KBSS Boycott Planning Thread

[Tamster]

Ok.
So how are we going to get black owned weave companies into black owned BSSs which are stocked with black owned beauty products to be marketed and bought by black people?

Complicated question that's basically asking… after we raise awareness, how do we create a sustainable alternative that dissuades people from returning to their old, bad-attitude, racist BSSs?

Do we have a list of black hair products anywhere? I see the black BSSs, but what about products? This is important because if BSS owners stock black owned products, they shouldn't have the problem of dealing with higher prices for the same product.

I'll start. Add to it if you can or direct me to a list if it's already created.

1) Shea Moisture- Richelieu Dennis
2) Kinky Curly- Shelley Davis

I created a google docs that we can use to continually update with information like this.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Ah2a4p8buzdOdEdtdWlSOC1nam5CdElsbk1WZWhsZ0E

The first sheet is for black owned stores, the second sheet is for product companies.

I will also add it to the OP.

Please remember, we do have a planning forum, so I'm not sure how to continue the conversation over there, or perhaps that should be used for planning the nitty gritty (specific tweets, the logo, the message, a flier, etc).

 

[Honey Bee]

I created a google docs that we can use to continually update with information like this.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Ah2a4p8buzdOdEdtdWlSOC1nam5CdElsbk1WZWhsZ0E

The first sheet is for black owned stores, the second sheet is for product companies.

I will also add it to the OP.

Please remember, we do have a planning forum, so I'm not sure how to continue the conversation over there, or perhaps that should be used for planning the nitty gritty (specific tweets, the logo, the message, a flier, etc).

Tamster, lank?

 

[Tamster]

Tamster, lank?

tiffers mentioned sometihng about not being allowed to post links to other forums on here? idk if thats tru but ill PM it to you.

anyone else who wants the llink please PM me or tiffers

 

[Honey Bee]

@tiffers mentioned sometihng about not being allowed to post links to other forums on here? idk if thats tru but ill PM it to you.

anyone else who wants the llink please PM me or tiffers

Hmmm, really? If that were the case, the ET forum would be dead. I'll be waiting for the pm, this is so exciting.

 

[princessnad]

I created a google docs that we can use to continually update with information like this.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Ah2a4p8buzdOdEdtdWlSOC1nam5CdElsbk1WZWhsZ0E

The first sheet is for black owned stores, the second sheet is for product companies.

I will also add it to the OP.

Please remember, we do have a planning forum, so I'm not sure how to continue the conversation over there, or perhaps that should be used for planning the nitty gritty (specific tweets, the logo, the message, a flier, etc).

It won't let me edit the google doc I wanted to add to the list

1) Shea Moisture- Richelieu Dennis
2) Kinky Curly- Shelley Davis
3) Oyin- Jamyla

Dudley's, Kizure, Asante'?

 

[Tamster]

^^^ my bad. you know what though, maybe the google doc is redundant because we have the planniing forum, and i see that tiffers added a section about black owned companies....

but iwill fix the permissions for you

eta: try it now

 

[Mo to the...]

I forget who posted this link>>> http://soulfulbeauty.com/article.php?n=287 but it is awesome. I've been reading through the site and Devin Robinson is definitely someone we should get in contact with. Someone also mentioned getting in contact with Al Sharpton. Well Devin already has that contact with him as the "Vice President of Al Sharpton's National Action Network in Atlanta". Let's work smarter not harder ladies. Not try to invent the wheel make sure the contacts are GOOD ones. As in we develop a good relationship with someone who has good relationships/contacts. That will definitely get us to where we are trying to go a lot faster and give us more guidance and insight as to what's already been tried and what hasn't.

 

[DrC]

taking it black sounds like a p0rn0 i saw....

 

[Mo to the...]

It won't let me edit the google doc I wanted to add to the list

1) Shea Moisture- Richelieu Dennis
2) Kinky Curly- Shelley Davis
3) Oyin- Jamyla

Dudley's, Kizure, Asante'?

