Good hair: a UK perspective

[carolinetwin]

This is a repeat of previous discussions, but still interesting snap shot from a "Euro black" perspective

http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/video/2010/jul/19/black-hair-beauty

 

[kimmy89]

OMG I luv PAKS, I didn't know that they employed any black people at all. Great post OP!

 

[kizzylonghair]

Very Interesing

The whole long blonde thing I can deal with

The thing that really p%^sses me off is that we blacks spend the most on haircare, but don't OWN most of the shops that rake in the money, is PAK ran by asians and asian MEN at that. I live in Birmingham,UK and although there are great hair shops 98% of them are not black owned....Don't get me wrong if asian men see the money potential then let em do it..More fool us.

But when I go into a shop like that and see a WOMEN ASKING AN OLD ASIAN MEN FOR HAIRCARE & PRODUCT ADVICE I FEEL SICK..

 

[kimmy89]

Very Interesing

The whole long blonde thing I can deal with

The thing that really p%^sses me off is that we blacks spend the most on haircare, but don't OWN most of the shops that rake in the money, is PAK ran by asians and asian MEN at that. I live in Birmingham,UK and although there are great hair shops 98% of them are not black owned....Don't get me wrong if asian men see the money potential then let em do it..More fool us.

But when I go into a shop like that and see a WOMEN ASKING AN OLD ASIAN MEN FOR HAIRCARE & PRODUCT ADVICE I FEEL SICK..[/Q

I know what you mean, and they always advise the women to buy the silkiest brands of hair when you l know that they will have a problem blending it.

There is this hair shop in Croydon that's black owned, the name escapes me, she doesn't have that much stock though and shes a little bit pricier. Also I think the Nubian Jack franchise closed down, Im sure that they were black owned, but the staff (black women) had the nastiest attitude.

 

[Sapphire_chic]

wasn't the owner of paks black, maybe northern African?

I loved the guy with the locs response "educate others as to why your hair doesn't look like theirs" when they were talking about being natural in a professional environment

I also like how they showed white women shopping for weave

I liked the video especially her ending statement

 

[kizzylonghair]

Very Interesing

The whole long blonde thing I can deal with

The thing that really p%^sses me off is that we blacks spend the most on haircare, but don't OWN most of the shops that rake in the money, is PAK ran by asians and asian MEN at that. I live in Birmingham,UK and although there are great hair shops 98% of them are not black owned....Don't get me wrong if asian men see the money potential then let em do it..More fool us.

But when I go into a shop like that and see a WOMEN ASKING AN OLD ASIAN MEN FOR HAIRCARE & PRODUCT ADVICE I FEEL SICK..[/Q

I know what you mean, and they always advise the women to buy the silkiest brands of hair when you l know that they will have a problem blending it.

There is this hair shop in Croydon that's black owned, the name escapes me, she doesn't have that much stock though and shes a little bit pricier. Also I think the Nubian Jack franchise closed down, Im sure that they were black owned, but the staff (black women) had the nastiest attitude.

Thats the problem now, how does a lil black run shop compete against the large chain...Its like the corner shop up against Tesco.

I know I cud go to the larger one and DEF get what I want and cheaper to..
I hear you abt the attitude, to be fair the reason sites like this are so sucessful is because we could get the right advice off most of our own in the first place, so we may as well ask the asian men

 

[Bublin]

I liked the video.

Shocking that someone would pay £300 for a weave (from one Indian woman's head - of course) and £190 to have it sewn in. OMG I hope she reuses that weave.

The owner looks to be North African but do North African women wear weaves to the extent that African/Caribbean women would do - i don't think so - so for me we are still fools for shopping there. Besides he still employs Asian staff does he not?

I would like to have seen a white woman flicking her hair, showing off the fact that she had a weave in.

I personally seek out black owned shops and buy from there. In South London there is a black owned shop in Sydenham High Road.

 

[Sapphire_chic]

"One of Pak’s co-owners Peter Mudahy, who is actually Jamaican-born, told New Nation his stores were largely staffed by Asians because they had a stronger work ethic."

I don't agree with the comment I just found it on this website http://www.bnvillage.co.uk/black-womens-village/99886-who-styling-black-women.html

 

[Bublin]

My husband-to-be wants to open up a 'hair product shop'. He too is sick of giving his money to these Indian men.
I told him that black people won't come to his shop because he won't have the selection that the other shops do. They have the monopoly on the stock. There prices are low and shelves are stacked high because they have unbeatable deals with the suppliers. Heck, the suppliers are probably Asian too.
Black people will not support a black owned shop because they will go to the Indian shop to save 50p.

