We proudly celebrate Ubora Products, a family-owned Black business that has been a cornerstone of the hair care industry since 1980. Founded by Mr. Corinthian Uqdah, Sr., Ubora Products was born out of a vision to provide customers with the best hair care products available at an affordable price, without ever sacrificing quality. Their journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, innovation, and the importance of family.
The story of Ubora Products began in 1978 when Mr. Corinthian who most known by Mr. C, a devoted husband and father of five kids, was inspired by a wealthy businessman to pursue a dream of entrepreneurship. Driven by the idea of creating something lasting that could be passed down through generations, Mr. C seized an opportunity to rent a space. Although he initially wasn’t sure what kind of business he wanted to start, his determination never wavered.
After some time, Mr. C began promoting a curl activator and moisturizer for "curls." A product company he worked with was plagued by lawsuits, leading them to abandon the business and the product. In a fortunate turn of events, they offered Mr. C the product, its contents, and even the chemist who had developed their beauty products. With this acquisition, Mr. C found his calling and rebranded the product as Ubora, a Swahili word meaning "family that sticks firmly together." The name reflects the unity and strength that has driven this family business from the very beginning. In 1982, Ubora Products was launched, starting with a Curl Activator Moisturizer, Comb-Out Oil Sheen. When the curl industry began to shift into relaxers systems in the late 1980s, Mr. C adapted by developing a relaxer system named "Ubora’s Smooth as Silk Hair Care System". By 1988, this relaxer system had become a staple in salons throughout southern and northern California not just in the United States but also abroad, as the family expanded their distribution to London, England.
The 1990s marked further success for Ubora Products with the introduction of Glow & Shine texturizing gel, a styling gel created to compete with major market players. This product quickly became their best-seller, solidifying Ubora's reputation as a leader in the industry. By 1992, the company had grown to offer over 27 products, continuing to innovate and meet the needs of their customers. The development of the Glow & Shine Shine Spray in 1995 further enhanced their product offerings, allowing Ubora to dominate the market with a complete haircare system available through direct sales, regional distributors, and beauty supply stores across the country. The success of Ubora Products is a true family effort. Mr. C’s wife Sabreen managed the Office Operations and the Smooth As Silk Salon & Center for education, while 2of his younger sons took on roles as product distributors, ensuring that orders were delivered promptly and efficiently. Their youngest son Dominic was inspired by the family business, pursued a career in cosmetology, graduating from Universal College of Beauty in Leimert Park and assisting at a local salon.
Today, I honor Ubora Products as our Industry Hero for September to recognize and appreciate their unwavering dedication and service to the beauty industry. The Uqdah family’s commitment to excellence, consistency, and support for other product lines has made them a beloved name in Southern California’s hair industry. Their products, particularly the iconic "Smooth as Silk styling products," have become staples for many professionals, and their willingness to go above and beyond for their customers has earned them deep respect.
Thank you, Ubora Products, for your contributions to the beauty industry, for your commitment to quality, and for always showing up when we need you. Your legacy is truly "Smooth as Silk."
Add comment
Comments