-
⏰ Welcome, Guest! You are viewing only 2 out of 27 total forums. Register today to view more, then Subscribe to view all forums, submit posts, reply to posts, create new threads, view photos, access private messages, change your avatar, create a photo album, customize your profile, and possibly be selected as our next Feature of the Month.
:::Why Don't AA Dominate the Hair Care Industry:::
- Thread starter Anew
- Start date
⏳ Limited Access:
Register today to view all forum posts.
BostonMaria
Well-Known Member
That's a great question. I think it could be done. Look at people like Miss Jessie's and the owners of Kinky Curly.
I think it would take people only buying from black owned beauty supplies or online vendors. Also making an honest effort to buy American made products. Just because a product says "African Pride" does not mean it was made in Africa or by AA's.
I think it would take people only buying from black owned beauty supplies or online vendors. Also making an honest effort to buy American made products. Just because a product says "African Pride" does not mean it was made in Africa or by AA's.
Anew
New Member
True and unfortunately I don't know if many people realize the makers of those products. Also if more AA owned BSS were opened and we actually shopped there, that would help make a difference.
Its really sad how much money we pour into this industry and we don't really profit from it as well as others do
Smiley79
Well-Known Member
That exact question blows my mind...to be honest, I'm not one to support one business over the over based on race or color alone. The service has to be on point, etc. (sadly the service at most of these vendors is not always the best also) The fact of the matter is that being that we make maybe 75% of the consumers of the hair care industry, it would only make sense that we benefit from at least a fraction of the industry through owenership...and that's not happening. I look forward to reading more views on this,
Natural Glow
Well-Known Member
But the thing about that is how many black owned companies are there? And a lot of people would rather spend $3 on a jar of gel than $20+ for some curl cream from some place like Miss Jessies or Kinky Curly
Anew
New Member
It would be nice to offer most of the same products other BSS offer, but to have a section specifically for natural hair care brands like Miss Jessies or Carols Daughter, etc...
This is something I'm seriously considering doing. Wouldn't it be amazing if there were an AA owned chain beauty supply store such as Sally?
BlackMasterPiece
Well-Known Member
Anew that is an outstanding question, we SHOULD be dominating this industry.
Also, Smiley79 if you find a Black Owned Beauty Supply who's service isn't on point, then find a Black owned Beauty Supply who's service IS on point. These things keeping the money within the community whenever possible.....is very important.
I rarely go to the Salon but when I do, I go to a high end, black owned and black staffed Hair Salon and the service and professionalism is outta this world, my cousin goes to an even more exclusive salon than I do and that one is also Black owned, I'm currently on the hunt for a Black owned Beauty Supply I can frequent a well.
We have to start taking on positions as manufacturers, distributers and BSS owners and make them family owned businesses that we can pass on as a legacy to our children.
I was and still am very interested in opening my own BSS I went to speak to one African woman who owned a BSS and she told me the pro's and the cons what I'd need to know and how to compare manufacturers then she told me, "All that is great to know but you wanna know where the REAL money is?" I asked her "What?" excited, anticipating what her next words would be and she told me "skin bleaching systems" my heart dropped and I was stunned into silence as she went on and on about the lucrative nature of the bleaching lotions soaps and cremes she started delving into what a booming business it is and when I objected she told me go to any BSS and take a look to see how much bleaching products they have and from then on I've realized that virtually any BSS you go to sells them, I was really REALLY discouraged and heartbroken from hearing about that and it made me no longer want to pursue it, but since then I've come to feel that I may still pursue opening a BSS and I guess mine will just be apart from the pack.
Also, Smiley79 if you find a Black Owned Beauty Supply who's service isn't on point, then find a Black owned Beauty Supply who's service IS on point. These things keeping the money within the community whenever possible.....is very important.
I rarely go to the Salon but when I do, I go to a high end, black owned and black staffed Hair Salon and the service and professionalism is outta this world, my cousin goes to an even more exclusive salon than I do and that one is also Black owned, I'm currently on the hunt for a Black owned Beauty Supply I can frequent a well.