 

[Bublin]

"One of Pak’s co-owners Peter Mudahy, who is actually Jamaican-born, told New Nation his stores were largely staffed by Asians because they had a stronger work ethic."

I don't agree with the comment I just found it on this website http://www.bnvillage.co.uk/black-womens-village/99886-who-styling-black-women.html

Are his parents jamaican?

 

[kizzylonghair]

"One of Pak’s co-owners Peter Mudahy, who is actually Jamaican-born, told New Nation his stores were largely staffed by Asians because they had a stronger work ethic."

I don't agree with the comment I just found it on this website http://www.bnvillage.co.uk/black-womens-village/99886-who-styling-black-women.html

Thanks for the info, And I don't agree with "Asians because they had a stronger work ethic." BUT i understand a lil, rain, shine, bank hol, day & nite most of asians are open for business, & have same workers
And in my hair shop, they put a man on the top and bottom off EVERY aisle and u must stand and not move off your post, how many pep would work in those conditions. Unless I owned that shop they can keep their job

 

[Sapphire_chic]

^^ lol I have no idea. I think it's kinda warped how he only went into business with/employs indian people because he believes them to be harder workers. I understand from a business point of view his motive but I still shake my head

 

[kizzylonghair]

My husband-to-be wants to open up a 'hair product shop'. He too is sick of giving his money to these Indian men.
I told him that black people won't come to his shop because he won't have the selection that the other shops do. They have the monopoly on the stock. There prices are low and shelves are stacked high because they have unbeatable deals with the suppliers. Heck, the suppliers are probably Asian too.
Black people will not support a black owned shop because they will go to the Indian shop to save 50p.

You are so right!!. But I go to the same shop normally asian because I know what I want to buy (Normaly becuz of this site) and want to guarantee I can get it

 

[LadyPaniolo]

Wow... that was interesting. I wish the presenter would have done a little something with her weave, the blending was NOT on point. erplexed

Seeing all the fake hair just makes me all the more committed to stay natural and to (hopefully) wean myself for good off the fake stuff. My real hair is beautiful just as it is, I don't want to be walking around with an Indian woman's mane sewn on!

 

[Bublin]

BN Village post. Poster was actually Peter himself......

Hi there, I just saw your notice... I am one of the owners of PAK COSMETICS in London. While this e-mail has been running around. No one has taken the time ask us, how we feel about all who have been sending this e-mail about and slandering my business.

Specially with the fact that I happen to be a Jamaican, black and very much proud of it.


Also understand this, while we look for newways to improve our business and customer service, which we currently have a big focus on. Our staff serve approx. 3,800 people and stand on their feet upto 12 hours each day, from 5-7 days aweek helpingcustomers with their need for quality hair products.


Any time you want to chat about the challenges of being black and owning a successful business like PAK, which has been around for over 27 years - serving the needs of African's and African Caribbean consumers in the UK - While mainsteam retail or FMCG businesses turn a blind eye. then give me a call, or stop by one of our shops in Leyton, Finsbury Park, Harlesden or Hackney.

The name is Peter -this is my number 020 7263 2088 020 7263 2088

One Love and have a PAK day!

 

[kizzylonghair]

BN Village post. Poster was actually Peter himself......

Hi there, I just saw your notice... I am one of the owners of PAK COSMETICS in London. While this e-mail has been running around. No one has taken the time ask us, how we feel about all who have been sending this e-mail about and slandering my business.

Specially with the fact that I happen to be a Jamaican, black and very much proud of it.


Also understand this, while we look for newways to improve our business and customer service, which we currently have a big focus on. Our staff serve approx. 3,800 people and stand on their feet upto 12 hours each day, from 5-7 days aweek helpingcustomers with their need for quality hair products.


Any time you want to chat about the challenges of being black and owning a successful business like PAK, which has been around for over 27 years - serving the needs of African's and African Caribbean consumers in the UK - While mainsteam retail or FMCG businesses turn a blind eye. then give me a call, or stop by one of our shops in Leyton, Finsbury Park, Harlesden or Hackney.

The name is Peter -this is my number 020 7263 2088 020 7263 2088

One Love and have a PAK day!

I am glad he took the time to reply, but as above that kind of work attract certain pep regardless of colour

 

[kittikat24]

Thanks for posting this..I wasn't sure how they were going to wrap it up, but it ended well!
luv the UK accents!

 

[LushLox]

Well I'm glad Paks is black owned, I had no idea. He needs to employ more black staff though and lay off the generalisations, we are not all a bad lot!

