Made In Southeast Texas
by Eleanor Skelton
Kierra Sam found out about pop-up shops when she moved to Beaumont in 2019.
“I thought it was a great way for people to see and purchase products first-hand,” she said.
After Sam launched BoDu Beauty Bonnets in 2021, she started going to markets and exploring vendor opportunities for pop-up shops. Pop-up shops are normally local businesses that sell unique or custom-made merchandise without needing a brick-and-mortar store to rent year round, sometimes to meet seasonal or fad demand.
For Breast Cancer Awareness month in October, she made bonnets with boobies.
“I wanted to do something super feminine,” she said. “The idea to make the breast-print bonnets actually came from a fear of mine. I get very nervous before going to get a well-women’s exam. But every year so far, things have been normal, and I realized I shouldn’t stress about those exams like I do.
“With these bonnets, I wanted to take away the fear factor of breasts and shed light on the comfort of knowing your body. If I continue to keep getting check-ups and self-examinations, I’ll be fine. That’s what my doctor says and that’s what helps me sleep better at night, in my bonnet of course.”
Her shop’s slogan is “Stay pretty while you sleep!”
All of the bonnets are made with breathable, soft materials that protects the wearer’s hair, helping retain moisture and prevents breakage while lying down, Sam said.
“It prevents ‘wet pillow’ when hair is damp, and prevents frizz and friction,” she said. “People without long hair can also use the bonnet to keep their head warm at night.”
Right now, BoDu Beauty offers several silky-satin, handmade bonnets for customers to choose from, including floral prints and a vibrant neon collection. Available styles do alternate, but right now mermaid and marbled paint designs are in stock.
“I want to wear stylish bonnets that I know will benefit my hair when going to bed, so I thought, why not make cute, quality bonnets myself,” she said.
Sam said she has a travel/hotel bonnet and a bonnet for home.
“I have a bonnet for my big, natural hair and I have a bonnet for my straight, silky hair after a blowout,” she said. “Most importantly, I like the option to choose. Buying different bonnets from a store is like playing the guessing game. I don’t have to worry about that if I make my own quality bonnets.”
She does not want her customers to have to worry, either.
Sam said she will be selling most of her bonnets in person at pop-up shops across Southeast Texas.
Anyone who is interested in ordering a bonnet can browse available styles at bodubeauty.com, email BoDuBeauty@gmail.com or text (832) 409-7592.
