what happened to the no heat straight plates thread ckw and launch?

HanaKuroi

Well-Known Member
I like the replies she's gotten so far in this forum: http://www.thefastlaneforum.com/community/threads/help-my-kickstarter-campaign-was-successful-by-over-300-what-should-i-do-next.52995/#post-373886

I'm glad they pointed out that it's not donations. We're paying for a product. To be frank I could have also done without all the super excited updates about how we believe in her and are making her dreams come true, etc. It's sweet and all but she should reserve that for her family and close friends. We are her customers, not her fanbase.

I initially wanted to donate $1,000 but DH was like "WHA for plastic?! Can you start lower and later increase?!" :lol: So I went with $500. When she ignored us I reduced to 2 orders of the $80 international kit, and in the end I only authorized one $85 kit. However I don't think it makes much of a difference to her, it's only us LHCFers that are trying to hold her to her word. She can just proceed to ignore us as she has already acquired enough attention elsewhere.

I'm disappointed. :ohwell:


Thanks for the link. She really has no plan or how to implement one.

She is going to the bookstore today? To buy a book to come up with a business plan today? What does she mean she doesn't know what to do? She is trying to wing it? Now? After the kickstarter is over? She should have asked these questions before she even started that kickstarter.

She doesn't know that USPS will pick up?

Did she do any research at all????

I realize that her going ghost wasn't because she didn't care but it was because she doesn't have any idea what she is doing. That is worse.

Sent from my iPad using LHCF
 

greenandchic

Well-Known Member
This isn't a "MopFlop" (at least I hope it isn't) but this is just as bad.

I could be a cynic but I didn't see enough proof that the product actually works - even on looser textures. I would have wanted to see her add the plates to the entire head, put them under a cool dryer and run time lapse so no one will think she used a flat iron between takes. :lol: . The videos were too quick with not enough detail.
 

MamitaLolita

Well-Known Member
This isn't a "MopFlop" (at least I hope it isn't) but this is just as bad. I could be a cynic but I didn't see enough proof that the product actually works - even on looser textures. I would have wanted to see her add the plates to the entire head, put them under a cool dryer and run time lapse so no one will think she used a flat iron between takes. :lol: . The videos were too quick with not enough detail.
I did feel the girl in the original video looked like her hair was flat ironed. It was slightly curved when it had been inserted into a rigid plate. I am a skeptic of most things so don't take my word, I've seen rollersets and curlformers come out rather nice. I would like to see a time lapse or independent demo though.

I still don't understand how one can accidentally post a 3 second video. Did she accidentally press the record button on the camera twice and not preview it? So many questions
 

naturalmanenyc

Well-Known Member
Amarilles
luckiestdestiny

I'm disappointed to see by the fast lane post that there was no plan before the kickstarter was posted. I shared my concerns privately and hope this will all turn out positively.

I don't deal with unresponsiveness when money is involved, especially thousands of dollars.


I like the replies she's gotten so far in this forum: http://www.thefastlaneforum.com/com...-300-what-should-i-do-next.52995/#post-373886

I'm glad they pointed out that it's not donations. We're paying for a product. To be frank I could have also done without all the super excited updates about how we believe in her and are making her dreams come true, etc. It's sweet and all but she should reserve that for her family and close friends. We are her customers, not her fanbase.

I initially wanted to donate $1,000 but DH was like "WHA for plastic?! Can you start lower and later increase?!" :lol: So I went with $500. When she ignored us I reduced to 2 orders of the $80 international kit, and in the end I only authorized one $85 kit. However I don't think it makes much of a difference to her, it's only us LHCFers that are trying to hold her to her word. She can just proceed to ignore us as she has already acquired enough attention elsewhere.

I'm disappointed. :ohwell:
 

Nazaneen

Well-Known Member
Is it a good idea for her to be taking orders soon when the product hasn't been tested by the donors yet? Seems risky to me.
 

Ogoma

Well-Known Member
I am not sure how much smaller she could a have started because 20k is pretty damn small scale for a business like the one she is starting. Unless people are really saying she shouldn't have used Kickstarter and got her start-up funding from friends and family. I don't think she can mold up these plastic clips in her house one order at a time they way a home crafter selling hair products can so anymore smaller would not really work.

She should get her husband, siblings, parents, cousins, friends to help her out. People are finicky and not terribly patient with their money. I only invested $75 so I am not too worried about it, but for people that invested $100s she needs to be more on the ball. Fixing that video should not take that much time.
 

HanaKuroi

Well-Known Member
I am not sure how much smaller she could a have started because 20k is pretty damn small scale for a business like the one she is starting. Unless people are really saying she shouldn't have used Kickstarter and got her start-up funding from friends and family. I don't think she can mold up these plastic clips in her house one order at a time they way a home crafter selling hair products can so anymore smaller would not really work.

She should get her husband, siblings, parents, cousins, friends to help her out. People are finicky and not terribly patient with their money. I only invested $75 so I am not too worried about it, but for people that invested $100s she needs to be more on the ball. Fixing that video should not take that much time.

