Today we’d like to introduce you to Caitlyn Litson
Hi Caitlyn, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
In 2017 I was trying to find a solution to my own hair problems. Using a curling iron was ruining my hair and the heatless options didn’t give me the wand-like curls I loved. I had been trying to make a DIY option to help solve these issues, and ended up taking a marketing class where project for the semester was to create a product. I was so excited because I was already trying to do this in my spare time and now I would get college credit for something that I actually wanted to do!
After lots of research and trying everything on the market at the time, I decided to create my own curlers that would be soft and give stylish results.
But it didn’t happen that easily. My first prototypes we’re a disaster and I even asked my teacher if I could switch project ideas. He said I could, but I’d have to rewrite the last several essays. I hate writing.
Then about two weeks before my project on my curlers was due, my dad passed away unexpectedly. I struggled a lot with of grief and anxiety, but I got through those dark times by distracting myself with work. I didn’t realize that this crazy little invention I was using as a distraction would end up changing my life forever.
The night before my curler presentation, I created my first working prototype and put it in my hair before I went to bed. I woke up the next morning with absolutely beautiful curls and my presentation went very well. Afterwards, my teacher helped connect me with Dr. Wayne Provost who guided me through the patent process.
Coming up with the prototype was hard, but trying to find manufacturers who wanted to work with a broke 20 year-old college student was even harder. I started saving money for my first batch while searching for the right manufacturer’s for our materials. It took over a year to get everything we needed to start making curlers. I thought the hard part was over, but then I had to put them together, create a website, advertise, and basically do all of the “business things” that were completely foreign to me.
I’m still working & learning everyday, trying my best to improve this little business. I love that I can make a difference in other women’s lives by helping them feel more confident. It’s been such a wonderful experience to connect with so many people.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Running a small business is a dream come true for many, but the reality is often more complex than expected. As a mompreneur, finding a healthy home-work balance has been one of my greatest challenges. I often juggle work responsibilities with the needs of my little boy, who is always nearby as I answer emails, take customer calls, and brainstorm ideas. While I cherish the flexibility of working from home, it also blurs the boundaries between family and business life, sometimes leaving me feeling like I’m not giving either my full attention.
Another challenge has been navigating the ever-evolving landscape of social media and online systems. Learning how to connect with customers through platforms like Instagram has been an adventure in itself. Between understanding algorithms, creating engaging content, and adjusting to new trends, staying relevant online requires constant effort and adaptability. It’s been rewarding, though, to see how sharing my journey resonates with so many of you.
However, the hardest part of this journey has been manufacturing. The road has been rough, especially during our first year of business when COVID-19 brought everything to a standstill. Our manufacturers couldn’t produce curlers, which left us scrambling for solutions and delayed our ability to serve our customers. Even now, manufacturing remains a hurdle. Each Cozy Curler is made up of custom components that require specialized machines. While we’re proud to assemble them by hand with a small team here in Southern Utah, every step in the process takes time, care, and coordination. It’s a labor of love, but it’s not without its frustrations.
Despite these challenges, I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything. Every obstacle has taught me something new, whether it’s patience, resilience, or the importance of leaning on a supportive community. Owning a small business has been one of the hardest and most rewarding things I’ve ever done, and so grateful for the opportunity.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Cozy Curlers?
At Cozy Curlers, we are passionate about empowering women to feel confident and beautiful with heatless curls. We specialize in creating a versatile curler that allows you to style your hair in a way that fits your mood or occasion. Whether you’re looking for loose, effortless waves or tight, bouncy curls, our curlers can help you achieve it all—using just one product! What sets us apart is the flexibility and ease of use our curlers offer. You can transform your look as often as you’d like without heat damage!
We’re proud of the improvements we’ve made to our curlers over the years. Our updated version is the softest, and most lightweight curlers we have ever made. Each detail has been carefully thought out to ensure that using Cozy Curlers is as enjoyable as the results they deliver.
At the heart of our brand is the belief that beauty should be both fun and accessible. We love seeing the creativity and confidence our customers bring to their styles, and we’re honored to be part of their hair care routines. Whether it’s a busy mom bonding with her daughter over styling tips, a professional looking for a quick, heat-free solution, or someone wanting to experiment with their look, Cozy Curlers are here to make the process simple, effective, and enjoyable.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
There are so many ways to work with, collaborate with, and support Cozy Curlers! Whether you’re a customer, a fellow small business owner, or an influencer, we love partnering with people who share our passion for confidence, creativity, and empowering women.
If you’re a customer, your support means everything to us. You can shop our products, share your Cozy Curlers experience on social media, and tag us in your posts. Seeing your creative styles inspires us and helps spread the word to others looking for heatless styling solutions.
For influencers, content creators, and collaborators, we’re always looking for people to showcase the versatility of our curlers! Whether you’re demonstrating different curl styles, sharing hair care tips, or showing how Cozy Curlers fit into your daily routine, we’d love to team up and amplify each other’s voices.
Every like, share, or shoutout goes a long way in supporting our small business. We’re grateful for all the love from our community and are excited to keep growing together!
Pricing:
- Cozy Curlers are usually $34.99, but we often have discount codes (ex. Cozy10) or sales
- Extra Long Cozy Curlers are usually $39.99. They are a huge curler and many of our customers with hip-lenght hair only need to use 1-4 Curlers, even though the pack contains 8.
- We also have hair accessories under $7
- Satin bonnets are $10
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cozycurlers.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cozycurlers/
