In celebration of the 10th anniversary of Uncle Funky’s Daughter, we had the pleasure of sitting down with our very own Chief Curl Officer, Renee Rhoten Morris, to discuss the brand’s remarkable journey. Since acquiring the company in 2014, Renee has transformed Uncle Funky’s Daughter into a beloved name in natural hair care. Join us as we delve into the heart of Uncle Funky’s Daughter and uncover the passion and dedication that drive its legacy.
Can you share the journey of discovering Uncle Funky’s Daughter and building it into what it is today?
Absolutely! It’s been an incredible journey. Like many of you, my introduction to the brand was serendipitous. When I moved to Houston in 2009, my priority was finding effective natural hair products. As a naturalista for over 20 years (now approaching 30), I tried numerous products with disappointing results—dry twists and short-lived styles were common. At that time, natural hair products were not as accessible as they are today, with retailers like Target and Walgreens providing limited options for coily and curly textures.
How did you discover Uncle Funky’s Daughter?
Fortunately, we had the internet, and I discovered Uncle Funky’s Daughter when it was a small store in Houston. My first experience with Extra Butter was transformative—it was the only product that truly worked for my hair. Even during work trips, no other product compared. I became a dedicated “Funky Junky.”
How did you transition from being a customer to becoming the CCO of Uncle Funky’s Daughter?
After years of being a loyal customer, I reached a crossroads in my career. As a Management Consultant traveling extensively, I spent only a few days a week at home with my young children. I yearned for a career that allowed me to be more present in their lives and instill our family values. One day, while getting my hair braided, I had a profound realization—I should look into buying Uncle Funky’s Daughter. Initially skeptical about whether the owners would be willing to sell, I couldn’t shake the thought. Eventually, I visited the store to restock on Extra Butter and struck up a conversation with the man behind the counter, who turned out to be the owner.
That sounds like perfect timing. What happened next?
Coincidentally, the owners were going through a divorce, and the company was in receivership, meaning it was being managed by an attorney who would decide its fate. To my surprise, they were planning to sell the company, and I seized the opportunity to acquire the brand.
How did you build the brand after acquiring it?
I bought the company because I truly believed in the products and the brand. Extra Butter and the original products like Curly Magic had transformed my hair care routine, and I saw immense potential in the brand. With my experience helping grow large companies like Coca-Cola, FedEx, and Johnson & Johnson, I was confident I could help Uncle Funky’s Daughter flourish.
What achievements have you seen over the past decade?
Since the acquisition, we’ve made tremendous strides. When I first bought the company, we were a boutique brand. Today, we are proudly featured in major retailers like Target, Sally Beauty, Walgreens, Kroger, CVS, and HEB. This success is largely due to the unwavering support of our Funky Family, who have passionately spread the word about our amazing products. Our core products like Thirsty Curls, Supercurl, and Curly Magic continue to thrive, and we have successfully launched new products like Heal & Renew, Bye Bye Buildup, and the Maximum Thermal Protection line.
As you celebrate the 10th anniversary, what are your hopes for the future?
This journey has been incredible, and I am grateful for the love and support that has fueled our growth. As we celebrate our 10th anniversary, I look forward to continuing this journey with all of you. Together, we will keep growing and expanding the Uncle Funky’s Daughter legacy. Thank you for being part of our story.
