Laura Manning, founder of LaJAshley.
📷: Amber N. Ford
Fairfax Market is thrilled to celebrate a vendor this month that is a pioneer in the beauty industry. We're shining a light on LaJAshley, the brainchild of Laura Manning, whose journey from aspiring biochemist to visionary founder exemplifies the power of female entrepreneurship.
Born from Laura's personal quest for 100% natural and vegan beauty products, LaJAshley stands apart in the crowded market of hair and skincare. LaJAshley is more than just a label; it's an initiative to reshape how people think about pampering themselves—proof that when you mix passion with purpose, you get something that's not only good for you but good for the earth, too.
A Journey Sprouted from the Seeds of Science
The story of LaJAshley blossoms from the academic ambitions of Laura Manning, whose early days were steeped in the study of biochemistry, eyeing a future in Forensic Pathology. Yet, it was the pull of a deeper passion—to enrich lives—that veered her path toward the realms of chemistry and holistic health. This wasn't merely a career detour; it was Laura's bold stride towards melding the precision of science with the grace of natural beauty.
Emerging from her post-college explorations, Laura plunged into the world of vegan hair care formulation, driven by a desire to shield herself and her circle from the pervasive harsh chemicals in mainstream products. “I was inspired to start a company focused on natural vegan products because I personally experienced hair loss from relaxing my hair,” she explains. “As a chemist, I embraced my love for the lab and decided to put my knowledge and expertise to the test by creating my own line of natural and vegan beauty products.” Her experiments flourished into LaJAshley—a sanctuary of safe, potent beauty alternatives underpinned by the resilience of natural ingredients.
The Essence of LaJAshley: Pure, Vegan, Inclusive
LaJAshley Papaya Creamy Leave-In Conditioner and Deep Conditioning Treatment.
📷: Amber N. Ford
The heartbeat of LaJAshley pulses with a commitment to 100% natural, vegan concoctions for hair and body care. Rejecting harsh chemicals, LaJAshley embraces a philosophy where wellness and beauty coalesce with environmental stewardship. With each LaJAshley product, every ingredient is intentional, and every product celebrates your unique beauty. Standing proud as a torchbearer in black-owned skincare and body care, LaJAshley champions inclusivity, ensuring every hair type and skin condition finds its match within its meticulously crafted products.
Signature Vegan Hair and Body Care Products
Step into the world of LaJAshley’s vegan hair and body care, where each collection merges the art of science with the essence of nature. Highlighted below are just a couple of LaJAshley’s most popular products, each crafted to address specific hair and skin needs with the luxury and efficacy of natural ingredients.
LaJAshley Papaya Creamy Leave-In Conditioner and Deep Conditioning Treatment.
📷: Amber N. Ford
Moisture Mist Leave-in Conditioner
LaJAshley's Moisture Mist Leave-In Conditioner has quickly become a beloved staple among its clientele. This handy product effortlessly moisturizes and untangles straight and wavy hair, perks up curls, and deeply nourishes the scalp, making it a go-to for protective hairstyles. It acts as a shield against heat and packs in sunscreen, too, making it your perfect summer companion.
Marine Kelp Bath and Body Oil
Equally noteworthy is LaJAshley's Marine Kelp Bath and Body Oil, part of their line of vegan body care products that have garnered rave reviews for their multifunctional benefits. This standout product does it all, healing and nourishing from head to toe. Thanks to its marine kelp extract, full of vitamins and antioxidants, it hydrates and revitalizes, leaving you with that all-over glow.
📷: Amber N. Ford
Rooted in Community
LaJAshley is deeply committed to nurturing connections within the Fairfax community, spearheading initiatives beyond beauty products. They've got a STEAM program with PNC Fairfax Connection, where everyone can get hands-on with their Little Science Lab body butter experiment. Plus, they're linking up with neighborhood salons and stylists to amp up the local expertise on natural and vegan beauty care. These collaborations are all about sharing knowledge, giving out pro tips, and letting people see just how great their vegan hair care brand is.
"Our relationship with our customers and community is characterized by trust, transparency, and mutual support," Laura says. "We prioritize creating an inclusive and welcoming environment where individuals feel empowered to embrace their natural beauty and make informed decisions about their hair care journey."
Embrace Your Natural Beauty with LaJAshley
📷: Amber N. Ford
As we wrap up our spotlight on LaJAshley, we're reminded of the incredible blend of science, nature, and passion that defines this local, woman-owned brand. Laura Manning's journey from a biochemist with a personal hair care challenge to the founder of a pioneering vegan beauty company is a powerful narrative of innovation and commitment. Dive into the transformative experience LaJAshley offers at Fairfax Market. Discover the vegan hair and body care products that are not just good for you but kind to the planet.