I wonder how the puff cuff lady did it? And hers were made in America. I ordered a few Puff Cuffs.

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Ogoma

Well-Known Member
Thanks for the link. She really has no plan or how to implement one. She is going to the bookstore today? To buy a book to come up with a business plan today? What does she mean she doesn't know what to do? She is trying to wing it? Now? After the kickstarter is over? She should have asked these questions before she even started that kickstarter. She doesn't know that USPS will pick up? Did she do any research at all???? I realize that her going ghost wasn't because she didn't care but it was because she doesn't have any idea what she is doing. That is worse. Sent from my iPad using LHCF

I think she is someone with a good idea, but no managing or organizing skills. She reminds me of my sister, started her practice a year ago but can't tell if it is profitable or not. :spinning:
 

Ogoma

Well-Known Member
I wonder how the puff cuff lady did it? And hers were made in America. I ordered a few Puff Cuffs. Sent from my iPad using LHCF

Probably self-funded or from family and friends. It is also one puff-cuff per head so lower upfront production than that many plates. She needs to shift into small business owner mode. Wonder if there is a meet up or support group she can go get some advice.
 

luckiestdestiny

Well-Known Member
Probably self-funded or from family and friends. It is also one puff-cuff per head so lower upfront production than that many plates. She needs to shift into small business owner mode. Wonder if there is a meet up or support group she can go get some advice.
@Ogoma she mentioned someone contacted her about licensing earlier. She may need to consider that. Granted it's less money but she can make a substantial living and leave everything to people who know how to get the job done.

I'm finding some people (and I'm not saying her....yet...) are not cut out for business. I'm all for getting up to par, or finding someone who knows what they're doing in areas where I'm clueless. Everyone should be. This is not a matter of pride, it's a matter snapping out of it, taking the good and bad and getting to work.

In that case, if you're brilliant in one way, but not able to execute it right, then it's better to let someone who is proficient handle it. In other words: She can run and crash and burn her business possibly with complaints, or license it and move out the way and collect checks, or get super serious about listening to her customer's valid complaints so that she can develop as a new business owner. If one sees this as constructive criticism and not just as "hating" and or just complaining for no reason... one could see the nuggets of truth that will help turn things around for success.
 

GoldenRule

Well-Known Member
From another point of view though...if the Kickstarter is dependent upon reaching a certain goal (say $8k in this case), once the goal is reached, the funding is pretty much going to happen. This goal was reached and exceeded VERY early in the campaign. Past that point, she really didn't need to bother with addressing our concerns. As you can see, the bottom line didn't change much, in fact, it kept right on growing!
 

MamitaLolita

Well-Known Member
^now that is a great demo video. There is no fluff and no question as to how functional the product is. I'll definitely need a few of those once my hair is longer.
 

HanaKuroi

Well-Known Member
http://sourcing.alibaba.com/quotati...t-is-so-simple-Kelechi-Bradley/132809957.html


Bonnet, It is so simple Kelechi Bradley
Model Number: Bonnet Sketch
Product Price: FOB Karachi US $ 0.94~1.09 / Pieces
Quote Based on: 10000 Pieces
Date Quoted: 14/06/2014
Payment Terms: T/T
Get Latest Quote
Product Details:
Dear Kelechi Bradley,
I am Nadeem, CEO of Race Grace Apparel Company. I have seen the attached image of bonnet you are looking for. As we are in manufacturing of different kind of clothing and made ups, so it seems a simple item. Just send me a clear picture with high pixel resolution better send a sketch so that our development department could understand and make an identical piece to send you for your approval. The whole process will take a week, to reach the sample at your table.
You can send me this information at our official email address. It is the shortest way to reach at the exactly required bonnet. Don’t worry about price, it looks cheap item and price, off course will be mutually agreeable.
Looking forward to hear back,
Nadeem

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virtuenow

Well-Known Member
isawstars eh, I tried to stay out of this phase, it's too exhausting. I can be hired if someone needs further advising (counseling is what I do); but I don't plan to give anymore on a message board. HanaKuroi what is that ^^?
 

HanaKuroi

Well-Known Member
isawstars eh, I tried to stay out of this phase, it's too exhausting. I can be hired if someone needs further advising (counseling is what I do); but I don't plan to give anymore on a message board. HanaKuroi what is that ^^?

Last week She was inquiring about bonnets. She was sending sketches. I am trying to figure out what is going through her mind? She can't figure out how to handle the cwk plates so why is she trying to sell bonnets too?

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Soratachi

Well-Known Member
I received an e-mail with an update of the mould for tooling. Well at least the manufacturer is doing his job.
She needs to get herself organized.

Please keep the bonnet discussion out from this thread.
 

veesweets

Well-Known Member
Maybe the bonnets were going to be a cute lil surprise gift for everyone who ordered plates since she exceeded her goal?? Idk, trying to be optimistic and lighthearted here since nobody truthfully knows anything :lol:
 

HanaKuroi

Well-Known Member
veesweets said:
Maybe the bonnets were going to be a cute lil surprise gift for everyone who ordered plates since she exceeded her goal?? Idk, trying to be optimistic and lighthearted here since nobody truthfully knows anything :lol:

But you can't do that if you are using kickstarter from my understanding. There are quite a few things that have been done here that isn't allowed according to kickstarter rules.

