When I sat down with the Colter family via Zoom to discuss their haircare brand, I was excited to learn about their exciting endeavor. There was no denying the chemistry between Mike Colter (‘Luke Cage’ actor) and Iva Colter as they proudly introduced their young daughters, Niles (9) and Chaz (6). Noticeably, their curls danced onscreen much like the smiles on their youthful faces as they gave me an up-close look at the brand inspired by their natural tresses.
I know firsthand how difficult it was to find clean products that worked well for my daughters as they were growing up, so my interest was genuinely piqued when I learned that Niles and Chaz were the inspiration behind Niles & Chaz, a hair care brand that specializes in vegan, cruelty-free, and nut-free formulas for mixed-texture hair.
“As parents, Mike and I tried hard to find products that we consider clean,” Iva, the co-founder and CEO of Niles & Chaz, shared with BrownStyle Magazine exclusively. “We feel that it’s really important to care about what goes on and into our kids’ bodies and scalps, and we were just not pleased with what we saw on the shelves.”
Ahead, learn more about the inspiration behind the brand.
Formulating Clean And Effective Products
We all want to find clean, healthy hair care products that work. Driven to provide better options, the Colter family set out to create a line of hair care products that feature 90% naturally derived and organic ingredients.
“We honed in on the formulation, and we wanted to ensure it’s clean and sustainable,” Iva explains.
The family’s focus on sustainability is evident in their packaging choices and the use of plant-based ingredients. “With our packaging and design, we wanted to stay true to a clean and sustainable brand. All of our packaging comes in aluminum,” Iva adds.
Niles & Chaz- The Family Business
The Colter family’s approach to product development is unique because their children are actively involved in creating the vitamin-infused, veggie, and fruit-packed haircare line. This includes trying the products and giving honest feedback.
“They’re also gifting it to many of their friends and teachers. So that’s very nice,” Iva shares with a chuckle. “They are spreading the word, and they do it so well.”
Embracing Inclusivity And Sustainability
According to the most recent 2020 census, 33.8 million people, or 10.2% of the U.S. population, identified as multiracial. As a mother of children with mixed heritages, Iva made it her mission to ensure that the brand offers a safe space to learn and grow together.
The CEO emphasizes the brand’s commitment to inclusivity, noting each product is designed to nourish and promote healthy hair for all types. She adds, “Our brand is not exclusively for kids. Our products work well for curls from 2A to 4C. I want to make sure that the message to parents is that our products are inclusive. We want to include boys and girls!”
Future Plans And Expansion
As the brand continues to grow, the Colter family has “big plans” to expand. This includes designing shower caps, shampoos, and conditioners. The ultimate goal is to get their products on shelves by 2025, as they receive increasing interest from retail partners.
To shop Niles & Chaz, visit nilesandchaz.com and Amazon.