 

[Bublin]

I am glad he took the time to reply, but as above that kind of work attract certain pep regardless of colour

I think that statement was regards to work ethic.......Him nah go find black people to work dem deh long hours and stan up on dem feet for likkle a nothin. Also it was an explanation of why they might be a little abrupt with customers....

 

[Sapphire_chic]

I wish I went to that convention, I saw it advertised

 

[Tiye]

This is a repeat of previous discussions, but still interesting snap shot from a "Euro black" perspective

http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/video/2010/jul/19/black-hair-beauty

Good video. I'm fascinated by anthropology of beauty and I love beauty products, and shops, etc. I want to go to Paks!

My husband-to-be wants to open up a 'hair product shop'. He too is sick of giving his money to these Indian men.
I told him that black people won't come to his shop because he won't have the selection that the other shops do. They have the monopoly on the stock. There prices are low and shelves are stacked high because they have unbeatable deals with the suppliers. Heck, the suppliers are probably Asian too.
Black people will not support a black owned shop because they will go to the Indian shop to save 50p.

I've been hearing this argument forever but it's not about copy catting Asian stores - it's about distinguishing yourself. For example - the Asian owned bss I go to is model model central - they have huge posters in the windows, and wear MM tshirts to boot. Well what about black women who want something different than model model? Carry hard to find things you know people are looking for and give people the option of ordering online (you'd be surprised how many biz owners overlook this). Don't take money for things you know you don't have in stock and fail to tell the buyer. Don't price gouge on shipping. Customer service should be on point. Don't grab people's money then hide from them. It's the little things that will give you the competitive edge.

I liked the video.

Shocking that someone would pay £300 for a weave (from one Indian woman's head - of course) and £190 to have it sewn in. OMG I hope she reuses that weave.

The owner looks to be North African but do North African women wear weaves to the extent that African/Caribbean women would do - i don't think so - so for me we are still fools for shopping there. Besides he still employs Asian staff does he not?

I would like to have seen a white woman flicking her hair, showing off the fact that she had a weave in.

I personally seek out black owned shops and buy from there. In South London there is a black owned shop in Sydenham High Road.

- I think most people reuse remy hair - esp. since she made a point of mentioning it was "single drawn" - yadda, yadda. So she probably feels strongly about getting hair that she can reuse. See BHM. Maybe she is a member of BHM ....

- Most women in the entertainment industry - i.e. white women wear extensions and are always flicking their hair. And for white women who do get extensions they are paying a heckuva lot more money to get them than we do.

- I don't know any N African women personally but I'm guessing they are not immune to global fashion trends - they watch the same mass media as we do. People in N Africa have been using extensions for thousands of years (same as women all over Africa). And actually believe it or not - or ironically some women in India get extensions.

 

[LushLox]

I think that statement was regards to work ethic.......Him nah go find black people to work dem deh long hours and stan up on dem feet for likkle a nothin. Also it was an explanation of why they might be a little abrupt with customers....

Harsh but fair!

 

[kizzylonghair]

I think that statement was regards to work ethic.......Him nah go find black people to work dem deh long hours and stan up on dem feet for likkle a nothin. Also it was an explanation of why they might be a little abrupt with customers....

I really wanted to write what you did, but I tried to put a nice shine on it..lol
Knew someone on here wouldnt let me down TOO TRUE

 

[Bublin]

I really wanted to write what you did, but I tried to put a nice shine on it..lol
Knew someone on here wouldnt let me down TOO TRUE

GIRL, YOU SHOULD KNOW BY NOW THAT I SAY THE THINGS THAT MOST PEOPLE ARE THINKING.....that's gonna be my new signature

 

[Bublin]

Good video. I'm fascinated by anthropology of beauty and I love beauty products, and shops, etc. I want to go to Paks!

I've been hearing this argument forever but it's not about copy catting Asian stores - it's about distinguishing yourself. For example - the Asian owned bss I go to is model model central - they have huge posters in the windows, and wear MM tshirts to boot. Well what about black women who want something different than model model? Carry hard to find things you know people are looking for and give people the option of ordering online (you'd be surprised how many biz owners overlook this). Don't take money for things you know you don't have in stock and fail to tell the buyer. Don't price gouge on shipping. Customer service should be on point. Don't grab people's money then hide from them. It's the little things that will give you the competitive edge.
QUOTE]

I hear you but we DO have a our unique ideas. If we do set up something it will not be copycat that's for sure.

 

[Guitarhero]

See, essentially no different than the problems here in the U.S. Same exact problems either getting into the market and competing or decent customer service and respect. I would love to have such a business. There must be a way to do it without buying into these wholesale clubs that cater to Asians because they are controlled by them. That's the question for anybody's business genius.