4) Karen's Body Beautiful- Karen Tappin
5) Mozeke Products- Jennifer Mozeke
6) Darcy's Botanicals- Lysandra
7) La boutique de fleurtzy - Fleurtzy

 

[SmilingElephant]

It won't let me edit the google doc I wanted to add to the list

1) Shea Moisture- Richelieu Dennis
2) Kinky Curly- Shelley Davis
3) Oyin- Jamyla

Dudley's, Kizure, Asante'?

You know what else...can we make sure the businesses are listed with the BBB? That way when we do direct more traffic towards these kinds of companies we don't end up with more (She Whose Name Shall Not Be Mentioned...how is it said?)...drama? I would hate for ppl to run the risk of being scammed online...by our own...like we've seen one too many times here.

 

[Honey Bee]

I forget who posted this link>>> http://soulfulbeauty.com/article.php?n=287 but it is awesome. I've been reading through the site and Devin Robinson is definitely someone we should get in contact with. Someone also mentioned getting in contact with Al Sharpton. Well Devin already has that contact with him as the "Vice President of Al Sharpton's National Action Network in Atlanta". Let's work smarter not harder ladies. Not try to invent the wheel make sure the contacts are GOOD ones. As in we develop a good relationship with someone who has good relationships/contacts. That will definitely get us to where we are trying to go a lot faster and give us more guidance and insight as to what's already been tried and what hasn't.

Mo to the..., Yeah, I was checking out the website for his 'university.' I have my eye on a few books already. He should definitely be involved in this somehow.

 

[ANUBIS]

im down and will be handing out fliers once one is produced. This is such a good time to boycott with the new "natural hair movement" going on as well. We are taking back our hair care into our own hands!!!! I cant wait until it hits the news how much oof an impact its going to make in the koreans pockets. Im tired of walking into a store and getting the side eye and being followed like im going to steal something. forget that lol

 

[princessnad]

1) Shea Moisture- Richelieu Dennis- not on BBB
2) Kinky Curly- Shelley Davis- not BBB accredited- 2 unclosed complaints in last 3 years- Grade: F
3) Oyin- Jamyla- not BBB accredited- 2 closed complaints in the last 3 years- Grade: A+

 

[Honey Bee]

princessnad, I wonder why they aren't accredited, though... what's that about?

 

[princessnad]

^ no idea. But one has a grade of A+ and isn't accredited. Maybe it's just a matter of paperwork not the quality of their products/ customer service.

BTW, anyone adding to the list, do it here:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Ah2a4p8buzdOdEdtdWlSOC1nam5CdElsbk1WZWhsZ0E#gid=0

I got an exam tomorrow so I gtg to bed.

I'll be back to work tomorrow!

 

[tiffers]

Honey Bee Tamster I'm not entirely sure about the rules that have to do with posting links.

I know that some members have been banned and threads have been locked over posting outside links, so I'm just trying to stay on the safe side.

 

[tiffers]

Has everyone who wanted a link to the forum gotten a pm? I think I got everyone, but it's late and I'm tired, so who knows

 

[Amerie123]

im down and will be handing out fliers once one is produced. This is such a good time to boycott with the new "natural hair movement" going on as well. We are taking back our hair care into our own hands!!!! I cant wait until it hits the news how much oof an impact its going to make in the koreans pockets. Im tired of walking into a store and getting the side eye and being followed like im going to steal something. forget that lol

Reposting for emphasis!!!

I LOVE this thread!!!!! I'm soo down!!

 

[nisemac]

Thank you OP for tagging me.

Again, just my opinion, but shouldn't the focus should be on:

1. Keeping is positive. I think first and foremost, re-routing our dollars to feed into our communities and to support positive, effective AA business and products should be the priority. Where and how we spend our money is OUR issue, not asian BSSs. There is ALWAYS another option--are we willing to accept or create those options?

2. supporting AA hair businesses and products, and those entities that positively support the distribution of the products. How do WE, provide a collective resource for anyone interested in supporting AA hair businesses and products, be it a BSS, part of a major chain, or online. Again, collect the resources, consolidate it in one place for consumers to make an informed decision as to how they wish to spend their dollars.

