Meet Tanja Collins | Founder + CEO

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tanja Collins and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tanja, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Earlier in my career I wouldn’t necessarily say that I placed a high value on work life balance. I prided myself on having high ownership of my projects and thought the daily grind was the norm. As I continued to advance in my career, I realized that the work would always be there and that my physical and mental wellbeing needed to be prioritized. I had to stop treating work life balance as a nice to have and started working towards implementing solutions that supported more balance. Now that I run my own business I’m incredibly thankful that I can prioritize this balance as being an entrepreneur requires a different level of performance and engagement.

What should our readers know about your business?

Striking + Strong is a haircare brand for women with curly, wavy, kinky, and coily hair who live active lifestyles and need products that cleanse the scalp from sweat and oil while nourishing the hair. For many women of color who have textured hair, there’s this either/or that exists. Meaning we can either live an active lifestyle or have healthy hair, but having both is way too difficult. At Striking + Strong, we believe it’s an AND and we’ve formulated products made with clean ingredients and that are free from harsh sulfates, parabens, silicones, phthalates, DEA, and artificial dyes.

I’m most proud of the fact that Striking + Strong is a brand that’s rooted in problem solving, diversity, and community. This brand was created to help women live more active lifestyles.  For me, coming out of the pandemic, I wanted to find a way that I could help reduce barriers and obstacles for women of color; especially since so many minorities were greatly impacted by Covid due to preexisting health conditions.  Maintaining our hair while working out shouldn’t be an obstacle.  I want to encourage women of color to take care of themselves and prioritize self care.  So, when I receive positive feedback and encouragement from women who once struggled to maintain their hair and live an active lifestyle, it motivates me to keep going.

My journey started in 2021 when I set out to learn as much as possible about the haircare industry and how brands bring products to market. I have over 20+ years in sales and marketing experience within the CPG industry but my background has been predominately in the salty snacks category. So I set out on a mission to network with leaders in the industry and to absorb as much knowledge as possible. When challenges arise, I lean in on my network and seek help from others.

Along this journey, I’ve learned to keep an open mind and to be flexible. There have been plenty of times when I have had to make decisions with the limited information I have on hand. You have to be comfortable with making decisions even when there’s uncertainty.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I think any week long trip to Dallas should include visiting the various different areas of the city.

Starting off with downtown and uptown, the Dallas Farmers Market and Kyle Warren park are a must see. You’ll also find a great brunch at Breadwinners. And if you find yourself downtown for dinner; drinks at the Adolphus are a must followed by dinner, at Monarch, which will give you such a great view of this fantastic city.

If you visit Texas, no visit is complete without trying out our famous BBQ. Head on over to Deep Ellum and check out Pecan Lodge and Terry Black’s BBQ. You will not be disappointed.

The Dallas Arboretum is a great spot on Thursday nights as they host a concert series that’s worth checking out. Just make sure to purchase tickets in advance.

And for all the sports lovers out there, head on over to Arlington to check out AT&T stadium and Globe Life Field.

Let’s not forget to add White Rock Lake to places to visit.  If you love nature walks or want to try out boating activities, make sure to add this to your list.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to Elvi Collins, my mother who taught me the importance of perseverance, hard work, and that with each new day comes an opportunity to be better, and to do better than the day before. She taught me to stand confidently in the spaces I enter and to be unapologetically me.

Website: https://strikingandstrong.com/

Instagram: Strikingandstronghair

Facebook: Striking + Strong

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkUq2r2RCqU&t=14s

Image Credits
Laci Villarreal Photography