Emily Pomroy-Smith, 37, from Wiltshire, transformed her life from relying on Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefits to running a thriving business within just one year. In January 2020, she launched BamBonn, a company specializing in hair wraps designed specifically for curly hair, all starting from a Facebook group at no cost.
With a background in fashion, Emily identified a gap in the market for hair protection products suited to curly hair types. She explained, “I was in my studio with fabric, thinking, ‘I have to do something.’ I was wearing a wrap to protect my hair, and I realized I could create a better version.” What began as a modest goal to earn enough for 30 hours of free childcare quickly surpassed her expectations.
“In the beginning, I made around £10,000,” Emily shared. “But within a year, my turnover hit £100,000. It was something I never anticipated.” Her business has consistently maintained six-figure revenues and continues to grow annually.
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Emily invested £8,000 on legal fees, design registration, and securing a US design patent, recognizing the importance of protecting her unique product — especially since half of her customer base is in the United States.
Her inspiration was deeply personal: managing and caring for her own curly hair, which demands more attention than straighter hair types. She developed a prototype and sought immediate feedback by posting it in a Facebook group dedicated to curly hair tips, inviting members to test and review the product.
“As a mum, I initially aimed just to earn enough to get by day-to-day,” she said. “I had no idea how popular the wraps would become.” Today, Emily’s story stands as an inspiring example of how spotting a niche need, leveraging social media, and listening to customers can lead to remarkable success.