In 2018, Tabitha Brown was on Facebook Live when she noticed her hair was sticking up like Don King. So, she christened her ‘do Donna.

It was Donna’s bold personality that would become the essence behind entering the daunting world of hair care. It was a dream shared between a once-reluctant Brown, who found a friend and business partner in Gina Woods – a pairing she calls a godsend. Woods’ business acumen coupled with Brown’s engaging storytelling yielded a global beauty brand found on the shelves of Ulta and Target stores.

Here, Woods speaks to Happi about how Donna’s Recipe champions natural remedies for menopause with a cherished product assortment.

Happi: Menopause isn’t a topic many women feel very comfortable talking about. How do you feel the brand breaks down those barriers when it comes to discussion?

Gina Woods: Donna’s Recipe normalizes conversations about menopause by embracing transparency and celebrating women’s health journeys. Through education, relatable marketing, and community engagement, the brand creates a safe space where women can openly share their experiences and find solutions without judgment. Tabitha, cofounder of Donna’s Recipe, has been vocal about menopause and tools to navigate. We are actively working on additional solutions in the hair care space for women in menopause and perimenopause.

Happi: The brand encourages holistic, natural remedies for relief in lieu of hormonal treatments. In what ways are natural remedies better for managing symptoms?

Gina Woods: Our brand emphasizes holistic, natural remedies as an alternative to hormonal treatments. Natural approaches often offer a gentler, less invasive way to manage symptoms, reducing the risks associated with synthetic hormones while supporting long-term health and aligning with many women’s preferences for sustainable, toxin-free options. That said, we encourage everyone to choose what works best for them. After consulting with a trusted healthcare provider, if hormonal treatments are determined to be the right choice, feel confident in that decision.

Happi: One of the most common symptoms in menopausal women is hair loss. Donna’s Recipe makes a sweet potato pie extra creamy moisturizing shampoo to promote hair growth. Tell me about sweet potato and its effects to manage hair loss and strengthen strands.

Gina Woods: Sweet potato is rich in a lot of nutrients such as vitamins A and C that nourish the scalp and hair. These components support healthy sebum production, strengthen hair strands, and help combat hair loss by improving scalp health and promoting growth.

Happi: Strength Hair Oil contains 18 natural oils. Can you name a few offhand and how they work to stimulate follicles? What are women saying about this product in particular? Would you recommend using this prior to shampooing?

Gina Woods: Some of the key oils include rosemary and peppermint oil, which is known to improve circulation and stimulate follicles, and jojoba oil, which closely mimics the scalp’s natural sebum to maintain hydration. Our “cousins” who we affectionately call our customers, frequently praise the Strength Hair Oil for visibly thicker, healthier hair and reduced breakage. Using it as a pre-shampoo treatment allows the oils to penetrate deeply and prepare the hair for cleansing.

Happi: In keeping these products a part of daily routines, what has been the best piece of feedback you’ve received in terms of improvements in quality of life and overall wellness?

Gina Woods: Many women report feeling more confident and vibrant as a result of improved hair health. Our website is flooded with women who share their testimonials of success along with images. The feedback often highlights how these products help them embrace their natural beauty and feel empowered in their wellness journeys.

Happi: Who are the chemists behind the brand? Is there a special place where ingredients are sourced?

Gina Woods: Donna’s Recipe collaborates with experienced chemists dedicated to creating safe, high-performing formulas. Ingredients are ethically sourced, often emphasizing organic and sustainable practices to ensure purity and efficacy. Gina leads the product development of ingredients that have proved beneficial for the best hair care experience.

Happi: What’s in store for 2025? Any marketing campaigns of note in the pipeline or new products or retail partnerships?

Gina Woods: In 2025, Donna’s Recipe is planning exciting campaigns focusing on empowering women to embrace all stages of life. New products designed to further enhance hair and wellness are expected, along with expanded retail partnerships to make the brand more accessible to a global audience. •