3. I'm not quite comfortable with the boycott aspect of the movement as its presented here. It could just be internet syndrome--how reading things don't always translate when hearing them--but I feel many of the comments come off no better than the very actions we would like to see change. If the behavior of Asian businesses is the problem, then don't do as they do--do better. Be above the negative practices. Understand them and educate them. If we are above that behavior, then bring the up to our level.

In the article that fueled this movement, the interviewee mentioned that there are suppliers who go against the status quo--even with the risk of being banned themselves. Are we seeking retribution or focusing on what WE need to do to support our businesses and communities? If the cycle of negativity continues, then what avenue will AA businesses have to...

3. Develop positive relationships with Asian suppliers and distributors? The asian businesses have developed relationships with one another--Koreans getting materials from India and China (yes, Indians are asian). Why is it that AA businesses have not established the same relationships? It can't all be attributed to racism. There are many businesses that have, thru diligence and understanding that have developed very strong ties throughout Asia. Why haven't AA bss businesses able to work directly with Indian and Chinese suppliers to establish relationships for their supply/distributor needs? (see #4) And if the Koreans are the only resource currently available for their supplies, outside of percieved and non-perceived issues of racism, why can't they establish workable relationships? Many of the comments that i've read from this thread and the original, point out things that are actually misunderstanding about cultural practices. For example, someone mentioned in the previous thread about no returns. In Asia, most shopping and business is done thru the negotiation/haggle process. It is the consumer's responsibility to inspect the goods carefully. Once sold, that's it. Its not a shady practice--its they way that they've been practicing for years. Many of the issues are more about East vs West than black vs asian. There needs to be some sort of forum where the two major associations are sitting down at the table and creating open dialogue. This disparity between the two cultures has been going on for a long time (outside of BSS) and with the global tide changing, it really needs to be addressed.

4. Establishing/building a relationship with an Asian supplier may require visits to that country. In the trade sector, there are resources (congressional, gov agency) to help bring trades together. I will see what I can find out...i'm familiar with this in regards to agricultural commodities, but am not sure how it works for other goods. I think, more than shutting them out, making sure every possible avenue to building a positive relationship has been done. then, if nothing works, so be it.

i believe the choices we make as consumers can have nothing but a positive impact on both supporting AA businesses and communities and fostering good global relations. In my mind's grand scheme of things, this is vital as a person of color. Some of the business difficulties we have with other cultures, is often due to ignorance. We are not present on the global community they way we should be. Only the stereotypes of who/what we are prevail.

Sorry for rambling. That said, I will try to come up with the parameters for a personal 'buy black' challenge, including a log sheet to track expenses. I think, starting with LHCF members as a forum challenge might be a good start--to see how it would pan out on a large scale. I'll also check on some trade resources that the business organization contact person could share. I figure, if Napa Valley producers can visit buyers in China to get their product in, why can't AA BSSs looking for suppliers/distributers come to China and do likewise. Keep in mind, at that level, there are other factors involved that are way above all of us. Our power is in who we choose to give our money to (or not give).

 

[SmilingElephant]

I've been reading....but i'm tired..im gonna go to bed School in the morning. tiffers i left a suggestion on the planning forum

 

[Amerie123]

*putting this thread in my siggy* I really want to see change!! LMBO... as i'm feeling all empowered..

 

[Tamster]

nisemac thanks for the post...

3- how is a boycott stooping down to their level? how is that negative? (besides the negative connotation of a boycott, but you know what i mean. we are not engaging in anything.. sheisty)

4- i tihnk that we have decided that we want to patronize product companies and distributors that are black owned. so creating relationships with asian distributors is a moot point.

I believe our goal (someone correct me if im off base... in which case what i am trying to do) is to support black business every step of the way possible. divorce ourselves from non black businesses.

 

[qchelle]

I have to catch up with this thread tomorrow. I love it!

tiffers please PM me the forum URL.

 

[Mo to the...]

Thank you OP for tagging me.

Again, just my opinion, but shouldn't the focus should be on:

1. Keeping is positive. I think first and foremost, re-routing our dollars to feed into our communities and to support positive, effective AA business and products should be the priority. Where and how we spend our money is OUR issue, not asian BSSs. There is ALWAYS another option--are we willing to accept or create those options?

