Today we asked Saint Lucian, Ms. Lisa Mc Clean, founder of the first ever trademarked and copyrighted natural hair care system in the Caribbean, Treasure MonaLisalocs ™ who is currently based in Barbados 47 questions.
What inspired you to become a natural hair care specialist?
Growing up and seeing my mom never put chemicals in our hair, which was
something she never believed in. It is only as an adult that I made that decision, but my mom always believed in natural hair care. She always said that “she doesn’t want chemicals in our
hair because it damages our hair”.
What do you think is the most important part of your work?
My work is to inspire young people to embrace their natural hair and their natural
beauty, to embrace themselves and to love themselves.
What is your biggest weakness?
Not getting the inspiration to put the word out there about staying natural when I was
younger.
What is your biggest strength?
Being an advocate for natural beauty is my biggest strength right now.
What is a cause that is important to you?
A world with more love and more compassion for each other, which is lacking right
now.
When are you the most inspired?
When I get up in the morning, say my prayers, exercise, inspiration and visions,
spiritual movings happen for me.
Sweet or savory?
A bit of both but I think I am sweet.
What song can you listen to on repeat?
Teddyson John and International Stephen – Vent (Breaks out in song).
What makes you smile the most?
I just love life, living and people, I just love it.
What is one thing people don’t know about you?
I am a true friend but once trust is broken, that is the end of it.
What are three things you can’t live without?
The almighty who gives me the strength to continue doing what I am doing right now,
my beautiful boys and my beautiful baby girl.
Leather or lace?
Leather
What is the most adventurous thing you have done in your life?
I visited Nigeria about 10 years ago.
How would you define yourself in 3 words ?
Lisa is a very honest person, loving person and respects everyone.
What is inspiring you in your life right now?
To see the beautiful kings and queens embracing all the natural beauty God has given
us which inspires me even more.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
Growing up my mom had six (6) children and she always encouraged us, especially
the girls to be independent and learn a skill, to not depend on anyone.
What is your pet peeve?
Dishonesty
What is your biggest regret?
Not learning about a natural haircare system earlier.
How do you start your day?
I wake up between 4:00 a.m. and 4:30 a.m., say my prayers and give thanks to the
almighty for everything he has given me and the blessings still to come. Then I go walking and after my work day begins.
What is the one thing you wish you knew at age 19?
To embrace ourselves, to know our worth and our value as black queens and kings.
What is the one talent you wish you had?
Let me tell you I am originally a singer and I love to sing…(breaks out into song “I
am so excited and I just can’t hide it”)…I just need that extra vocal coaching to hit those high notes…(laughs).
What is something you still want to be doing in 10 years?
I see myself doing so many things including teaching the younger generation to feel
grounded and respectful. Also to inspire and mentor them through a training at a vocational school.
What is the best thing that happened for you this year?
Putting ten (10) Monalisalocs tm sisters on the market who are building their own
empires.
What is one thing you had to learn the hard way?
Every skin teeth is not necessarily a smile.
What is something you are tired of?
Seeing parents take young kids ages 6 to 8 years, to the salon to process their hair,
damaging it, whereas we have beautiful, beautiful hair that we should show off.
What is a trend you would like to see disappear forever?
Relaxer, perm, jerry curls and texturizer should disappear forever.
What is the biggest learning experience you have had?
Building my business from ground zero to the level it is at right now.
What are you most excited about these days?
I’m excited about the Monalisalocs tm system, excited about putting it on the market, the thrill of having it across the Caribbean and the rest of the world and teaching other entrepreneurs a skill that will last a lifetime.
Diamonds or pearls?
Diamonds but I am wearing pearls today (smiles).
What is heavily played on your music list right now?
Kaiso, I love my Caribbean music, I love it.
What makes you feel accomplished?
When I look at my beautiful sons, I feel accomplished.
Favorite food?
Lobster and shrimp but give me my breadfruit and saltfish and banja and dasheen.
Favourite snack?
Icecream
What is a super power you wish you had?
Showing compassion and love towards each other.
What is your favourite color?
Red, I am wearing it, “mwen en rouge” (laughs).
In 2020, you launched your own natural hair care system. What surprised you the most about
releasing this first trademarked and copyrighted hair care system in the entire Caribbean?
It was a battle to start a business off the ground with nothing and to bring it to a level where it is recognised. Right now, I am in Martinique continuing my launch which has been well received. As the Jeffersons sitcom theme song says (breaks out in song again…“ we are moving on up, to the East side..)
What was the biggest lesson you learnt after your launch?
People have not understood that a female from a small island of Saint Lucia in the
Caribbean has created a hair care system that can rival other international brands.
Now tell me about Treasure Monalisalocs Tm?
Monalisalocs tm is a new technical application of locs that can work with persons of
color in any career path. This system will not work on Caucasian or East indian hair types. It is a turnkey system aimed to empower persons to learn a skill, something that will last a lifetime. It is headquartered in Barbados with branches in various islands to date including Saint Lucia. Monalisalocs tm carries a line of shampoo that is good for all types of locs and natural hair, made West Indian ingredients such as avocado, honey, hibiscus and much more. This hair care system encourages and welcomes kings and queens to embrace their natural beauty. No more worries, only healthy hair. So “Redefine yourself, It’s a touch of class.”
How can a Saint Lucian become part of this venture?
Registration for Monalisalocs tm is now open in Saint Lucia with a course scheduled
for June 25 to 27th, 2022. More information is available on the Instagram page:
@Monalisalocstm or @monalisalocstm758
What is the most important thing your mom taught you?
Show everyone respect and it is never too late to learn a skill, always try multiple
ventures. Focus on yourself, be your own boss, learn a skill.
How would you describe your upbringing?
We grew up in a strict home. For instance there was a gentleman who was called Frog and we had to call him Mr. Frog. If a neighbour spoke to you, it was as if it was your mom speaking to you, otherwise your mom would spank you for not listening after receiving the
information from the neighbour.
Who is your role model?
My beautiful, amazing, wonderful, fantastic, gorgeous mother. She raised 6 of us
without a father. She did it her way, with one job.
What gets you out of bed in the morning?
Knowing that I have not accomplished everything I want to including reaching and
mentoring the younger generation.
What fills your days these days?
Knowing that I can get up and work and that when I look in my chair, I see another
beautiful person embracing themselves and their natural beauty.
What do you want to be known for?
The little lady from St Lucia who inspired persons in the Caribbean and the world to
embrace their natural beauty and show love and encouraged them to show love and compassion towards one another.
Any last words for your audience?
Look at me, don’t give up. Your circumstances do not define you. Have a dream, have
a vision, push yourself to do more, never give up on your dream. When you are passionate about something, go for it, stick to it and go for the gold.
How do you feel now that we are done?
I am excited about what I am doing, being able to teach persons to learn a skill, teach them something positive, give love to persons so they can feel valued and elevate themselves. I want to let them know it is not just about academics, working with ones hands and learning a skill can bring you success too.
Thank you so much Lisa of Treasure Monalisalocs Tm and we wish you the very best on this journey. Follow her on Instagram MonalisalocsTm and for the Saint Lucian chapter, visit MonalisalocsTm758.
Ann -
Good going. Encouraging us not to judge people. Every man has his story.