In this month’s A Day in the Life feature, we’re giving you an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look into the day of Morrishane Collins from House of Cheatham, the dynamic brand that’s redefining beauty for textured hair. From the spark of inspiration and the flow of creative energy to the balance of daily tasks and work-life harmony, we’re diving deep into the personal and professional routines that fuel the success of this beloved brand. Get ready to see what it takes to lead and innovate at House of Cheatham—and how the team’s dedication to nourishing and empowering natural beauty comes to life every single day.
OTC: What’s your title and role at the company?
Morrishane: I am the Chief Sales Officer at House of Cheatham, overseeing the company’s global sales operations.
OTC: What is the company’s mission, and how does it drive what you do?
Morrishane:
Let me share our overview stance and company values:
People First
We care about our colleagues, consumers and community above all else. Every day, we seek to earn each other’s trust and respect by bringing a human-centered approach to all that we do.
Integrity Matters
We hold fast to our promises and are dedicated to delivering reliable brands and consistent products to our consumers. Our dependability and esteem for colleagues define our success.
Strive for Excellence
We value progress over perfection and are committed to getting better each and every day. By giving it our all and having a can-do mentality, we ensure our quality and reputation never falter.
Collaboration is Power
We are stronger together when we work towards shared goals. Our focus on creating a welcoming, inclusive environment where everyone feels valued is of the greatest importance.
Be Courageous
We view every obstacle as an opportunity and are eager to find creative solutions to the challenges that we face. Our brands and products are bold and unique – so are we.
Show Your Pride
We are passionate about our work and draw inspiration from the positive impact it has on people’s lives. We celebrate our victories together, both big and small, and encourage our consumers to do the same.
OTC: What inspired you to pursue a career in the beauty and hair care industry?
Morrishane: My career began in the consumer packaged goods industry, primarily focusing on consumable products like candy and water. In 2014, an opportunity arose for me to work in the beauty sector, which was the first time I genuinely felt excited about a role—like a kid in a candy store! There’s nothing more fulfilling than working in a category where you represent the primary consumer. It was truly inspiring. What sustains my inspiration is when I encounter individuals who express how much our product means to them or how it has positively impacted their hair journey. That kind of connection is unparalleled.
OTC: Can you walk us through a typical day at work? What’s the first thing you do when you get to the office?
Morrishane: My day starts even before I leave the house because I lead a global team. Since part of my team is overseas, I check any overnight communication promptly. I make an effort to respond before it’s late in their time zone. Upon arriving at the office, I immediately engage with the teams physically present. We have numerous cross-functional meetings and activities focused on our new product development, scaling business, business development, and all other initiatives to help us grow and perform better in the market.
OTC: How do you prioritize your tasks and responsibilities during the day?
Morrishane: Of course, I prioritize my day and responsibilities based on the business needs. Every day, I start with a plan of what I’ll do. I’ll outline what needs to happen, how I’ll engage with my team leadership, and my customers. However, I prioritize based on what’s most relevant to the ultimate goal of the business. If something urgent arises, I have to address it immediately. I evaluate how it affects our organization’s or my department’s overall objectives. My priority is always on what’s most important and beneficial to the business’s needs.
OTC: What’s your favorite part of the day at work, and why?
Morrishane: my favorite part of the day at work is the cross functional collaboration with sales and marketing. Those meetings are the most exciting part of what we do every day because that’s when we bring our creative minds, as well as our customer facing sales team in one space. Those meetings are filled with a lot of creative ideas and ways we can better serve the consumer so we can show up our best for our consumer and customers. It’s just a lot of free thinking, and input that you can’t duplicate, and it comes from a genuine place of excitement and passion because we’re all excited about what we’re trying to make and what we’re trying to sell so those meetings are always exciting to hear from, all of our teams in one place
OTC: Can you share an exciting project or initiative you’re currently working on?
