What was the defining factor in the |
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decision to find a retail space and create |
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Black Balled beauty ? |
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We saw a huge void in representation |
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when it came to suppliers and retail |
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ownership of the beauty supply industry . |
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We , as African Americans , make up the |
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majority of the consumers in the beauty |
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supply industry , but these places where |
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we spend our money do not commonly |
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share any cultural traits with us to properly |
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educate us on these products that we are |
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buying . |
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Why is it so important for you to |
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highlight mainly Black-owned products |
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and Black entrepreneurs ?
As mentioned before , African Americans are the largest consumers in the beauty industry , so while it ’ s important for us to provide a space to buy the products , it doesn ’ t stop there . Highlighting these Black-owned and local brands ensures that the money continues to be reinvested into our community . We should be receiving the benefits from this monetary gain with our favorite brands being able to expand because of our support .
What problems does Black Balled Beauty solve for not only customers but for the industry ?
One of the biggest problems we solve is the lack of education in the beauty retail space . Chardai is a professional stylist who uses these products on her clients . Whether they are large brands or small , we know the things that are made for our hair . I ’ m not only a business owner but also a consumer , so as a Black man , I can provide that advice to another Black man about products that might work for him as well . We also solve the problem of visibility . One of our main goals was to provide retail space for small businesses so
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we can pour back into the industry . Some of these products might not have had a chance for retail exposure and we provide that . We purchase wholesale so they directly see a profit and we continuously promote them and also provide pop-ups and product demonstration space .
How does Black Balled Beauty encourage well-being and self-love among its customers ?
This isn ’ t just a store . We hope to make our customers feel as though they are part of something . We know them on a first-name basis , we know what products they last purchased , we know their hair type--these things are important . When Chardai can help someone keep their hair healthy with her assistance or even at home , that ’ s a confidence booster . The beauty industry can set some pretty unreasonable standards , especially on African American women and men , and we want to do our part to dispel those and do what we can to build our people up through what we provide .
What was one of the most important lessons you learned as a business owner
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this year ? Stay focused and persevere through the rough times . Always stay focused on the main goal , work hard , and never give up on what it is you are trying to accomplish . Dreams can become reality with hard work and dedication .
Black Balled Beauty is not simply a store ; the duo aims to make customers feel a sense of community and trust when entering their business . And in an industry that imposes such harsh beauty standards , especially on Black people , the support that they provide increases self-assurance within customers , thus dismantling and reinventing such beauty standards that often restrict Black people .
The business owners plan on expanding their empire , endeavoring to open another location in Charlotte , North Carolina , to increase accessibility . The couple also aspires to open numerous locations across the country .
For more information on Black Balled Beauty , check out their website : www . blackballedbeauty . com
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ENSPIRE MAGAZINE |
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