\n<\/p>\n
Natural haircare company The Doux is entering a new phase of growth after securing a minority investment from VMG Partners, a move designed to strengthen its position in the competitive beauty market. Founded by husband-and-wife team Maya Smith and Brian Smith, the brand has evolved from a single overseas salon into a multimillion-dollar business with products now sold across major retailers in the United States and abroad.<\/p>\n
Maya Smith, a licensed cosmetologist, first launched the venture while living in Germany, where she identified a lack of services tailored to textured and curly hair. \u201cI opened a salon because at the time, there weren\u2019t really any hair spaces overseas that really focused on curly hair,\u201d Maya said to AfroTech. <\/em>What began as a local solution soon expanded into product development, with formulations starting in 2010 and a formal launch following in 2012.<\/p>\n After returning to the U.S., the company\u2019s retail presence grew rapidly. Its products, including styling foams and curl enhancers, eventually landed on shelves at major chains such as Target, Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, and Sally Beauty, while also reaching international markets in the United Kingdom.<\/p>\n The company reported $38 million in revenue and $7.3 million in earnings in 2025, reflecting what Smith described as steady and accelerating momentum. \u201cIt snowballed from there. We\u2019ve grown exponentially, and the businesses stayed profitable,\u201d she said, according<\/a> to AfroTech, <\/em>highlighting the brand\u2019s ability to scale while maintaining financial stability.<\/p>\n Despite its success, Smith acknowledged that expanding within large retail environments comes with logistical challenges. \u201cWhen you get into mass, you have your distribution, you have materials, and inventory,\u201d she explained, noting that sustaining growth requires careful planning and resources. The new investment is expected to help address those demands and support further expansion.<\/p>\n For the founders, maintaining control over the brand\u2019s identity was a key factor in selecting a partner. Smith emphasized that the collaboration with VMG Partners allows them to preserve their creative vision. \u201cThey let us be founders. They let us be us. They don\u2019t touch our brand,\u201d she said. She added that protecting the company\u2019s core values has been central to its continued success.<\/p>\n The partnership reflects a broader trend of increased investor interest in culturally driven beauty brands, particularly those serving underserved markets. With additional capital and infrastructure, The Doux aims to broaden its reach while staying rooted in the community that inspired its creation.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n