Meet Iva Colter, PhD

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Iva Colter, PhD a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Iva , appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?

I grew up in a middle-class family in Eastern Europe under communism, where opportunities to stand out were scarce. Everyone wore the same clothes and hairstyles, making it difficult to find a sense of individuality. To carve out my own identity, I began making my own clothes, cutting my own hair, and marching to my own beat.

From a young age, my parents modeled resilience. They worked alternating day and night shifts to provide for me and my sister, which meant they rarely saw each other. However, it ensured that someone was always home to take care of us, as hiring a nanny was not an option and it wasn’t common to have help.

I had to fight hard for every opportunity. In my small town, it was typical for girls like me to get married at 20, start a family, and never leave. Time just seemed to stand still. I knew then that I craved a different path and that I had to create a life with no pre-existing blueprint. First, I memorized an English dictionary and learned to speak proficient English at a time when Russian was the language du jour. I buried myself in books and studied hard until I won a scholarship from George Soros that sponsored one student from each country in the former Eastern Europe to study in the US. That opportunity truly opened the world for me and taught me everything I needed to know to eventually become a successful executive and an entrepreneur.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

Thank you for the opportunity to share more about our brand and my journey. I’m passionate about creating clean and effective hair care products tailored for kids of mixed heritage. Niles & Chaz is dedicated to filling a significant gap in the beauty industry. Despite the growing number of mixed families in the US, there’s a noticeable lack of diversity in hair care products, especially for kids of color. This is particularly true for boys, who are often underserved.

What excites me most about Niles & Chaz is our commitment to creating products that not only work but also celebrate and enhance the natural beauty of mixed-textured hair. Our formulations excel in combating frizz, defining curls, and locking in moisture, using ingredients packed with vitamins, veggies, and fruits for deep nourishment. We pride ourselves on being inclusive and sustainable, crafting products that care for both our customers and the planet.

We launched just recently with four SKUs: Tangles Shmangles Detangler and Curl Enhancer, What the Frizz! Styling Gel Cream, Curl Raiser Revival Spray, and Scalp Enchanter Pre-Shampoo Treatment, as well as hair accessories like beanies, bonnets, and scrunchies to keep that perfect look. Our line has something for everyone—from Wavies, Curlies, to Coilies! We are now working on establishing brand awareness, love, and affinity, and increasing our reach. We are planning to launch more products later in the year and eventually build out our line with even more offerings.

At Niles & Chaz, we’re more than just a hair care brand; we’re a community dedicated to empowering kids to embrace their natural beauty and feel confident in who they are. We believe that when kids look and feel their best, they’re ready to take on the world with confidence and joy.

Thank you for the opportunity to share our story and our mission. We look forward to continuing this journey and making a positive impact on the lives of mixed-heritage families.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

1. Resilience
Resilience was crucial in my journey. Finding your entry point and clarifying your north star is not easy. It’s very tempting to quit and fall back to ‘safer’ life choices. Focus and clarity around what you are trying to do, why, and for whom are key. My advice for those early in their journey is to stay committed to your vision. Challenges are inevitable, but maintaining a clear sense of purpose will help you navigate through tough times. Keep reminding yourself of your ‘why’ and stay resilient in the face of obstacles.

2. Talent Density
Surrounding yourself with people who know more than you about what you are trying to accomplish and who can steer you in the right direction is invaluable. Talent density means building a network of mentors, advisors, and peers who can provide guidance and support. For those just starting, actively seek out opportunities to learn from others. Join professional groups, attend industry events, and don’t be afraid to ask for advice. Building a strong, knowledgeable network will significantly enhance your ability to succeed.

3. Work Ethic
Building a business is hard and extremely time-consuming. You need to have the grit and perseverance to get back up each time you hit a bump in the road. A strong work ethic is essential for pushing through the inevitable challenges of entrepreneurship. My advice is to cultivate discipline and consistency in your efforts. Set clear goals, develop a routine, and be prepared to put in the necessary work. Remember, persistence and dedication are key drivers of success.

Advice for Early Journey Entrepreneurs:

Stay Resilient: Embrace challenges as learning opportunities and keep your ultimate goals in sight.
Build a Strong Network: Surround yourself with talented and knowledgeable people who can guide and support you.
Cultivate a Strong Work Ethic: Be prepared to work hard, stay disciplined, and persevere through setbacks.
By focusing on these qualities, you can navigate your entrepreneurial journey with confidence and determination.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was not pushing me in the direction of what they wanted for me or a path that wasn’t right for me. Instead, they allowed me to chart my own path. They provided the support and freedom I needed to explore my interests and make my own choices. This trust and autonomy empowered me to discover my true passions and pursue them wholeheartedly, ultimately leading to a fulfilling and successful career.

By allowing me to find my own way, my parents instilled in me a sense of independence and confidence that has been invaluable throughout my journey. Their belief in my ability to determine my own course has shaped my approach to life and business, emphasizing the importance of following one’s true calling.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

MichelleVanTine Photography, Calethia DeConto

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Leadership Development
Empathy Unlocked: Understanding how to Develop Emotional Intelligence

“Empathy is the starting point for creating a community and taking action. It’s the impetus

Productivity
Where do you get your work ethic from?

We’ve all heard the phrase “work hard, play hard,” but where does our work ethic

Productivity
Boosting Productivity Through Self-Care

When you have a never-ending to-do list it can feel irresponsible to engage in self-care,