Meet Soleil Guerrero | Founder & CEO of Bebonia

We had the good fortune of connecting with Soleil Guerrero and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Soleil, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
After spending years in the corporate world, I took the plunge into entrepreneurship to find fulfillment in my work. Along this journey, I made a personal choice to embrace my natural curls, ditching the regular straightening routine. As I sought hair extensions to boost my confidence during this transition, I noticed a glaring gap – there were no brands specifically catering to my hair type and texture. This realization fueled my determination, leading me to establish Bebonia, a brand committed to addressing the unique needs of those with curly hair, and providing them with the confidence and beauty they deserve.

What should our readers know about your business?
In 2018, I launched a curly clip-in hair extension brand called Bebonia. Timing was important when launching my brand—at the time, there were no good options for people with curly hair who wanted to enhance their style with curly clip-in hair extensions. I saw a gap in the market and went for it. Bebonia began slowly and carefully to ensure business viability and a solid foundation. We were very fiscally conservative as I self-funded the business and poured all I had into it. In the beginning, I did everything myself. Nothing about it was easy! I learned all the processes: packing and shipping orders, growing a social media presence, marketing, customer service—you name it, I did it!

Achieving work-life balance was virtually nonexistent as I poured most of my time into the business. All the workload falling on me was only sustainable for so long. I had to learn to balance and delegate. Especially now, as a new mom, I prioritize maintaining a work-life balance. I firmly believe that self-care is essential for fostering a fresh and positive mindset while collaborating with my team.

What sets us apart is that many extension brands are owned by men, but what truly distinguishes Bebonia is my firsthand experience. As someone with curly hair selling curly hair extensions, I intimately understand our customers’ needs unlike anyone else.

I am proud to say that Bebonia has been called one of the best hair extension brands by major publications.

As an immigrant Latina CEO, I aim to inspire other minority women to pursue their dreams and demonstrate that achieving success in their own business or venture is attainable. By working diligently and intelligently, while maintaining integrity, they can realize their dreams. I encourage them to use their success as a means to give back to society.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Ahhhh, so many places, so little time! Here goes:

Dining:
Dine in Upper Buena Vista
Favorite restaurants: Cote, Jaguar Sun, Joe’s Stone Crab, Motek Cafe, Pastis Miami

Art and Culture:
Visit the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) to check out contemporary art.
Have lunch in Wynwood & look at the Wynwood Walls for nice street art.
Experience a live performance at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts.

Outdoor Adventure:
Beach days are a must!
Take a kayak or paddleboard tour through the mangroves of Oleta River State Park.
Everglades Airboat Tour: on a not too hot day to sot alligators

Little Havana and Beyond:

Explore the colorful streets of Little Havana, starting with a cafecito at Domino Park.
Catch a Miami Heat basketball game at the American Airlines Arena.

Shopping & Relaxation:

Spend the morning shopping at the Design District
Unwind with a spa day at The Standard Spa, Miami Beach, get a massage, then grab a sunset drink by the pool

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I am delighted to extend heartfelt recognition to Samantha and her exceptional team at Coco. A marketing agency dedicated to womxn and BIPOC entrepreneurs. Their partnership has been nothing short of transformative for our brand. Through innovative strategies and creative marketing campaigns, Samantha has helped us not only excel but truly shine in our market. Her dedication, expertise, and collaborative spirit have been instrumental in our success. Together, we’ve turned dreams into reality!

Samantha Mellone is the Founder of COCO Marketing
sam@communityandcontent.com

Website: https://www.bebonia.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curlsbybebonia

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/curlsbybebonia/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/curlsbybebonia

Image Credits
Elena Vels