 

[NIN4eva]

Great video. I cringed when I saw those models posing with those ill-fitting helmet-like wigs on their heads. I do admit to being a former lace wig wearer. I keep a photo of myself to remind me of how foolish I looked.

And the celebrities.... Beyonce's going to be looking like Julianne Moore by the time she's through.

 

[Blessedmocha]

I liked the video.
The owner looks to be North African . Besides he still employs Asian staff does he not?
I personally seek out black owned shops and buy from there. In South London there is a black owned shop in Sydenham High Road.

The owner is NOT AFRICAN OF JAMAICAN.. DO NOT LET THESE PEOPLE DECEIVE YOU.. KEEP ON SEEKING/SUPPORTING BLACK OWNED BUSINESSES!

"One of Pak’s co-owners Peter Mudahy, who is actually Jamaican-born, told New Nation his stores were largely staffed by Asians because they had a stronger work ethic."

Thats a lie. They know we dont like to buy from them, so as a marketing ploy beginning 2007/2008, they expanded and hired people to front for them. DO NOT BE DECEIVED.

BN Village post. Poster was actually Peter himself......

Hi there, I just saw your notice... I am one of the owners of PAK COSMETICS in London. While this e-mail has been running around. No one has taken the time ask us, how we feel about all who have been sending this e-mail about and slandering my business.

Specially with the fact that I happen to be a Jamaican, black and very much proud of it.

Also understand this, while we look for newways to improve our business and customer service, which we currently have a big focus on. Our staff serve approx. 3,800 people and stand on their feet upto 12 hours each day, from 5-7 days aweek helpingcustomers with their need for quality hair products.

Any time you want to chat about the challenges of being black and owning a successful business like PAK, which has been around for over 27 years - serving the needs of African's and African Caribbean consumers in the UK - While mainsteam retail or FMCG businesses turn a blind eye. then give me a call, or stop by one of our shops in Leyton, Finsbury Park, Harlesden or Hackney.

The name is Peter -this is my number 020 7263 2088 020 7263 2088

One Love and have a PAK day!

LIAR LIAR PANTS ON FIRE!!! I AM ABSOLUTELY FUMING RIGHT NOW!

Well I'm glad Paks is black owned, I had no idea. He needs to employ more black staff though and lay off the generalisations, we are not all a bad lot!

DONT LET THEM DECEIVE YOU GUYS.


PAKS is just like all the others. Asain owned!

It was founded by the father of JEFF HUSSEIN.. A Pakistani man, who I have had the pleasure of meeting and he aint no JAMAICAN!

infact, heres an extract from the guardian interviewing Jeff back in 2005.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2005/aug/19/raceintheuk.lifeandhealth

The article is actually called.. wait for it......

Big brands lock on to the brown pound
Haircare product makers have finally realised that black women represent a relatively unexploited niche market go figure!

'Jeff Hussain, manager of Pak Cosmetics in Stroud Green, north London, said the business had grown beyond recognition since his father opened a small shop in 1970. "When we first set up we sold meat and food," he said. "We had a little section of cosmetics and there was a lot of demand, so we took a gamble and it worked."


I advise you to read the full article.

Peter MUHADY works for paks, but the owner is JEFF HUSSEIN and the business is still in the family.. Peter came on board as MD when pak started expanding and also launched their own brands such as pcc.
He's just a front in reaction to all the complaints/Newspaper articles that blacks did not have a stake in the business..

And guess what, the supplier of black beauty products in the UK is also Indian! An Hindu man called Paul Singh and his business is called Beauty Star. He will not sell to anyone, especially blacks!

When you go to his warehouse, He gets the girls to tell you he's not there even though people can see him standing there. An Elder I know tried purchasing from him for 20 years and he refused point blank even when £20,000 in cash was presented to him at one time!!!

The Elder had to go through the white Man who founded sleek (but has now sold out to chinese company) just to save his business!!!

 

[LushLox]

^^^Thanks for that. Thought it sounded to good to be true. How on earth do we as black people break into our own hair care market. The asians have it on lock down!

 

[Guitarhero]

BlessedMocha, could it be they are Jamaicans of Pakistani origin? Not unheard of at all. Just asking because he said he was Jamaican.


CreamTee,
Maybe like the Ojon products? It would necessitate making a product and contracting with a small community who provides the raw materials and then contracting with another to process it and yet another to finalize the product. That would mean that Black womens' brand loyalty would have to change. I can see this in the natural hair market but it will take time and great effort (Carol's Daughter, etc. ). We have to have a product that we control and not allow wholesale clubs like the Asians control to get their hands on it. This is just so...wow! Difficult!