Zainab Ikpong is going into her fourth year studying political science and criminology at the University of Windsor and hopes to contribute to a powerful women’s movement with her new company.

Ikpong’s company is called Wigs n’ Wraps and will be selling wigs and African head wraps to females who appreciate the kinks and curls of their hair.

“I used to chemically relax my hair and I felt that my hair was suffering because of that, so I went natural,” says Ikpong. “By doing (Wigs n’ Wraps), I hope to promote the embracing of natural beauty and nurturing and taking care of one’s hair.”

Ikpong will be working with the RBC EPIC Founders program to advance her entrepreneurial goals in the 12-week program.

“I hope to learn more about what goes on behind closed doors in terms of starting and running a business, I hope to gain a lot of knowledge in that sense,” says Ikpong. “I look forward to being mentored by someone who is very experienced in entrepreneurship, as well as the networking opportunities provided by this program.”

This is the fifth in a series of articles introducing this summer’s participants leading up to a showcase of their prototypes in August at the EPICentre. Learn more on the centre’s website.

—Dana Roe