Naomi Barrant and Ashleigh Chiwaya first crossed paths as freshmen at Northeastern University, bonding over their shared experiences and passions. Ashleigh, now a rising third-year student majoring in Psychology and Data Science, gained valuable experience in high school as both a hair store assistant manager and hairstylist at Rephairations in Arlington, MA. Naomi, also a rising third-year, is pursuing a degree in Business Administration and Communication Studies with a concentration in Finance. Her journey as a hairstylist began in high school at Syllistik Salon and the Penthouse Salon, and she continues to offer her services as a freelance hairstylist under Naomi.Stylez.

As African American students native to the Boston area, Naomi and Ashleigh recognized a significant gap in the availability of convenient beauty essentials on campus. Their shared experiences as beauty professionals and their commitment to serving their community inspired them to create Nuly Rootd — a venture born out of the desire to provide accessible, quality hair care products for students with natural hair.

Together, they competed in Northeastern’s Entrepreneurship Club’s Husky Startup Challenge and are continuing to develop Nuly Rootd as Northeastern Sherman Venture Co-ops in collaboration with the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

Nuly Root’d is based in Boston, MA. For business inquiries, feel free to fill out the contact below.