Meet Lockhart's Authentic: A True Rags to Riches Story of Art, Community, and Pomade

We're thrilled to introduce Lockhart's Authentic, a remarkable grooming company with one of the most inspiring origin stories we've ever encountered. Founded by Steve and Nichole Lockhart, this true "rags to riches" journey began with two broke 21-year-olds trying to navigate the world and evolved into a globally recognized pomade brand that champions community over competition.

Humble Beginnings: Broke but Determined

"Nichole and I got married very young. Both 21 years old, we moved out on our own, with the help of our parents and a best friend, completely broke and trying to navigate our way in the world," Steve Lockhart recalls. Eventually, Steve landed a sales job at a local car lot after wrenching on cars for several years to scrape by.

The Problem That Sparked Innovation

It was at the car lot that Steve knew he had to clean up his look. Working on hot black top pavement all day meant that virtually nothing could hold his hair in the heat, so he decided to create something specifically for his situation. This personal need became the catalyst for what would become Lockhart's Authentic.

Encouragement from a Downtown Flint Barber

Steve had formed a good relationship with his barber in downtown Flint, Michigan, who was really encouraging him to go forward with crafting an entire line of products. This professional validation gave Steve the confidence to pursue his vision seriously.

From Kitchen to Global Community

Word spread, and more and more people wanted to try what Steve had created, so they opened up a simple Etsy page just to get their products into friends' hands. From there, customers from all over the world started asking for specific products and giving critique for product enhancement in their region.

"It's very important to us that we're able to create products that can be used by any person, any walk of life, any part of the world," Steve explains.

The Everything Pomade Community

The feedback they received led to more product development out of their own kitchen and rapid growth. They created a healthy following organically online and formed the Facebook group 'Everything Pomade' where they gathered even more feedback directly from customers.

From Car Sales to Full-Time Passion

They quickly grew their wholesale business across the globe, and Steve was finally able to quit his car sales job and jump into Lockhart's full time. After welcoming Nichole's sister into their home and growing their product line's complexity and number of accounts, the home kitchen was no longer feasible.

The Perry, Michigan Apothecary

So they opened their own Apothecary in downtown Perry, MI (population: 2,000). This small-town location reflects their authentic, community-focused approach to business.

Art as the Foundation of Craft

"I like to view the craft as an art form and the products really are my canvas," Steve explains. "I'm actually a nationally recognized Stuckist artist and used to be an avid painter and sketch artist. Now that we have two young daughters, I no longer have the time or energy to paint so I pour all of my creativity into my products."

Hybridizing and Experimentation

One of the things Lockhart's really enjoys is hybridizing products and experimenting with new formulations. "There's a lot of trial and error that goes into the process, but that normally results in very unique formulations that you wouldn't find from any big lab production facility."

Supporting Competitors: A High Tide Raises All Ships

Lockhart's has a strong belief that supporting others will result in success for everyone in the long run. "You will find many of our 'competitors' products on our site because we believe that a strong and flourishing pomade market leads to success for everyone. As they say 'A high tide raises all ships.'"

The Flint Metal Music Scene Philosophy

Steve compares the pomade market to the local Flint metal music scene he grew up in: "The bands that supported each other, stuck around for everybody's sets, promoted each other on social media (myspace back then…), and purchased each others demos and merch were the bands that received the most love from their fans and always seemed to be enjoying themselves much more than the elitists who turned their noses to the openers."

Building a Vibrant Community

"That's why we always want a strong and vibrant pomade community. One that will challenge everyone to always get better and create more unique and creative formulas. That's the beauty of it all. The connections and friendships made. We hope to connect with as many of our fans as possible."

A True Rags to Riches Story

"I think our story is very unique as it really is a rags to riches story (I use the terms riches loosely of course haha!)," Steve notes with characteristic humility. Their journey from broke newlyweds to successful business owners demonstrates the power of persistence, creativity, and community support.

Global Reach, Personal Touch

From their small-town apothecary in Perry, Michigan, Lockhart's Authentic serves customers worldwide while maintaining the personal touch and community focus that started it all. Their global wholesale business proves that authentic, quality products transcend geographical boundaries.

Artistic Innovation in Every Product

Steve's background as a nationally recognized Stuckist artist brings a unique creative perspective to product development. Each formulation is approached as an artistic creation, resulting in unique products that stand out in the market.

Family-Driven Success

With two young daughters and Nichole's sister as part of their extended business family, Lockhart's Authentic remains a family-driven enterprise that values relationships and community over pure profit.

Kitchen Experimentation to Professional Production

The evolution from kitchen experimentation to professional apothecary production showcases their commitment to growth while maintaining the artisanal quality that made them successful.

Universal Accessibility

Lockhart's commitment to creating products "that can be used by any person, any walk of life, any part of the world" reflects their inclusive approach to grooming and community building.

At Daily Health & Beauty, we're inspired by Lockhart's Authentic's incredible journey and their philosophy of supporting the entire community rather than just competing. Their combination of artistic creativity, authentic storytelling, and genuine care for customers makes them a perfect addition to our curated collection.

Explore the complete Lockhart's Authentic collection and discover pomade and grooming products crafted with artistic passion and community spirit.