Searching in stores and online, I realized most accessories on the market were designed for straight, thin hair, not for my naturally thick, coarse hair.

Existing products cinched my hair down to its smallest point of resistance, creating what I call “bunny tail hair.” Not a good look for a grown woman. On top of that, they caused breakage, damaged the accessory, and left me frustrated.

I became determined to find a solution, but it didn’t exist.

As I became more aware of other African American women making the same transition, all with similar textures and styles, it became clear we shared the same need. We needed an easy-to-use styling tool that could create quick looks without stressing our hair. It also had to be sanitary, durable, and affordable.

With a little more research, I realized it wasn’t just us. Men and women with curly hair, locs, and braids were all experiencing the same styling struggles.

That’s when the idea for PuffCuff was born.

At the time, I didn’t allow myself to believe I could be the one to invent it, manufacture it, and bring it to market. But then, inspiration stepped in.