Morrishane: We’re deep in the process of launching three new Aunt Jackie’s SKUs that are designed to help consumers when wearing their hair in braids, twists, or locs. These products provide long term itch relief, odor deodorizer and fragrance along with a dry shampoo for the scalp so consumers can wear their style for weeks without needing to wash their hair and mess up the beautiful hair parts. It’s really exciting to watch it all come together and see the products on shelf!
OTC: What’s your favorite product, and how do you incorporate it into your daily routine?
Morrishane: That’s a tough question, haha. It’s like asking me to pick my favorite child. If I had to choose one, I’d say Knot On My Watch. I have very coarse hair, and part of my hair care challenge is detangling. Anything that helps me speed up that process is top-notch in my opinion, and Knot On My Watch is unmatched in loosening my curls and coils.
OTC: How do you stay inspired and keep the creative energy flowing throughout your workday?
Morrishane: Ultimately, our consumer is the driving force behind everything we do. One of the things I love about working in the consumer package goods industry is that we understand the impact our products have on people’s lives. We realize that we are part of their families, and we take that responsibility very seriously. This inspires us to be meticulous in our ingredient selection and thoughtful in our pricing. We want to treat our consumers like our own family, and we strive to ensure that every product we create meets their needs and expectations.
When you work in an environment where you know that every product you create will be taken home and used by a consumer, it’s crucial to treat it with the utmost care and attention. We take every step to ensure that our products are not only effective but also affordable. We want to make sure that our consumers can afford our products, and we believe that by doing so, we are helping them achieve the look and feel they desire.
My inspiration is to always keep our consumers at the forefront of everything we do. We want to make sure that they are satisfied with our products and that they feel valued as part of our family.
OTC: How would you describe the company culture, and how does it influence your approach to your work?
Morrishane: Our culture is highly inclusive, which means we’re incredibly diverse and open to input and feedback from everyone on the team. We strive to avoid giving directives and instead work collaboratively to achieve our collective goals. There’s a lot of laughter and fun in our office. It’s a fun environment filled with passionate individuals who work tirelessly every day to position our company effectively in the market.
OTC: How does collaboration and teamwork factor into your daily routine?
Morrishane: As I mentioned earlier, our collaboration is crucial. One of my favorite parts of the day is when the sales and marketing teams collaborate. It’s essential to ensure that we consider things from a creative perspective. We also think about things from a customer’s point of view, which is beneficial for us. Additionally, it’s good to think about things from a consumer perspective. We need to collaborate on all aspects because someone may have an idea, but it’s amplified when you can get input from those around you.
OTC: Do you have any personal rituals or habits that help you stay balanced, motivated, and productive?
Morrishane: I’m not sure if I’d call it a ritual, but I do have a “quote” that I adhere to. I believe it’s crucial to how I function every day. The quote is “Be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger.” The reason we have two ears and one mouth is very important; we should listen attentively to what people have to say and be slow to respond. I do this in a manner that’s respectful and mindful, which helps me get through each day.
OTC: Looking ahead, what are you most excited about for the future in the coming year?
Morrishane: I’m thrilled about some of the exciting things you’ll see from our brands this year. We’ve put in a lot of effort to address the needs our consumers have expressed, particularly in the areas of protective styles, hair retention, and scalp protection. Stay tuned for some amazing things coming your way!
OTC: After a busy day, how do you unwind and recharge?
Morrishane: After a busy day, I unwind by disconnecting from technology. I often unplug to recharge myself. Ironically, all the devices I rely on daily require charging. A satisfying meal, quality time with my family, and an engaging crime show—that’s the perfect recipe for a rejuvenating day.
OTC: What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
Morrishane: The most rewarding aspect of my job is the knowledge that my team and I can place products in even the most remote regions of the world, empowering women to access beauty products. Regardless of where you reside, every woman deserves the right to feel beautiful and confident. I am fortunate to be a part of ensuring that these products reach them. That’s truly remarkable.
