Building Legacy: Miko Branch On The Rise Of Miss Jessie’s And Embracing Fearlessness

In this episode, we have the honor of speaking with Miko Branch, co-founder and CEO of Miss Jessie’s. Miko, alongside her late sister Titi, transformed a kitchen-table business into a multi-million dollar empire, redefining the hair care industry for women with curls, kinks, and waves.

Miko shares the story behind their success, the challenges they faced, and the invaluable lessons they learned along the way. Tune in to hear Miko’s candid insights on entrepreneurship, resilience, and the importance of staying true to oneself in the journey of building a lasting legacy.

• Host Deja introduces Miko Branch, highlighting the impact of Miss Jessie’s on women’s self-esteem and the hair care industry.

• Miko shares the origins of Miss Jessie’s, starting from their kitchen table in Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn.
• Introduction of Dominga Martin, an early model for Miss Jessie’s products.

• Miko discusses the challenges of writing their book while running Miss Jessie’s and dealing with Titi’s passing.
• The importance of transparency in sharing their real-life experiences and lessons.

• The significance of no fear and healthy distance in disrupting the beauty industry.
• Miko and Titi’s approach to business decisions and distribution without formal blueprints.

• Examples of overcoming fear during difficult times, including their move to the brownstone and their dealings with Target.
• The importance of trusting one’s gut and learning from mistakes.

• Miko’s journey through various educational and career paths leading to hair school and starting Miss Jessie’s.
• Balancing side jobs like bartending while building the business.

• How Miss Jessie’s pivoted to focus on natural hair care and creating their own products.
• The impact of market trends and consumer demands on their business decisions.

• Key examples of setbacks, such as expanding too quickly and internal disputes, that led to greater success.
• The role of these experiences in strengthening their business and partnership.

• The personal and professional impact of Titi’s passing on Miko and the business.
• Miko’s commitment to continuing Titi’s work and honoring her legacy.

• Addressing questions about legal and branding considerations, building a team without funds, and scaling up a business from scratch.

• Miko’s key lesson: All failures are stepping stones to success, and learning from them is crucial for growth.

• Deja thanks Miko for sharing her story and insights, inviting the audience to connect further.
  

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[This episode uses audio from an interview that published in January 2021.]