Meet Emily Kenison, the Founder and CEO of Emikeni, a company dedicated to empowering women-led entrepreneurship within the fashion and beauty industries.
A first-generation Turkish-American, Emily's entrepreneurial spirit and inventive nature have contributed to environmentally conscious products. Her journey has included overcoming the challenges of launching Straplets in the midst of a pandemic and successfully creating RobeCurls®, showcasing her resilience and dedication to innovation. Today, Emily’s vision extends beyond inventing products. She currently fosters a culture of sustainable and meaningful creativity among women entrepreneurs.
We asked Emily about the story behind Emikeni’s founding, what has been most unexpected, and how she would describe her journey thus far.
Tell us the story behind your company’s founding. How and why did you start working on Emikeni?
After being inspired by the TikTok trend #robecurls, I got to work testing different prototypes in order to invent RobeCurls, the original heatless curling headband. I care about innovative solutions that reshape the narrative around women’s products. RobeCurls proves that there is space for women-led inventions that make a difference not only for our planet, but for our everyday lives, too.
Reaching this level of success is about paving the way for more women-led innovations that prioritize sustainability, efficiency, and genuine problem solving.
What’s been the most unexpected part of your entrepreneurial journey?
The invention of RobeCurls, which came on the heels of my first invention Straplets. Straplets came into the market just as Covid-19 hit, which hindered its ability to do well. However, the market trends shifted and I adapted with it to invent RobeCurls.
Have you felt like giving up? What made you persist?
Yes, there were moments when the mountain of challenges in front of me felt insurmountable. We faced issues with hundreds of counterfeits showing up every day. However, the overwhelming support from our incredible community of customers kept me going. Their feedback and loyalty were my beacon of hope, reminding me of the impact RobeCurls has in helping women live their best lives.
Has your definition of success evolved throughout your journey as a founder?
Success, for me, has transformed from a focus on personal achievements to landing in mass retailers like Target. Reaching this level of success means there is a meaningful and lasting impact on the beauty industry. It’s not just about inventing a product. It is about paving the way for more women-led innovations that prioritize sustainability, efficiency, and genuine problem solving.
What people have contributed the most to your successes?
Our customers have been the cornerstone of our success. Their enthusiasm, feedback, and unwavering support have not only propelled our growth, but have provided invaluable insights that drive innovation. Our customers are the heartbeat of RobeCurls. They inspire us to continually push the boundaries of what is possible.
What have you learned about building a team and a support network around yourself?
The importance of reaching out. Securing a mentor like Sara Blakely was a game-changer for me and is a testament to the power of simply going for the ask. Surrounding yourself with people who share your vision and passion is crucial for navigating the entrepreneurial journey.
What would you tell your younger self if you were to start your entrepreneurial journey all over again?
Brace for a ride of a lifetime that is filled with ups and downs. Remain undeterred by the challenges. Choose to embrace failure as part of the journey and learn from every experience. Never underestimate the power of a unique and simple idea that can change the world.
How would you describe the journey you’ve had in a few sentences? Would you do it all over again?
This journey has been an exhilarating blend of creativity, resilience, and breakthroughs that have far exceeded my wildest dreams. I have invented a category-creating product that will make waves for generations to come. I hope it inspires other women inventors along the way. And would I do it all over again? Absolutely.
