Mike and Iva Colter are channeling their passion for family, culture, and clean beauty into Niles & Chaz Hair Care, a brand named after their two children and built on the values they hold close.
Frustrated by the lack of high-quality, inclusive options for textured hair, the Colters set out to create products that are as thoughtful and effective as they are safe. Rooted in love, legacy, and representation, Niles & Chaz is more than a business—it’s a reflection of their commitment to empowering future generations to embrace their natural beauty with confidence.
In this conversation, Mike and Iva Colter open up about their journey into entrepreneurship, the inspiration behind Niles & Chaz Hair Care.
To both of you: What inspired you to take the leap into entrepreneurship, and how did you decide to start a business together?
A: Our leap into entrepreneurship wasn’t just about starting a business—it was about solving a problem we faced as parents. We built Niles + Chaz out of necessity when we realized there were no hair care products available on the market that we considered clean enough, safe enough, and truly effective for our kids, Niles and Chaz.
We wanted products that nourished textured hair without harsh, hormone-disrupting chemicals—something we could trust. When we couldn’t find it, we created it as a family by bringing our kids into the mix as well. But more than just products, we wanted to build a community for parents navigating hair care for kids with textures different from their own.
Starting this journey together made perfect sense. We bring different strengths but share the same vision: empowering families, celebrating identity, and making hair care a joyful, confidence-building experience. This business started at home, with our kids at the heart of it—and we’re just getting started!
Iva: As a woman entrepreneur, what unique challenges have you faced in the business world, and how have you overcome them?
A: As a woman entrepreneur, the journey has been filled with many starts, stops, and unexpected lessons. When it came to packaging and formulations, we went through countless iterations before getting it right—overcoming those hurdles took patience, resilience, and relentless feedback loops.
But the biggest, and most unexpected challenge for me, coming from high-powered corporate environments, was finding the right people to help us build. Passion for the brand was there, but that didn’t always translate to the fire, stamina, and professionalism needed to truly push the business forward.
There were disappointments along the way for sure, but I’ve learned to approach each situation with grace, adjust as needed, and keep moving forward. At the end of the day, entrepreneurship is all about adaptability, and I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything.
Mike: Coming from a background in acting, how did you transition into the world of business, and what was that learning curve like for you?
A: My transition into the business world has been more of a light-touch role, as I spend much of my time on the road. For me, this business has always been about our girls—giving them the tools to be successful and introducing them to entrepreneurship firsthand.
I’ve taken on more of a guiding and supporting role, helping to steer the vision while Iva has been the operational heart of the business, building it alongside Niles and Chaz. Watching them bring this brand to life has been incredible, and while my involvement may not be in the day-to-day, I’m always here to support, strategize, and help shape the bigger picture.
To both of you: What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to start their own business, particularly in a competitive industry like personal care?
A: Let Go of Expectations—Don’t go in with rigid benchmarks in your head. Entrepreneurship is unpredictable, and setting unrealistic expectations can lead to unnecessary disappointment. Stay steady, flexible, and open to learning as you go.
Find Inspiration in Others—When things get tough (and they will), look to successful brands for motivation. Remind yourself that good things don’t come easy—there’s a reason so many businesses don’t make it.
Be Your Own Biggest Cheerleader—The road to success requires extraordinary perseverance. Stay motivated, celebrate small wins, and keep pushing forward even when things don’t go as planned.
Do the Work Upfront—Research is everything. Before you launch, make sure you’ve done a market fit analysis to confirm that there’s not just an addressable market, but an accessible one for your product. Passion is great, but strategy and preparation will set you apart.
Success in personal care—or any industry, really—takes resilience, patience, and a relentless drive to keep going. Stay committed to the journey, and don’t be afraid to pivot, learn, and grow along the way.
Mike: What has been the most rewarding part of starting a business with Iva, and what’s the best lesson you’ve learned along the way?
A: Honestly, the most rewarding part of starting this business with Iva has been watching our girls blossom—seeing their confidence grow as they use products that truly work for their hair.
It went from hating wash day to loving it, to the point where they actually want to take care of their own hair. Our kids are Gen A, and they want to be involved, have a voice, and be part of the process—maybe a little too much sometimes! LOL! But seeing them take pride in their curls and know that their hair looks on point has been a game-changer for their self-confidence.
Iva has done an incredible job formulating these products and bringing them to life alongside the girls. I’ve shared my thoughts every step of the way, but she’s really done the heavy lifting, and I’m super proud of what she’s built. Watching this brand come to life through her hard work and our daughters’ experiences has been amazing to witness.
Personally, I’ve also gained a whole new level of confidence as a girl dad. Starting this business has not only taught me more about hair care (since I don’t have any hair myself! LOL!) but also how to actually style my daughters’ hair—something I never imagined I’d be doing!
I’m still a rookie, but I’ve come a long way from where I started. Knowing that I can help take care of their hair properly and be part of their self-care routine has been incredibly rewarding. This journey has been about more than just great products—it’s about empowerment, connection, and celebrating who they are.
