Erin Butler - Ardor Hair Co.

Erin Butler

Ardor Hair Co

By Terry L. Watson

Photos Provided by Erin Butler

After years of wearing various hair extension brands and facing numerous issues with quality, consistency, and customer service, a trio of women decided to seek the best quality hair on the market and help solve this same issue for other women. They dedicated a year to discovery, research, and testing in hopes of understanding the hair industry and hair extension products. As a result of their study, a new company was born; Adror Hair Co.

It was in 2022 when St. Louis, MO, resident Erin Butler, along with co-founders and college friends Jerdona Caston and Mo’Shai Gibbs, combined their wits and talents to form Ardor Hair Co. Erin shares, “We weren’t focused on the façade, and that is still true today. What you see is what you get. Pure, quality, and premium hair. Ardor Hair Co. is more than a luxury hair extensions company; it’s a lifestyle and a community. We are devoted to educating and empowering women of color, especially black women, to love and wear their hair with confidence.”

Erin describes herself as a driven, innovative, and diversely experienced entrepreneur and a marketing and project management professional. In 2009, Erin received her Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing and Sales from Southern University and A&M College, located in Baton Rouge, LA. In 2018, she received her Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Missouri- St. Louis. She enjoys sharing her life with her husband, Michael, and being a mother to two beautiful and amazing daughters, Kimber and Karis. She also loves a great bottle of wine, spending time with her village, and reading. Erin is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and Jack & Jill of America, Inc.

For a great portion of Erin’s life, hair has played a significant role. She grew up in a salon, and her aunt owned a reputable salon in St. Louis for over 30 years. Her grandmother worked there, as did Erin’s mother. Erin followed suit and worked there, too. Firsthand, she saw the importance of the hair community and how much one’s hair impacts it. “My aunt’s grind as an entrepreneur, her support of women, and the safe space she provided were a huge inspiration for Ardor Hair Co.,” Erin said.

As a business owner, Erin says her primary focus is providing sound and consistent customer service and being present and involved in the community. “We have a variety of customers with different needs. Some have experienced hair loss due to alopecia or post-partum. Some struggle with maintaining their hair or finding their look, and while others love hair extensions. I love being able to serve them, and it warms my heart to receive text messages, emails, and reviews from women who trust and love our products and continue to support us.”

Erin shares her life has been impacted by some amazing women. “First and foremost, my mother, Kimberly Jones, has had the biggest impact on my life. She consistently motivated and pushed me to think outside the box and take risks. I lost my mother to breast cancer in 2009 when I was a senior in college, and although she’s no longer physically present with me, every day, I hear her voice and feel her spirit, which is a constant motivator. One of the last things my mother said to me was, ‘You’ll be fine, I taught you everything.’ And she was absolutely right. There’s so much she instilled in me to help me keep going. She was a creative individual and entrepreneur as well. My mother loved fashion and empowering other women through beauty and fashion. What I do is for her.”

I lost my mother to breast cancer in 2009 when I was a senior in college, and although she’s no longer physically present with me, every day, I hear her voice and feel her spirit, which is a constant motivator.

Having a background in business has been helpful for Erin. However, she has faced some challenges that have required her to dig deeper within. Such challenges are funding, staying on top of competitive headwinds, market changes, and maintaining balance. She shares, “As an entrepreneur, it’s essential to have individuals and connections you can talk to and consult with. Having a support system of individuals who aren’t afraid to share learnings and resources is so valuable. I love learning, and I’m a forever student. I regularly research my business landscape to stay on top of market trends.”

Erin’s advice for others who may face a journey similar to hers is clear. She says, “Go for it! Why not? While doing so, give yourself grace. Some days, you won’t have the energy, and some days, you will feel like giving up. Those are the times when you should remember what sparked the fire inside you and keep pushing. Also, remember to make great connections, be vulnerable, and remain open to learning.”

Looking ahead, Erin hopes to continue to build Ardor Hair Co. and increase its product line. Personally, Erin has been in a transition phase. She adds, “Out of transition, new things come to life, and old ideas resurface. One thing that’s been on my heart is to write a children’s book focused on loss and grief resulting from losing a loved one to cancer.” One thing is for sure: Ardor Hair Co. will continue to impact the hair care industry.

www.ardorhairco.com