Remember this post? We were so excited about this invention because it was a brilliant solution to really stretching your natural hair. From the post we told you that the CWK straight plates were first introduced to us through Kick-Starter, and at the time, many naturals planned to support the project including many of our own readers.
The project became pretty popular, presented on websites like Madame Noire and Black Girl Long Hair, bloggers and readers alike invested in the project because we all wanted to see it successful.
Kelechi Bradley is the creator of the CWK straight plates and she was able to meet her financial goals on Kickstarter which meant she had a few obligations to fulfill which was thoroughly detailed on her kick-starter page.
Well like many of you who have backed the project we have been watching the progress of development, silently hoping the straight plates would make it to market pretty soon.
Unfortunately, there have been some reports that allude to the whole thing being a scam for a variety of reasons. JC of The Natural Haven was very detailed about her concern as well as members of LHCF who have a thread talking about the their speculations.
Considering we also ran the story, we feel obliged to tell you all about what the concerns are and to make you aware that if you did back the project you should keep a close eye on it and probably expect a refund.
Kelechi recently opened up in an email to her investors about the troubles she is facing with the launch of her product. We will refer to her email throughout this post so that you can make your own informed decision on whether this whole thing was a scam or not, starting here:
Good Morning Investors,
As you know the CWK Girls team has been working overtime to bring the CWK Straight Plates vision to fruition. None of our success thus far would have been possible without you all. Your investments were the catalyst that transformed our dream into a reality. Although each step of the creative process has offered its share of challenges, the journey along the way has provided invaluable opportunities that have stretched the creativity of the CWK Girls team and nurtured our growth. Today it saddens us to inform you that we have received some information that has temporarily halted the entire production process. Throughout this process four outside sources have contacted our team with the assertion that they own the patented rights to an idea identical to the Straight Plates; however, none of them could provide the proper legal documentation to support their claims.
Such a shame. :-/
Lmbo
Stuff happens. It’s business.
It looks like a crimper roller thing that was popular in salons back in the day to put crimps and waves in the hair. Not saying the two are the same BUT it looks very similar. Older hairstylists will know what I’m talking about.
I’m an investor in this product. I would have preferred to wait a few more months to see if she could work out her patent/legal issues. If she’s able to move forward with her project, she might have trouble finding new investors the second time around. I don’t know much about patents, but shouldn’t you check to make sure there’s no patent infringment before you get investors and start production? Really bummed about this becuase I was really looking forward to using the plates. I do remember the crimping plates from the 80s.
How are u an investor?
She is probably an investor the same way that I am. I gave them money to get started through Kickstarter. I am awaiting my refund but I so badly wanted to try the plates.
This idea is pretty interesting.
It is not easy to start a business or run a business. Remember to always do your homework and research.
Ppl want to b self employed but never want to do the necessary research. Then wonder why it failed.
Intisar Umm Saalih
Mayada Kandaka Mannan.
Sidney Williams
I wish people would help instead of being rude
You cannot believe in everything you see .Don’t be no natural fool .
Wtf
Lol!! WTH is this crap! =-O
Someone didn’t do their research.
At least she is aspiring to be something so start over its OK. And good luck .
That’s because it’s not for African American hair. Smh!!!!!
This is so sad 🙁
I wanted to see this happen…
Where can i buy the striaght plates?