2. supporting AA hair businesses and products, and those entities that positively support the distribution of the products. How do WE, provide a collective resource for anyone interested in supporting AA hair businesses and products, be it a BSS, part of a major chain, or online. Again, collect the resources, consolidate it in one place for consumers to make an informed decision as to how they wish to spend their dollars.

3. I'm not quite comfortable with the boycott aspect of the movement as its presented here. It could just be internet syndrome--how reading things don't always translate when hearing them--but I feel many of the comments come off no better than the very actions we would like to see change. If the behavior of Asian businesses is the problem, then don't do as they do--do better. Be above the negative practices. Understand them and educate them. If we are above that behavior, then bring the up to our level.

In the article that fueled this movement, the interviewee mentioned that there are suppliers who go against the status quo--even with the risk of being banned themselves. Are we seeking retribution or focusing on what WE need to do to support our businesses and communities? If the cycle of negativity continues, then what avenue will AA businesses have to...

3. Develop positive relationships with Asian suppliers and distributors? The asian businesses have developed relationships with one another--Koreans getting materials from India and China (yes, Indians are asian). Why is it that AA businesses have not established the same relationships? It can't all be attributed to racism. There are many businesses that have, thru diligence and understanding that have developed very strong ties throughout Asia. Why haven't AA bss businesses able to work directly with Indian and Chinese suppliers to establish relationships for their supply/distributor needs? (see #4) And if the Koreans are the only resource currently available for their supplies, outside of percieved and non-perceived issues of racism, why can't they establish workable relationships? Many of the comments that i've read from this thread and the original, point out things that are actually misunderstanding about cultural practices. For example, someone mentioned in the previous thread about no returns. In Asia, most shopping and business is done thru the negotiation/haggle process. It is the consumer's responsibility to inspect the goods carefully. Once sold, that's it. Its not a shady practice--its they way that they've been practicing for years. Many of the issues are more about East vs West than black vs asian. There needs to be some sort of forum where the two major associations are sitting down at the table and creating open dialogue. This disparity between the two cultures has been going on for a long time (outside of BSS) and with the global tide changing, it really needs to be addressed.

4. Establishing/building a relationship with an Asian supplier may require visits to that country. In the trade sector, there are resources (congressional, gov agency) to help bring trades together. I will see what I can find out...i'm familiar with this in regards to agricultural commodities, but am not sure how it works for other goods. I think, more than shutting them out, making sure every possible avenue to building a positive relationship has been done. then, if nothing works, so be it.

i believe the choices we make as consumers can have nothing but a positive impact on both supporting AA businesses and communities and fostering good global relations. In my mind's grand scheme of things, this is vital as a person of color. Some of the business difficulties we have with other cultures, is often due to ignorance. We are not present on the global community they way we should be. Only the stereotypes of who/what we are prevail.

Sorry for rambling. That said, I will try to come up with the parameters for a personal 'buy black' challenge, including a log sheet to track expenses. I think, starting with LHCF members as a forum challenge might be a good start--to see how it would pan out on a large scale. I'll also check on some trade resources that the business organization contact person could share. I figure, if Napa Valley producers can visit buyers in China to get their product in, why can't AA BSSs looking for suppliers/distributers come to China and do likewise. Keep in mind, at that level, there are other factors involved that are way above all of us. Our power is in who we choose to give our money to (or not give).

I agree totally with all that you mentioned above but wanted to just clear up the boycot thing. I don't see how boycotting a business is doing what they did? This is better. If we did what some of them did we would be breaking into their shops and stealing their virgin indian 16" like what's been happening all over the nation. A lot of ladies mentioned in the first thread that they have had positive experiences at Asian owned BSS stores but that was not the majority. I think the boycot comes from the mistreatment many of us have been victim of and instead of just accepting it and going back (whether it be that same Asian owned BSS or a different one) let's not go at all UNTIL they let more non-Asians into the industry and start treating their customers, who are more than 90% black, with respect. It is a consumers right to complain about mistreatment and refusing to purchase from them is a sure fire way to get their attention. They will either change their practices or close shop. Because ultimately the money still isn't being put back into the black community. So not going to Asian owned BSS stores is more about demanding better. Better service, better selection, and more accountability to these organizations that have no problem working in our communities and taking our money but won't do the bare minimum in running a business...respect your patrons.

