Interview: Hannah Choi of Mama Tress + Baby Tress

By Angela Tai

What inspired you to launch Mama Tress, a company that caters exclusively to hair?

Well, I was born into a family of hair entrepreneurs.  Back in the 60s, my grandfather was making wigs in Korea, and after moving his family to the states, my mother ultimately took over his business and evolved it into a hair brand.  What inspired me to launch the agency, Mama Tress, was the opportunity I saw to make the industry more beautiful through the thoughtful content and production work we do.

In addition to Mama Tress, you also created your own product brand called Baby Tress. How did that idea come about?

The idea for Baby Tress was born out of Mama Tress - hence, “baby.”  While brainstorming promotional swag ideas for our client, we asked each other what the professional’s tool for styling baby hairs was.  We couldn’t think of anything but a toothbrush. From there, my team and I kept talking about what the dream edge styling tool would look like, and one conversation led to another, and we brought this idea to life.

Hair identity is personal and something that’s deep rooted in ethnicity. How do you connect with your customers in an authentic way?

Absolutely.  For everything our agency does, the person we’re speaking to is at the center.  Since most of the work that we do involves products that I am not a consumer of, I make sure to have many, many conversations with actual consumers to ensure that the work that my team does speaks to them.  Additionally, my team and I are mindful to assign roles according to who can accomplish them best. My role is more operational and logistical; whereas the messaging that is crafted for the consumers are directed by my colleagues who are actual consumers themselves.

What’s your own hair regiment?

I’m super duper low maintenance.  On most days, I will wash my hair, brush it, and let it air dry, or decide to wear it in a low bun.  Outside of that, I just make sure to trim my hair twice a year with my favorite hairstylist, David Dieguez, and use New Wash because David insists that I don’t need to shampoo my hair everyday.

As a successful small business owner, what gives you the most anxiety? How do you destress?

I’m naturally an anxious person, and running two businesses definitely makes things a little harder.  What makes me most anxious is my fear of failing my team and my self-doubt around what I’m doing. Luckily, I have been blessed with an incredibly talented team who believes in the mission of elevating beauty, and seeing their passion for what they do keeps me in check.  As for destressing, I have “work therapy” sessions with my agency co-founder, Stella Wang, and I always make sure to get some snuggle time with my puppy, Benny.

How do you self-manage and stay productive when you’re the boss?

With an insane to do list.  As long as it’s on the list, I know it will get done.  I also do bi-weekly check-in’s with everyone on my team, and daily check-in’s with my co-founder (who is also our project manager) to make sure I’m aware of what’s going on at all times.

What are some of the brands you admire?

There are many.  Bevel because I’m obsessed with the founder, Tristan Walker, and his entrepreneurial journey.  Our Place because their products are so simple and beautiful, and their storytelling really tugs at my heartstrings.  Coming Soon because their content is fun, cheeky, and always features a cute pup, and they curate their products so perfectly.