that. And it's so worth it. Like, and again, because this type of the teachings that we received, the lessons, the training, like, you could do that somewhere else and pay a lot of money, you know, and, oh, absolutely, you know. And like the fact that that it's free, and it's, you know, people that understand your the military lifestyle. It's, I mean, I was going to say it's priceless, but, I mean, yeah, it is priceless, technically, but, um, it's, it's, it's worth it. It is so worth it, yeah,

Jen Amos: 42:53

well, now that you are, you know, a year in business, you graduated the service CEO program. What's next? What's next for you? And Salim royal hare,

Unknown Speaker: 43:05

well, what's next. So

Jen Amos: 43:06

what's on the big to do list?

: 43:10

Exactly. I'm looking at my board for a lot of things. You know that the big, the big thing for us is to reach as many of the people that we want to serve. That's for me, that's the goal. So right now I do I sell in person at the Navy exchange here in San Diego on liver based San Diego, and it's been an amazing experience to be able to do that. And so I sat there. I also sell at the Navy exchange on North Island, wow. And I just got a third location, and I'm super excited about that. And it's, I'm going to be doing the San Diego Harbor. They have a market there, so I'm going to be doing that as well on the weekends, because I want to, because it's because, again, it's, it's, I want people to know, hey, just know that you have better options. And I know you don't know where to find them. And I got all the products here, you could just, you know, look, I want to bring them to you. So fit. The goal is that is to expand, expand, as in reaching, you know, customers, for them to know that I'm here for them.

Jen Amos: 44:17

Yeah, well, I think that's already an accomplishment to have made it into two exchange, exchanges. And is that the phrase nowadays, I'm so far removed from going on base. Is it still called Exchange, or they do? They call it the PX. I feel like,

: 44:32

Oh, yes, well, at least well for the Navy, is the Navy exchange, but I think the army says the PX. Okay,

Jen Amos: 44:38

gotta make sure I get that right? My husband's army, I grew up Navy, so it just, it all becomes a blur.

Unknown Speaker: 44:46

Everybody knows, yeah,

Jen Amos: 44:48

yeah, no, absolutely. Well, wow. Just exciting, exciting to have caught you in the early stages of your business, Nina, and I could tell you're very passionate about it and excited about. It. And you know, given everything you've gone through, health wise, you look so healthy. Your hair looks healthy. I thought you you should know that. And I just want to make sure that I've covered everything here is there? Is there anything else that I should be asking you that I haven't asked you yet before we wrap up? Well,

: 45:17

I wanted say that while people can go on the website, Lim royal here.com um, also for veterans activity, anybody that has a military ID, you get 20% off when you shop online. Because I want to, again, make sure that the products also affordable for the community. And this is through govex.com so you could either you could go on govex.com and then find solemn royal hair, get your discount code that way, or you could come directly on the website and not check out. You get your credential verified and you get the discount. The other thing that I want to say is, if they are because, again, I'm doing this to serve the military community, so they're really something that I am not thinking about, that people need. So I would say, please feel free to email me admin at solomore here.com, or send you a DM. You know, on Instagram, Facebook, any of the social media places that you see me, because if you go on the site and you're like, Oh, this is great, but that's not what I need, let me know, and I'll make sure to find a clean version of it for you.

Jen Amos: 46:23

Yeah, and especially while you're still young in business, you're very receptive to feedback, right? And so it's like, Hey, I'm literally listening. You just DM me the way that I DMed other, you know, other vendors, you know, goes both ways.

: 46:38

Absolutely yes, because, again, I'm, I'm doing this in service of, you know, the community, so I want to make sure that people know that it's for them, and so they could just ask me, Yeah, wonderful.

Jen Amos: 46:47

Well, Nina, this was so much fun. Thank you so much for your time, your passion, your commitment to helping people who may struggle with hair loss. And I'm just excited for your journey. I mean, this is year one going into year two, and I hope I just wish you continued success and growth and good health. I wish you good health as well.

: 47:09

Thank you. Thank you so much, Jen, thank you for the opportunity to be on your podcast. I am super excited because I felt after listening to like so many other people, especially, you know, like a few interviews that inspired me, or I was like, Oh, I could relate to this. And now I hope that this interview will do the same for other people that will be listening to this, especially someone that wants to start their business and they feel like they don't know where to start, or they don't have money. I was there. All you have to do is look for organizations that exist to serve you, like the voz network.

Jen Amos: 47:42

Absolutely, I love that closing thought, like, the only limitation is in your mind, you know, it's really just seeking it out. And hey, we got so much technology today to find things, you know, we got like, chat, GBT, we got Google search. We have so many things so, so, yeah, I love, I love that final thought that you shared. It's like the resources are available. You just have to go get it, and if anything, you are definitely one of those resources as well. Nina,

: 48:08

thank you. Yes, feel free to email me like I love to share what I know. So yes, do not hesitate. Cool,

Jen Amos: 48:16

cool. All right. Well, Nina, thanks again for being on the show. I really appreciated having you.

: 48:20

Thank you, Jen, thank you for having me My pleasure.

Jen Amos: 48:30

Hey there. This is your host, Jen Amos, thanks again for listening to today's episode of holding on the fort. By us. Fetwell, visit holding downthefort podcast.com to access the full show notes of this episode, including resources mentioned and bonus content. Once again, the website is holding down the fort podcast.com Lastly, stay after the outro for a little something Extra. Thanks again and chat soon. Bye for now you

all right, everyone. Thank you so much for joining me in the outro. How's it going? How's it going? Are you enjoying the season? Are you enjoying the pace of the season? Or do you wish you could have more content? Do you wish you're like, hey, I want more. Well, guess what? You can because we have a free online portal for holding down the fort that comes along with a free private podcast, which is called inside the fort. And it's an opportunity to get unfiltered post commentary from me about the show, about the. Journey of producing the show and many other bonuses. It's kind of like the catch all for any bonus content that I think is more fitting for people who really want that bonus content, who want more out of this show. This is a shorter season. We are producing less episodes than we had in past seasons, and so if you're just like, it's not enough again, visit our website, holding on the Fords podcast.com, forward slash portal, and when you join, you'll be able to one join for free and to get access to our free private podcast inside the Fords and so many other bonuses offered through our sponsored website, US vet wealth. So ust wealth is the main sponsor of the show, and all of this, would it be possible if it wasn't for us being able to house our content under us, vet welts portal, which is called military retirement blueprint, but we give you backstage access to the portal by joining us on holding down the forwards podcast.com, forward slash portal. Thanks again, Nina for being on our show, and thank you all for listening, and we'll chat with you in the next episode. Tune in next time.