I can't see any mentions on my IPhone. PM me if it is a must see. Allons y
 
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luckiestdestiny

Well-Known Member
I received an e-mail with an update of the mould for tooling. Well at least the manufacturer is doing his job.
She needs to get herself organized.

Please keep the bonnet discussion out from this thread.

Why? I created the thread :lachen: and unless you're a mod, I'm not sure why you're regulating what can be discussed although I know you mean well. If someone thinks it is valid to the campaign I think why not discuss it. Having 50-11 threads to discuss a business owner seems like over kill. I do think we can all decide if it's valid to the character of the business or not. But I'm not one for trying to control the direction of a thread. I don't want anyone else feeling they are silenced from anything they want to report that they think may be valid. I don't think we should get pitch forks. I think we should cautiously observe until we receive product. I too supported her (I just lowered my support level to one I could risk losing ) and want her t succeed. But I do think she needs to get a handle on customer service and make sure what she says is consistent with what she does.

With that said, good to know there is an update. I'll check for it as I must have missed it and I was one of her supporters. :yep:
 
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Nazaneen

Well-Known Member
Maybe the bonnets were going to be a cute lil surprise gift for everyone who ordered plates since she exceeded her goal?? Idk, trying to be optimistic and lighthearted here since nobody truthfully knows anything :lol:

seems wasteful to me... i dont want a bonnet
meanwhile we cant even get a proper demo :look:
 

Soratachi

Well-Known Member
Why? I created the thread :lachen: and unless you're a mod, I'm not sure why you're regulating what can be discussed although I know you mean well. If someone thinks it is valid to the campaign I think why not discuss it. Having 50-11 threads to discuss a business owner seems like over kill. I do think we can all decide if it's valid to the character of the business or not. But I'm not one for trying to control the direction of a thread. I don't want anyone else feeling they are silenced from anything they want to report that they think may be valid. I don't think we should get pitch forks. I think we should cautiously observe until we receive product. I too supported her (I just lowered my support level to one I could risk losing ) and want her t succeed. But I do think she needs to get a handle on customer service and make sure what she says is consistent with what she does.

With that said, good to know there is an update. I'll check for it as I must have missed it and I was one of her supporters. :yep:

Some of the post I have read in this last pages, felt more like a personal attack on the business owner, than a critique on her inexperience, disorganisation, inability to keep up with her several communication channel and problem solving skills(the video issue).

I found the bonnet post totally irrelevant, is that post really proof that it is her?
Someone posted a link of Kelechi in a business forum, it was really her since she asked for help for the CWK plates, I can't argue with that.
Before posting that link from alibaba she should have made sure that it is her, the name only is not enough.

I must admit that I have several concerns about how she is running her new venture. This is not a school project.

But rest assured it is not difficult to notice that her product will work even on 4c. If a very soft material as curlformers works on 4c hair this looks much effective as it presses the hair between 2 hard plastic plates.

I have to admit that the first design had a little problem that was solved with the new design. My hair would have ended with four straight dents across my hair with the old design, forming 3 mounds on my hair.

I hope I made my stance clear on this matter.
 

Nazaneen

Well-Known Member
Some of the post I have read in this last pages, felt more like a personal attack on the business owner, than a critique on her inexperience, disorganisation, inability to keep up with her several communication channel and problem solving skills(the video issue).

I found the bonnet post totally irrelevant, is that post really proof that it is her?
Someone posted a link of Kelechi in a business forum, it was really her since she asked for help for the CWK plates, I can't argue with that.
Before posting that link from alibaba she should have made sure that it is her, the name only is not enough.

I must admit that I have several concerns about how she is running her new venture. This is not a school project.

But rest assured it is not difficult to notice that her product will work even on 4c. If a very soft material as curlformers works on 4c hair this looks much effective as it presses the hair between 2 hard plastic plates.

I have to admit that the first design had a little problem that was solved with the new design. My hair would have ended with four straight dents across my hair with the old design, forming 3 mounds on my hair.

I hope I made my stance clear on this matter.

You really think there are multiple Kelechi Bradley's who are into inventing/selling hair goods :look:?
And you don't know that the product will work till you try it. We have not seen a proper demo.
I took a chance with this. I'm hoping we get them and they work.
 

tinycoils

Active Member
I for one am not surprised that she has not come back to this thread with all of the negativity in it. I am sure she is stressed enough with all that she has to do to get the product to us (I am a backer) without coming in here and dealing with all the negativity. I for one cannot wait to receive my plates, my daughter and I are very excited.

Let's face it th is is a Kick Starter venture so there is some risk in backing it, but I look at it this way - even if they don't make my hair bone straight they will help to stretch it out and make it a whole lot easier to finish straightening it. I applaud her ingenuity and innovation and I am glad that I got the chance to support her.
 
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