 

[virtuenow]

Note: I have not read all the posts in this thread yet*

Listen, we need to come up with a list of black owned beauty stores for all the major cities in the US. Recruit people for each region to provide a list of credible & reputable stores & suppliers. This is the only way I will stay out of the other BSS's. I'm all for supporting black owned businesses.

The other alternative is natural products. Provide alist of stores w/the best natural hair care products (e.g. health food stores).

 

[nisemac]

@nisemac thanks for the post...

3- how is a boycott stooping down to their level? how is that negative? (besides the negative connotation of a boycott, but you know what i mean. we are not engaging in anything.. sheisty)

4- i tihnk that we have decided that we want to patronize product companies and distributors that are black owned. so creating relationships with asian distributors is a moot point.

I believe (someone correct me if im off base... in which case what i am trying to do) is support black business every step of the way possible. divorce ourselves from non black businesses.

the way I'm seeing it, it just comes off as negative...the whole boycott the asians..that the whole issue is about race, IMO. there are other issues at play. again, it could be the way that I am reading the posts. There are certain nuances lost when dialogue occurrs on the internet--very easy to misread things. the sheisty part was in reference to a comment someone made about their no return policy. I was meerly stating that its actually how they practice business in Asia, and used it as an example of how some of the issues are related to East and West not understanding one another.

On #4, I disagree. If they are the major suppliers and distributers, then it does become an issue. Part of the issue is not black distributers, but AA business access to the distributers--who happen to be asian. What about those AA business that may wish to start producing weaves and wigs? then there's no opportunity at all for access to the raw material supply. Like the Asians, Latinos, Africans, etc, we need to invest. I agree. But the reality is, that no one group provides 100% of all needs. At some point, the paths will cross. I like to keep my bridges open.

I understand your view...I believe in supporting my own. But I also think that we shouldn't isolate ourselves from what is global. No one group is totally self sufficient. Nor do I think it will be that way, because the lines of demarcation are so blurred. There's too much cross over between cultures when it comes to goods and services. Think about it. Every country that has shut themselves off from the outside suffers. its people suffer. They are enveloped in a bubble of ignorant isolation in how they see the world and how others see them. The change happens once they open up and venture out. I believe we can be a major source of self support, but to move forward we have to branch out.

 

[JerriBlank]

I am gung ho about the fliers idea. How would they be produced though? Would we all download a linked template then adjust with information of local black owned beauty supply stores?

 

[bludaydreamer]

nisemac I am glad that you are participating in this discussion. Your participation will ensure that going forward we do not focus solely on the "negative" aspects of the campaign.

I feel that boycotting is an essential first step. If we boycott and make it public, we are bringing our concerns to the forefront and creating a platform to have the discussion between the two parties. Just asking the KBSA to please stop shutting out non-Korean businesses will not work if there is no incentive for them to do so. Surely we cannot only boycott and expect change. But having customers come out and support AA businesses while simultaneously exposing discriminatory practices by KBSA and others will give the business owners leverage in future negotiations.

You are correct, we cannot shut ourselves off from the global market. We will not have any power in the global market unless we make our voices heard. It doesn't mean anything to a business that our community spends the most on beauty supplies if we never speak up about what we want. And the only language they hear is $$. Just as we now have better quality products with more natural ingredients-it was our spending power that changed that. But just spending our money elsewhere does not help those AA business owners gain access to the raw material supply. We have to work this from multiple angles if we want to make a difference.

We need differing opinions, multiple suggestions if we are going to be more than "Angry Black Women". Collectively we will come up with a great plan of action and make a difference.

 

[Carisa]

have you all decided who will start the facebook page? I would like to make that if no one else has. I also thought it may be a good idea to put photos from this site or other hair sites of women on hair journeys (with their permission) in the photo section and it may encourage other women to start a hair journey of their own.

As for the title I guess stop the bss works for me (its like saying stop the bs lol)

 

[usagi25]

Are you a fan of Kpop?