Iva: How do you balance your personal and professional lives while working together as business partners?
A: The truth? It’s hard. I cannot even try to sugarcoat it. There’s no silver bullet, no perfect formula. When Mike travels for work, I’m juggling it all—full-time mom, professional, and business owner—sometimes all in the span of 24 hours.
But every time I think, “Maybe I should just quit”. I look at my girls and instantly reconnect with why I built this business in the first place—I did it for them. There is nothing more powerful than a mother’s love. You find new depths you never knew you had and new abilities to just push through the tough moments, the letdowns, and the exhaustion. That reminder keeps me going.
I also know, deep down, that this will be an incredible legacy to leave behind for them—a constant reminder of our family bond, love, and unity. Through this journey, they see firsthand what perseverance, passion, and purpose look like, and that alone makes every challenge worth it.
To both of you: How do you stay motivated and focused, especially when navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship?
A: We’ve found a rhythm in trading our disappointments—when one of us is feeling down, the other instinctively steps up. It’s like an unspoken rule of survival in entrepreneurship! A little self-denial never hurts, either—sometimes you just have to do what you have to do to push forward. LOL!
But really, that’s what true support looks like. If one of us is struggling, there’s no point in piling on the stress. Instead, we become the glass half full when the other is feeling half empty, focusing on gratitude, recognizing what is working, and reminding ourselves that perfection isn’t the goal—growth is. It’s all about learning, pivoting, and evolving every step of the way.
To both of you: How did you come up with the idea for Niles & Chaz Hair Care products, and what was the initial inspiration behind the brand?
A: As parents, we knew exactly what we needed—products that made hair care easier, more effective, and less frustrating for both kids and parents. No more tear-filled detangling sessions. We wanted something that glided through hair effortlessly, so kids wouldn’t dread hair time.
No more endless frizz battles. We were tired of the rinse-and-repeat cycle—you do the hair, it dries, and the frizz is back minutes later. We wanted to break that hamster wheel and create products that truly fight frizz for the long haul.
More than just moisture—moisture that lasts. Many products hydrate, but they don’t lock moisture in, which is why hair can feel dry again just minutes later. We were determined to fix that, and we did.
With Niles + Chaz, we set out to create high-performance, clean hair care that makes styling easier, locks in moisture, and keeps curls looking their best, day after day. And we couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve built!
In terms of how we did it, we experimented relentlessly, working closely with our contract manufacturer and testing different ingredients to solve the problems we were trying to solve. We knew what we needed—now we just had to make it a reality.
For example, we formulated our detangler with okra—because okra delivers unprecedented slip, making detangling effortless. We kept refining until we got it right, and we’re incredibly proud of the results.
Mike: How did you decide to enter the hair care industry specifically? Were there any particular gaps or needs in the market that you aimed to address?
A: For us, entering the hair care industry wasn’t about jumping into a trend—it was about solving real problems we faced as parents. We saw major gaps in the market and knew exactly what was missing. As Iva mentioned, it was about slip, frizz control, and moisture that locks in. Detangling shouldn’t be painful or time-consuming. Frizz control should not be minutes long, but long-lasting. And, textured hair should get the moisture it craves in products. Full stop.
Iva: What sets Niles & Chaz apart from other hair care brands in the market? What are some of the key qualities you prioritize in your products?
A: We’re not just another hair care brand—we’re a brand built for kids, with kids. Every product is rooted in personal experience, ensuring it truly connects with families and delivers real results.
Sustainability First—Healthy hair, happy planet. Our formulas are clean, safe, and eco-conscious, free from hormone disruptors, sulfates, parabens, phthalates, BPA, and all the synthetic junk—so you can trust what goes on your child’s hair and in their bodies.
Ingredient Innovation—We harness the power of fruits, berries, and botanicals like banana extract, watermelon, and okra for unmatched performance—because nature knows best.
Super Safe & Vitamin-Infused—Nutrient-rich, vegan, kid-friendly, nut-free, and with loads of organic ingredients. Packed with vitamins to nourish hair from the inside out, without the hidden dangers of synthetic formulas.
Effectiveness Meets Design—Every product delivers top-tier results, wrapped in playful, thoughtful design that kids love.
With more awareness around the dangers of synthetic hair care, we’re proud to be a safe, transparent alternative. Niles + Chaz isn’t just about hair—it’s about confidence, care, and a commitment to doing better for the next generation.
To both of you: How did you formulate and test the products to ensure quality and effectiveness? Did you work with experts in the field?
A: Of course—we surrounded ourselves with the right experts who understood our vision and helped bring it to life. From securing a contract manufacturer capable of formulating clean, vegan, and organic products to working with strategic beauty consultants, we made sure every step was backed by industry expertise.
Research was at the heart of everything. One connection led to another, and we were fortunate to find incredible advisors who have built and sold successful beauty brands, like Dr. Miracle, to guide us in making sure our formulations were not just safe, but truly effective.
By combining science, innovation, and real-world testing, we ensured that every Niles + Chaz product delivers on its promise—because we wouldn’t settle for anything less for our own kids, and neither should you.
