Behind every successful production line is a dedicated team working tirelessly to ensure quality and efficiency. For Alunda Bradley, Production Manager at J. Strickland, this means balancing productivity with a commitment to excellence in every step of the process. From ensuring the production lines run smoothly to overseeing daily operations, Alunda takes pride in maintaining high standards that ensure every product meets the company’s values of trust and quality. In this exclusive feature, Alunda shares a glimpse into her daily routine, her approach to leadership, and the rewarding moments that come with being part of a company that feels like family.
OTC: What’s your title and role at the company?
My title is Production Manager. My role is to ensure productivity on the production lines while maintaining high-quality standards. We strive to run as many production lines as possible each day while prioritizing efficiency and excellence. Quality is always our top priority—we make sure every product meets our standards because we understand its impact on the end user. We want every customer to receive a product they can trust, so we focus on both quality and productivity in everything we do.
OTC: What is the company’s mission, and how does it drive what you do?
Our Company’s Mission and Core Values
Our mission is to always do our best and ensure that our products meet customers’ expectations. We are guided by 12 core values that define our commitment to excellence:
- Communicate Clearly – Ensure that others can understand.
- Be Committed – Dedicate ourselves fully to our work.
- Remain Accountable – Take responsibility for our actions.
- Attitude Matters – Maintain a positive and professional mindset.
- Trust the Process – Follow established procedures with confidence.
- Emphasize Teamwork – Work together to achieve success.
- Respect Others, Respect Yourself – Treat everyone with dignity.
- Quality Starts With Us – Take personal ownership of quality.
- Never Stop Learning – Continuously grow and improve.
- Make It Right – Correct mistakes and strive for excellence.
- Be Honest – Act with integrity and transparency.
- Exceed Expectations – Go beyond what is required.
These values shape everything we do, ensuring that we deliver the best possible products and experiences to our customers.
I always think of the customer as if they were my own family. When we produce a product, I ask myself if it’s something I would want my own family to use. That mindset pushes me to work even harder to ensure the highest quality in everything we produce.
OTC: What inspired you to pursue a career in the beauty and hair care industry?
Actually, my connection to this company started with my family. Once I joined, I realized that the products we make were ones I used as a child. That made me even more excited to work here.
What truly solidified my decision was the people—the owners and my coworkers. The company has a strong family-oriented culture, which made me feel right at home. I take pride in producing high-quality work, knowing that these are products I’ve used my whole life. Being part of something that has always been in my life feels like a full-circle moment.
OTC: Can you walk us through a typical day at work? What’s the first thing you do when you get to the office?
The first thing I do is check to make sure we have enough people to run the production lines. I start by checking my voicemails to see who has called in or who might be absent. Once I confirm our staffing for the day, I ensure that production can run smoothly. Fortunately, we usually have the majority of our team present, so we’re able to operate multiple lines efficiently.
Quality is always our top priority. We make sure that everything we produce meets our standards because we know our products go to real people, and we want to provide the best possible experience. I also monitor the production lines to ensure they are running at the correct speed and efficiency. Meeting our production numbers is important, but we never sacrifice quality in the process. We also conduct inspections throughout the day to ensure we have high-quality components and products. In addition to our own checks, our Quality Control (QC) team follows up with additional inspections. We also have line leads who continuously monitor production, making sure everything is running efficiently and meeting our quality standards. I make sure we have the right products on the lines, maintenance support for proper setup, and blending teams delivering materials. I also oversee inventory, ensuring the correct components are used and that finished products are properly palletized with accurate counts.
I rely on a strong system and a great team, including six lead associates who do an excellent job keeping operations efficient. They train employees, keep everyone on task, and check in with me throughout the day to ensure everything stays on track. Ultimately, our focus is always on maintaining productivity while delivering high-quality products.
OTC: How do you prioritize your tasks and responsibilities during the day?
Quality is our top priority, and we strictly enforce it at every stage of production. I take every precaution to ensure that nothing we produce negatively impacts the customer. This includes at every step: following proper safety protocols and regulation, as well as wearing gloves and a hairnet to prevent contamination. Additionally once I know the lines are good to go, I will typically check emails as well to ensure effective and reliable communication between the front office and the production lines throughout the day.
OTC: What’s your favorite part of the day at work, and why?
My favorite part of the job is being around people, even though working with others can sometimes be challenging. I believe that everyone we encounter is placed in our lives for a reason.
Beyond that, I take great pride in my work. It means a lot to know that I’m contributing to getting high-quality products out to customers. Some people see their job as just a paycheck, but I take my role seriously and put in my best effort every day. It’s not just about me—it’s about the company as a whole. We all take pride in what we do, and while every company has its ups and downs, I truly appreciate the work we accomplish together.
OTC: Can you share an exciting project or initiative you’re currently working on?
I’m currently working on an annual donation project called Black College Today, which supports HBCU students and staff. Each season, we partner with up to 15 historically Black universities, providing gift bags filled with our products, trinkets, and our business card. This gives students the opportunity to sample our products, and we always appreciate their feedback.
