Kisha Hudson Encourages EPIC Students during Dress4Success Speaker Series

Founder and CEO of E’tae Natural Hair Care and Loft17 event space, Kisha Hudson spoke to EPIC students on Thursday afternoon about how she found success as an entrepreneur. 

“Being successful in life is all about making the right decisions,” said Hudson. “Don’t be held back by the expectations of others. You can do anything you want to; just don’t be afraid to do it differently if that’s what you have to do.” 

Hudson started in cosmetology at Dobbins Tech, where she studied hair-styling techniques and began doing hair for the community out of her mother’s basement. After building her clientele, she moved into a salon and began experimenting with creating her own hair products. 

Inspired by her daughter’s uncooperative hair, Hudson turned to natural formulas that included banana and honey to create her first product, the caramel treatment. Hudson formulated all her products from scratch without the help of scientists after researching FDA guidelines for hair care products. With word of mouth marketing, she began selling the caramel treatment, and thus E’tae was born. Now selling 14 products, E’tae has made Hudson tens of millions of dollars in sales in her salon and on her website. 

“I am successful only because through all of the hardship I faced, I never gave up and always found a solution to the challenges that came my way,” said Hudson. 

Due to the pandemic, Hudson was forced to close her salon. However, with five more years on her lease, she needed to find a solution to utilize the space. She came up with the idea of Loft17, a private event space available for rent for parties and celebrations. Through her success with E’tae, she was able to keep her clients and cater to them in new ways through the venture. 

“The three keys to success are developing great problem solving skills, using your creativity, and being able to sell your product,” said Hudson. “A closed mouth never gets fed, so don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.”