Mike: As a public figure, how did your celebrity status help in promoting Niles & Chaz, and what challenges did you face in trying to establish credibility in a new industry?
A: My platform definitely helped early on, opening doors to major outlets like GMA, Sherri, Access Hollywood, and Essence—giving Niles + Chaz visibility right out of the gate. But once you step through that door, your products have to stand on their own. Full stop. And ours did.
That’s been the most rewarding part—knowing that beyond the initial buzz, people keep coming back because the products truly work. I continue to support the brand publicly where it makes sense, but at the end of the day, Niles + Chaz speaks for itself. The results, the community, and the love we’ve received prove that every day. It has been truly humbling.
Iva: Can you share some of the feedback or success stories you’ve received from customers who have used Niles & Chaz products?
A: We’ve received so much incredible feedback, and every message reminds us why we started Niles + Chaz in the first place. Girl dads are telling us how our products have empowered them to care for their kids’ hair, beyond a baseball cap and a ponytail. Moms are sending heartfelt thank-you notes about how our products have saved them time while making their kids’ hair more beautiful and healthier than ever. One that truly got me was an appreciation email from a night shift 911 government agency, where the entire team loves and uses our products. That one made me tear up. These stories fuel us.
Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about hair—it’s about confidence, connection, and making life easier for families. It’s about creating a space where kids with mixed-texture hair can belong, feel seen, and be represented
To both of you: How do you keep innovation alive in a competitive market? Do you have any new product lines or ideas in the works for Niles & Chaz?
A: We definitely do, and what makes it even more special is that our kids are driving a lot of the innovation. They keep logs of products they feel are missing because they’ve been underwhelmed by what they’ve tried. It’s adorable but also powerful, because at the end of the day, they are the real customers.
Our R&D list is long, but up next? Shampoo and Conditioner—the final step in completing the full Niles + Chaz hair experience. And trust me, we have even more exciting products lined up right after that… but I won’t spill those secrets just yet. Stay tuned!
Iva: How important is sustainability and eco-friendliness to your brand? Are there any specific practices you’ve adopted to make Niles & Chaz products more environmentally conscious?
A: Sustainability isn’t just a brand value—it’s essential to everything we do. Healthy hair can’t exist without a healthy planet. We live green at home, and our kids are growing up recycling—not just to learn the value of money, but to truly understand the importance of taking care of the Earth. It’s a mindset we live and breathe, and we bring that same commitment to Niles + Chaz.
From our eco-conscious formulations to our responsible packaging choices like aluminum, wheat straw and bamboo, we’re committed to creating clean, effective products that respect both people and the planet.
Mike: As a married couple and business partners, what have been the most valuable lessons you’ve learned about teamwork and communication?
A: Ha—this is a tough one to give advice on! Marriage is hard, and being business partners is just as challenging. There are no shortcuts, no perfect formulas—just commitment to pushing through conflict and working toward resolutions together.
I can’t say we get it right every time—my wife will definitely attest to that! LOL! But what matters is that we stay committed to working through every challenge that comes our way, both in business and in life. At the end of the day, it’s about trust, patience, and always remembering why we started this journey together and the importance of modeling good, problem-solving behaviors for our girls. It is not about teaching them that conflicts won’t happen. It is about teaching them that they will and that they can be resolved productively.
Mike: What has been the most surprising thing you’ve learned about the beauty and personal care industry since launching Niles & Chaz?
A: I wouldn’t say there have been a ton of surprises, but what’s really stood out is how much every detail matters in formulation. The deeper we got into product development, the more we realized there’s so much to learn about ingredients—their origins, history, and cultural connotations.
Just like hair tells a story, the way we source ingredients and where they come from can also tell powerful cultural origin stories. It’s been incredible to not only create effective products but also to honor the traditions and natural resources behind them.
Iva: How do you see Niles & Chaz contributing to changing perceptions of hair care for different hair types and textures?
A: At Niles + Chaz, we stand for celebration, representation, and empowerment—our slogan, “Hair I Am,” says it all.
It still blows my mind how recent some of these conversations have been. Just look at the CROWN Act legislation and the ongoing and long fight for hair equity. As a white woman raising Black daughters, I recognize that there is a deep history I will always need to humbly learn from and educate myself about.
I am also deeply aware of the privilege that I have never had to worry about someone wanting to touch my hair or comment on it—but that’s not the same reality for my girls or for other Black children, especially those with tighter curl patterns like 4C hair, who face even more scrutiny and bias.
The power behind celebrating natural hair is undeniable, yet as a society, we still have so much work to do to fully embrace textured hair in all its beauty. My hope is that Niles + Chaz plays a meaningful role in this conversation—shifting perceptions, building confidence, and helping to create a world where every curl, coil, and wave is honored, embraced, and celebrated
Experience the difference with Niles & Chaz Hair Care—crafted for natural textures and made with clean, high-performance ingredients. Visit www.nilesandchaz.com today to explore the full range of products and see how they can transform your hair care routine.
