In an effort to redefine Black women’s hair experience, Khadijah Robinson, a native of West Philadelphia, came up with AQUA Waterproof Headwear. Robinson shared that it took her more than three years to develop the ideal prototype and obtain a patent for her invention.
“Just making life decisions around not wanting to get your hair wet is frustrating because we do spend so much time and money on our hair,” Robinson explained to CBS Philadelphia.
“We don’t want to have to run from the rain, sit out at waterparks and pools. Based on that frustration alone, I said, There has to be a better way to do this.”
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The entrepreneur put her skills in marketing from Temple University’s prestigious Fox School of Business to use when she began her unique range of protective headgear in 2014, which she carefully created with Black women in mind.
“It had to be stylish,” Robinson continued. “Waterproof, breathable, stretchy, and totally unique to fit us.” She continued, “This is our waterproof sun-bun. People wear it in the pool, in the water, in the shower.”
The year 2021 was when she realized that she had created something remarkable. That year, she stumbled upon a loose tag from one of her headwraps while trekking in Maryland. “I literally stepped down,” Robinson said. “There it is. I couldn’t believe it.”
Since then, AQUA Waterproof Headwear has been promoted on QVC and Empower Global, an online marketplace founded by Diddy, and Robinson is currently in talks with Target.
Robinson also supports the local economy by making all her goods in New Jersey.
“It means so much to be a Black woman-owned business,” Robinson expressed. “From a young child, I knew I wanted to do something to motivate people, to uplift the community, to create jobs.”
