Maya Smith, co-founder, CEO, and creative director of The Doux, is a seasoned stylist with nearly three decades of experience. Her salon-grade haircare brand was established in Germany in 2008, aiming to provide textured hair with professional-quality results that simplify routines.

Read More

While managing a salon in Germany with her husband, Smith identified a gap in the market for high-performing products tailored for textured hair. The Doux has since gained recognition, especially for its standout product, the Mousse Def Texture Foam, known for its effectiveness and simplicity in styling.

Smith continues to work closely with clients, ensuring that each product is developed from firsthand experience with various hair types, including curls and coils. In a recent interview, she shared insights about the brand's journey, its defining product, and the importance of technique in haircare.

She believes that The Doux was inspired by her experiences with clients who felt overwhelmed by complex routines. Her aim was to create effective products that offer salon-quality results without the hassle. Smith highlights the Mousse Def Texture Foam as the best introduction to the brand, citing its ability to define and condition hair while eliminating the need for multiple products.

Reflecting on her success, Smith noted the transformation of The Doux into a multimillion-dollar brand sold in major retailers, but she finds the most rewarding aspect to be feedback from hairstylists and consumers who feel empowered about their hair.

For aspiring beauty entrepreneurs, Smith advises addressing a genuine problem rather than solely desiring to create a beauty brand. Understanding the target audience, having a solid business strategy, and ensuring that the product delivers consistent performance are key elements for success.

Looking ahead, Smith envisions more product innovation and education while maintaining a strong connection to the professional stylist community. She emphasizes the brand's commitment to developing new solutions that reflect the practical needs of textured hair care, all grounded in high performance.

On a personal note, Smith describes her beauty routine as low-maintenance, preferring to keep styling simple and effective. She relies on a few essential products: Mousse Def Texture Foam, Danessa Myricks Beauty 10/10 Barrier Boost HA + Ectoin Plumping Serum, and LYS Beauty Speak Love Lip-Plumping Glossy Lip Balm.

Her best beauty advice is to engage consistently with one's hair and skincare routine, which ultimately leads to improved results over time. Additionally, she expresses interest in potential collaboration with Tyler, the Creator, appreciating his distinctive approach to creative projects.

Smith points out that an often-overlooked aspect in the beauty industry is the science of styling, emphasizing the significance of proper techniques over merely adding more products. She believes that enhanced understanding of styling mechanics could significantly improve outcomes for many consumers.