As an NHS radiographer on long shifts, Black Sunrise founder Kamilah Bartley knew how self-care could sometimes slip down the priority list: hours out of the house meant she rarely had time to maintain the health of her hair. After conversations with friends, family and patients, she designed satin-lined hats to keep hair protected all day long – in spite of busy lifestyles.

What is Black Sunrise?

Black Sunrise creates a healthy hat alternative: satin-lined hats, caps, hoodies and accessories designed to protect natural hair and support scalp health. At its core, the brand is about making everyday life easier, combining function, comfort and style so people don’t have to choose between looking presentable and caring for their hair.

The vision has never just been hats: it’s about new beginnings, being seen, and designing products that quietly support people through their daily lives.

Why is satin the best choice for the inside of our hats and hoodies?

Satin is soft and gentle on both hair and skin. It reduces friction, static and breakage, helps retain moisture, and supports healthier hair and scalp maintenance over time.

Unlike traditional hat linings, satin allows hair to glide rather than rub, which is especially important for textured and natural hair. It’s also vegan and animal-cruelty free, aligning with our values of care – for people and for the wider world.

What was your personal experience that made you realise a brand like Black Sunrise was needed?

As an NHS radiographer, I often finished long, demanding shifts completely exhausted. Showing up for patients was non-negotiable, but that often meant I didn’t have the capacity to show up for myself. I wanted practical ways to support healthy hair while still looking presentable – the luxury and protection of a satin bonnet without the stigma of wearing one outside the house.

Working in a hospital also meant seeing patients undergoing chemotherapy wearing satin scarves to protect their scalps. I remember complimenting one woman’s scarf and her telling me she’d found something that helped, but she was worried about winter because scarves simply wouldn’t be warm enough. Those moments stayed with me. They highlighted how often people are forced to compromise comfort, warmth, dignity or self-care – and how something seemingly small could make a real difference. All of these experiences slowly led to my ‘eureka’ moment.

Once you had the idea, how did you get started with building the brand?

Honestly, it started with my friends. I sketched a design, made a simple collage on Canva and asked a very straightforward question: “would this make your day easier?”.

I had no background in fashion or product design, so I focused on solving real problems – starting with my own and listening carefully to the people around me. Black Sunrise grew from those conversations and that shared need to feel supported in everyday life.

What was your first product, and how did you expand the range from there?

The brand launched with three bobble hat styles, the original satin-lined beanie and kids’ pom-pom hats – a small range designed to protect the whole family.

From there, as customers shared their needs, we expanded into lighter summer options like caps, half caps, visors and hair bands. Each new product was shaped by how and when people actually needed hair protection throughout the year.

What has feedback been like from customers? What has stood out the most?

The most meaningful feedback has been how seen and understood customers feel. Many people didn’t realise how much they’d been compromising their needs until they experienced something designed with them in mind.

Hearing that our products help people feel confident, comfortable and cared for – often without having to explain or justify their hair – has been incredibly affirming.

“Many people didn’t realise how much they’d been compromising their needs until they experienced something designed with them in mind”

How does your product range cater to customers all year round?

Black Sunrise is designed for real life, across all seasons. We offer warm, satin-lined hats and hoodies for colder months, alongside lighter caps, bucket hats and visors for spring and summer. This means hair and scalp care isn’t limited to one time of year; it’s a consistent, everyday support, whatever the weather.

What’s been your biggest achievement as a business owner?

Appearing on Channel 4 during a Christmas segment was a huge personal milestone. Funnily enough, it started because someone who had bought one of our hats reached out and connected us to the opportunity. It wasn’t something I had chased through traditional PR routes; it came from a genuine customer experience, which made it even more special.  

Black Sunrise was featured as part of a small business showcase, highlighting innovative gift ideas and brands making a difference. Seeing the products recognised on a national platform, being able to share our story – especially during such a competitive retail season – was both surreal and affirming. I’m naturally quite private person, so putting myself out there was intimidating, but it marked the moment I truly began to see myself not just as a healthcare worker with an idea, but as a real business owner connecting with people across the country.

What’s something you wish you’d done differently?

I wish I’d believed in myself sooner. In many ways, I created my own glass ceiling by treating Black Sunrise as “just” a side hustle for too long. That mindset limited how boldly I protected the brand and advocated for it, especially when larger companies began adopting similar ideas.

Looking back, I realise that not feeling like a “real” business was something I imposed on myself – and it shaped how far I allowed things to go.

How do you balance the business with other life pursuits?

I currently work full-time in healthcare, run Black Sunrise, and study for a part-time master’s. The truth is, you can’t do everything – at least not all at once. The real balance comes from being kind to yourself, delegating where possible, being honest about your limits, and taking moments to recognise how proud your younger self would be of where you are today.

What’s next for Black Sunrise?

The next chapter is about expansion rather than reinvention. Black Sunrise has always stood for new beginnings and being seen, and there are many ways to express that beyond hats alone. The focus now is on growing thoughtfully – exploring new ideas, products and directions that continue to support people in practical, meaningful ways while staying true to the heart of the brand.

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