Business

African American Bay Area Woman Launches Natural Hair Care Collection

After blending numerous concoctions and conducting focus groups with friends transitioning from straightening their hair, Truth landed on the perfect ingredients that resulted in healthy, moisturized, shiny curls and coils. Currently the collection consists of three core hair care products and a heat activated deep conditioning cap.

Published

5 years ago

September 5, 2021

Isabelle Price

I LUV CURLS PRODUCTS

In June, founder Joy Truth debuted her new hair care collection, “I Luv Curls.” The hair care system is designed to inspire women to embrace their curls and “luv” their natural hair.

In the midst of the pandemic and on the heels of the passing of the CROWN Act, (a California law that prevents race-based hair discrimination and is currently on the ballot in seven states), Joy Truth saw this as the perfect time to launch her new products targeting women of color who are transitioning back to their natural hair.

“Launching and innovating during a pandemic was divine order; it provided the time and focus that I needed. When everything shut down, the frolicking stopped, and I transferred that energy to my heart’s joy: ‘I Luv Curls.’” Joy Truth said. “I made a commitment to move forward despite what was going on around me.”

The “add + clarity” clarifying cleanser is a gentle, botanical, clarifying, sulfate-free deep cleanser containing peppermint oil and rosemary oil. The “Add+ Moisture” ™ hydrating masque is a botanical, nutrient-rich, luxurious, deep treatment with moisture-locking humectants. The “Add + Strength” ™ is a luxurious, botanical, protein-rich ayurvedic deep strengthening treatment. And finally, the “Add + Heat” microwavable deep conditioning heat cap enhances the masque treatments by slowly diffusing heat to infuse moisture and/or strength deep within your hair follicles.

Joy Truth has plans for further product development of the collection with styling products and other hair treatments focused on curly hair health.

This is not the first launch for this entrepreneur; A creative and visionary entrepreneurial leader whose passion for beauty and wellness led her to leave corporate America and launch twin companies, Harmony Beauty Boutique and Harmony Yoga Pilates – a unique brand of personal care products and wellness services.

Born and raised in the SF Bay Area, Joy Truth holds a BS in Information Systems Management from the University of San Francisco, serves as the vice-chair of the Advisory Board of her alma mater, is a Christian ministry leader and contributes to social impact causes that benefit women of color.

She resides in Berkeley, with her husband Neil, stepson Jordan and their dog (Malshi) Zoe.

Isabelle Price

Posts by Isabelle Price

Up Next

CalHOPE Project Meets Critical Needs of Families During COVID-19 Crisis

Don't Miss

Moving from Pain, Trauma and Crisis Is Never Easy but Is Possible.

Isabelle Price

Click to comment

Activism

Oakland Post: Week of April 1 – 7, 2026

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of April 1 – 7, 2026

Published

3 days ago

April 6, 2026

Oakland Post

To enlarge your view of this issue, use the slider, magnifying glass icon or full page icon in the lower right corner of the browser window.

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

Activism

Oakland Post: Week of March 18 – 24, 2026

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of March 18 – 24, 2026

Published

3 weeks ago

March 22, 2026

Oakland Post

To enlarge your view of this issue, use the slider, magnifying glass icon or full page icon in the lower right corner of the browser window.

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

Advice

Financial Wellness and Mental Health: Managing Money Stress in College 

While everyone’s financial situation is unique, several common sources of stress have the potential to strain your financial health. These include financial and economic uncertainty, existing debts, unexpected expenses, and mental or physical health changes. Financial stress may differ from situation to situation, but understanding the factors contributing to yours may help you begin to craft a plan for your unique circumstances.

Published

3 weeks ago

March 17, 2026

Oakland Post

Sponsored by JPMorganChase

As a college student, managing financial responsibilities can be stressful.

If you’ve found yourself staying up late thinking about your finances or just feeling anxious overall about your financial future, you’re not alone. In one survey, 78% of college students who reported financial stress had negative impacts on their mental health, and 59% considered dropping out. While finances can impact overall stress, taking steps to manage your finances can support your mental, emotional and physical well-being.

When it comes to money, the sources of stress may look different for each student, but identifying the underlying causes and setting goals accordingly may help you feel more confident about your financial future.

Consider these strategies to help improve your financial wellness and reduce stress.

Understand what causes financial stress

2. Determine your financial priorities

Start by reflecting on your financial priorities. For students this often includes paying for school or paying off student loans, studying abroad, saving for spring break, building an emergency fund, paying down credit card debt or buying a car. Name the milestones that are most important to you, and plan accordingly.

3. Create a plan and stick to it

While setting actionable goals starts you on the journey to better financial health, it’s essential to craft a plan to follow through. Identifying and committing to a savings plan may give you a greater sense of control over your finances, which may help reduce your stress. Creating and sticking to a budget allows you to better track where your money is going so you may spend less and save more.

4. Pay down debt

Many students have some form of debt and want to make progress toward reducing their debt obligations. One option is the debt avalanche method, which focuses on paying off your debt with the highest interest rate first, then moving on to the debt with the next-highest interest rate. Another is the debt snowball method, which builds momentum by paying off your smallest debt balance, and then working your way up to the largest amounts.

5. Build your financial resilience

Some financial stress may be inevitable, but building financial resilience may allow you to overcome obstacles more easily. The more you learn about managing your money, for instance, the more prepared you’ll feel if the unexpected happens. Growing your emergency savings also may increase resilience since you’ll be more financially prepared to cover unexpected expenses or pay your living expenses.

6. Seek help and support

Many colleges have resources to help students experiencing financial stress, like financial literacy courses or funds that provide some assistance for students in need. Talk to your admissions counselor or advisor about your concerns, and they can direct you to sources of support. Your school’s counseling center can also be a great resource for mental health assistance if you’re struggling with financial stress.

The bottom line

Financial stress can affect college students’ health and wellbeing, but it doesn’t have to derail your dreams. Setting smart financial goals and developing simple plans to achieve them may help ease your stress. Revisit and adjust your plan as needed to ensure it continues to work for you, and seek additional support on campus as needed to help keep you on track.

 JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC