Westfield Teen Helps Black Kids Embrace Their Hair With 'You're Beautiful Too'

WESTFIELD, NJ — When ordinary shampoos and conditioners would constantly cause her hair to dry out and mainstream products weren't working for her, 14-year-old Laila Quallis took matters into her own hands.

With the help of her cousins, Quallis developed her own hair care company, called "YBT Kids." YBT stands for "You're Beautiful Too," which is Quallis' message to not only young black girls, but to all women, who struggle with their self esteem.

Quallis, or "L Boogie" as friends and family call her, is currently a freshman at Westfield High School and is involved with cheering for the Blue Devils, leading her Girl Scout troop and "lighting up the stage" at Morning Star Church, according to her website.

"[YBT Kids] started off with me trying to do my own hair, and I couldn't find the right [products]," Quallis said. "And so I started testing [formulas] with my cousin Kandacia."

Once they figured out the perfect formula, Quallis said she wanted to share it with others who also struggled with similar hair issues.

Quallis' mother, Ahisha, said her daughter's scalp would get dry and itchy from using other products, which is why all the products for "YBT Kids" use natural oils and are chemical-free.

Ahisha said she has an older daughter who has psoriasis and for years, her hair would not grow and would continue to be dry. But with the formula that Laila came up with, Ahisha said her daughter's hair started growing and it helped with the psoriasis.

Besides shampoo, conditioner and a growth oil, Quallis' hair line also features a detangling spray. She said before creating her own spray, she had trouble finding any detangling products that would treat her particular texture.

"... Detangler was a really big thing because my hair is so thick and I have so much of it that it would like hurt to get it combed, it would hurt to get blown dried, just to get it done in general," Quallis said. "So I think what I've created definitely is one of a kind."

A portion of all Quallis' sales will go to two organizations.

The first is Community Access — an organization based out of New York City that provides opportunities and services for those living with mental health concerns. They provide affordable housing, training, advocacy and healing-focused services for people recovering from trauma or discrimination, according to their website.

Quallis said she picked this organization because she conducted a self-esteem workshop, along with her Girl Scout troop, for Community Access and really loved it.

The other organization Quallis is partnering with is Community Preservation — a nonprofit affordable housing and community revitalization finance company.

All the products are paraben-free and are made soften hair, treat split ends and promote hair growth. They also help treat dry, itchy scalp and dandruff. In addition, the products can be used as hot oil treatments, heat protectant/curling aid and rinse out pre-shampoo conditioner.

Anyone interested in purchasing products can visit the YBT Kids website.

Both shipping and pick up is available for orders.

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