COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
“ Ricky Rainer and Chardai Tisdale make space for Black representation in both enterprise and target audiences of black hair care and black hair products .”
Beauty supply stores have acted as a staple in the Black beauty industry for many generations . This is simply due to the fact that beauty supply stores were the only establishments that specifically catered to Black women . And even in an industry that thrives off of the Black dollar , it has been a challenge for Black people to gain a foothold in the industry . North Carolina hairstylist Chardai Tisdale took to social media to provide clients with hair care tips after the COVID-19 outbreak shut down hair salons and barbershops in the area . It was in December when the hairstylist and her partner , Ricky Rainier , expanded her virtual hair care assistance beyond the borders of social media and into a retail space , one that soon became the Black Balled Beauty Supply store .
In the U . S ., Black-owned beauty supply stores are few and far between ; in the
Ayrsley area of Charlotte , North Carolina , where Black Balled Beauty is located , there are less than eight Black-owned beauty supply stores and salons . So , for the couple , the decision to occupy retail space surpassed simply being a business opportunity . Despite Black people being one of the main sources of profit for the beauty industry , the industry has not made an effort to make space for Black representation in both enterprise and target audience . “ These places where we spend money do not commonly share any cultural traits with us to properly educate us on these products that we are buying ,” the couple says . Maintaining Chardai ’ s initial goal with her social media venture , they sought to use Black Balled Beauty to educate their target audience as well . Tisdale ’ s experience as a professional stylist has granted her use of a variety of products on a variety of hair textures , thus qualifying her to provide trusted advice on Black hair and products to maintain it . “ Whether they are large brands or small , we know the things that are made for our hair ,” says the duo .
For them , it is also important to highlight local and Black-owned brands that often don ’ t get their warranted retail exposure . However , simply providing shelf space is not the bottom line . They seek to ensure the reinvestment of money in their community and the support of smaller businesses . “ We purchase wholesale so they directly see a profit and we continuously promote them and also provide pop-ups and product demonstration space ,” fulfilling one of their main goals of pouring back into the industry .
ENSPIRE Magazine had the opportunity to ask the duo about Black Balled Beauty .
Ricky Rainer and Chardai Tisdale
Charlotte Beauty Supply Owners Give Black-owned Products Permanent Shelf Time
Contributor : LaShonda Thompson
ENSPIRE MAGAZINE
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