We also support initiatives like Sister Strut, which raises awareness for breast cancer. This is an annual project we participate in twice a year. In addition, we donate to nursing homes, women’s shelters, various schools, and organizations like Hope House, ensuring that those in need have access to our products. These donations not only provide essential items but also contribute to the missions of various charitable causes.
OTC: What’s your favorite product, and how do you incorporate it into your daily routine?
I like to keep it simple with the original Blue Magic, or “The OG” as everyone here calls it. I’ve been using it for years, and I love how it makes my hair look and feel. As I mentioned earlier, my mom used Blue Magic on me when I was a child, so it’s always been a part of my hair care routine.
I’m also excited to try a new product we just released—the Doo Gro Braids, Twists, & Locs Mousse. It’s part of a whole new line of braid care products, which includes a moisturizing gel, braid oil, moisturizing spray, and braid butter. I can’t wait to see how these work!
OTC: How do you stay inspired and keep the creative energy flowing throughout your workday?
I always stay inspired by thanking God for everything and praying for everyone on my way to work. I believe in the power of prayer, and I know it can make a difference as long as you have faith.
Once I get to work, I focus on encouraging those around me—not just within my department, but across all departments. I try to inspire others to stay positive about the job and remind them to give their best in everything they do.
OTC: How would you describe the company culture, and how does it influence your approach to your work?
Our company culture is taking pride in the work we do, and it’s not just about us—it’s about the customers too. We all appreciate our jobs, and even though every company has its own culture and its ups and downs, there’s always something new to learn and grow from, and to look forward to. Here at J. Strickland, its all about having a great attitude while getting out great products to our customers.
I’ve been with the company for 30 years, which says a lot. Over the years, I’ve seen many changes, including our move from Memphis to Olive Branch, Tennessee. I’ve had the privilege of meeting many people, and I’ve watched several colleagues retire after 50 or even 60 years. This company has been around for a long time and for good reason. We’ve continued to evolve with the introduction of new equipment, making things more efficient, and throughout these changes, our workforce has remained strong. The company has never jeopardized anyone’s position but instead has focused on helping us nurture, improve and grow our careers, which benefits us all.
OTC: How does collaboration and teamwork factor into your daily routine?
All the managers have a daily meeting, including the production manager, maintenance manager, blending manager, plant manager, and representatives from other departments like shipping and receiving. This ensures that every part of the operation is aligned and working toward the same goals.
I can’t emphasize enough how important quality is to our company. It’s been our foundation since the beginning, starting with the royal crown and the white rose. Our focus on quality is why we’ve been successful, and it remains at the core of everything we do.
Starting the day with everyone on the same page is key to ensuring everything runs smoothly from the very beginning.
OTC: Do you have any personal rituals or habits that help you stay balanced, motivated, and productive?
I pray regularly, not just for my family and home, but also for my work family. We spend so much time here—often 10 to 11 hours a day—that it becomes our second family. We witness each other’s lives unfold, seeing children grow up, get married, and start families of their own. It’s a strong bond that goes beyond just being coworkers.
For example, I’ve watched the owner’s daughter grow up and get married. Many of the people I’ve worked with have been here for over 20 years, and I’ve been here for over 30. We’ve built lasting friendships, and it feels like a marriage—there are good days, bad days, and even tough moments. But we get through it together, with prayer and faith, knowing that everything will work out. We’ve made it through challenges, like the pandemic, and stayed open because we trust that God has a plan for us.
OTC: Looking ahead, what are you most excited about for the future in the coming year?
I’ve seen a lot of changes recently like our new equipment coming in, and it’s been an exciting transformation. I actually started out in the screen shop, where my job was to put the print on the containers. That was my role initially. I worked in that department before moving up within the company. One of the great things here to look forward to is the opportunity for internal promotions. When the production manager resigned, I was able to step into the role. Along the way, I also trained in other areas, including blending, where I worked with the blending manager, and in shipping and receiving, where I trained with that manager as well. I’m excited to see where 2025 takes us, we are always evolving and pushing the limits of what we can accomplish as a small legacy company.
OTC: After a busy day, how do you unwind and recharge?
At the end of the day, I make sure everyone leaves the same way they came in—either better or at least the same, but always safe. I encourage them to work safely so they can go home to their families happy and healthy. When I go home, I usually relax, though I sometimes do a little crafting. My daughter has taken over most of it, but I enjoy making things like pottery, flower arrangements, wreaths, and decorative pieces, including for the company. These activities help me unwind and clear my mind.
When I go on vacation, I tell the team not to call me unless it’s urgent. I need time to disconnect and relax, because it’s important to give your mind a break from work. We also get a massage once a year, which helps with stress relief. It can get busy and stressful, but it’s essential to take time to relax and meditate to avoid being overwhelmed.
OTC: What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part of the job is knowing that we did a great job as a team. It’s not just about me—it’s about all of us working together. Production is like the heartbeat of the company; it’s essential for everything to flow smoothly. Just like the heart, it keeps the company alive. When everything is moving, we know we’re progressing.
I always emphasize that it’s a team effort. We’ve been pulling together nicely, especially with the new programs and machinery we’re working with. There are a few hiccups here and there, but we’re handling them and turning those challenges into opportunities for improvement. It’s great to have a team that cooperates and works together to keep everything on track and I’m honored to part of such a wonderful company.
