Jamaican-born and Brooklyn-bred, Karen Mitchell has always carried an entrepreneurial spirit. From watching her mother sell commodities in Jamaica to hustling raw hair extensions for friends and family in New York, she knew early on that business was in her DNA.
“I didn’t even recognize it as entrepreneurship at first,” she admits. “It was just a side hustle. I was selling raw hair on the side while working in fashion. But then the hair started paying my rent. When I got laid off, I took a leap of faith and decided to open a store.”
That leap became known as True Indian Hair, a brand now known for its authentic, high-quality extensions and wigs trusted by celebrities, stylists, and everyday women alike.
“True represents authenticity and integrity. At the time, people were buying extensions that had fillers and synthetic blends. I wanted to give women the real thing. If I’m wearing it, I want the best, and I want you to have the best too.”
The brand is more than hair. In 2016, Mitchell launched True Strength, a completely complimentary makeover program for women experiencing severe hair loss, often due to cancer treatments.
Each October for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, 6 to 10 women are treated to free wigs, professional makeup, clothing, and dinner, provided by Mitchell and the volunteer stylists and makeup artists. “It’s near and dear to my heart,” she says. “It’s about community and restoring confidence.”
With celebrities like Rihanna and Cardi B among its clientele, True Indian Hair has been at the center of unforgettable pop culture moments, but it stays just as dedicated to the everyday woman who wants to trust the quality of what she’s wearing.
The company also faces real-world challenges like navigating tariffs and political shifts that affect product pricing. Still, Mitchell stays focused on transparency and education, always making sure clients know the value of what they’re investing in and how to navigate this time wisely.
Mitchell doesn’t take no for an answer. Despite tariffs and raised prices, she has plans of opening a store in Atlanta by 2026. And there’s more. A major project with an undisclosed partner is currently in the works and is set to expand the brand’s presence on a major platform.
Any guesses on who it may be? Stay tuned to find out and to hear more @volumeupbythetease and @nyhairqueen.