We have to start taking on positions as manufacturers, distributers and BSS owners and make them family owned businesses that we can pass on as a legacy to our children.
I was and still am very interested in opening my own BSS I went to speak to one African woman who owned a BSS and she told me the pro's and the cons what I'd need to know and how to compare manufacturers then she told me, "All that is great to know but you wanna know where the REAL money is?" I asked her "What?" excited, anticipating what her next words would be and she told me "skin bleaching systems" my heart dropped and I was stunned into silence as she went on and on about the lucrative nature of the bleaching lotions soaps and cremes she started delving into what a booming business it is and when I objected she told me go to any BSS and take a look to see how much bleaching products they have and from then on I've realized that virtually any BSS you go to sells them, I was really REALLY discouraged and heartbroken from hearing about that and it made me no longer want to pursue it, but since then I've come to feel that I may still pursue opening a BSS and I guess mine will just be apart from the pack.
Last edited:
Anew
New Member
I can't really think of any black owned beauty supply stores here, they're all owned by Asians, pretty sad. But they don't shop there, we do, lol...
I wonder if there was a black owned BSS to open here who offered a store more organized, owned and operated by blacks, offered the same products at the same reasonable prices with great CS, would women leave their old faithfuls and bring their business there.
I wonder if there was a black owned BSS to open here who offered a store more organized, owned and operated by blacks, offered the same products at the same reasonable prices with great CS, would women leave their old faithfuls and bring their business there.
vkb247
Well-Known Member
Have you seen the documentary about Koreans and the black hair industry? There was a thread about this some time ago.
Black and AA people don't dominate the industry because many of our business have been bought out or run out by Asian businesses. From what I have read, black hair is such a profitable business and Asians have set themselves up in the industry in a way that allows them to prevent and destroy potential competition = they block entry into the industry. There is a group of black owned BSS that have been trying to work to challenge it but their success or failure really lies in the hands of consumers.
Black and AA people don't dominate the industry because many of our business have been bought out or run out by Asian businesses. From what I have read, black hair is such a profitable business and Asians have set themselves up in the industry in a way that allows them to prevent and destroy potential competition = they block entry into the industry. There is a group of black owned BSS that have been trying to work to challenge it but their success or failure really lies in the hands of consumers.
lovenharmony
ET / OT Bonafide Member
Why? Because the Asians have a lockdown on it 
They are the primary distributors of hair care products all over the world and typically refuse to sell to other businesses not owned by Asians 
It's sad to say that, but it's the reality of the hair care industry. It would be almost impossible to ask all AAs not to buy from Asian owned hair care stores because most of the time, it's the only people we can buy from...unless you seek out AA owned companies and buy from them personally. Unfortunately many will not go through the hassle to do so.
They are the primary distributors of hair care products all over the world and typically refuse to sell to other businesses not owned by Asians It's sad to say that, but it's the reality of the hair care industry. It would be almost impossible to ask all AAs not to buy from Asian owned hair care stores because most of the time, it's the only people we can buy from...unless you seek out AA owned companies and buy from them personally. Unfortunately many will not go through the hassle to do so.
shunemite
New Member
I think in "good hair" movie the owner of Dudley's, who is black, said that most of the chemicals are made in China and the Chinese only want to sell to each other. It's the same way with the skin care market. Some products are not really good for our skin like hydroquinone, but they're everywhere coz a lot the production companies are in India and China etc etc.
Renovating
Well-Known Member
I think it all boils down to a lack of unity in the Black community. I agree that the Asians have engaged in questionable practices to drive black owned BSS out of business, but unity could trump those "practices" any day....... if only it existed.
Smiley79
Well-Known Member
I hear you Masterpiece, unfortunately l have yet to find a AA owned BSS in the first place, so my comment was said in general. But I do understand your point, and would do so in the event that I ran into poor service. All the BSS in my driveable area are owned by Asian, Indian, or Middle Eastern owners. And it always blew my mind that not ONE owner of a BSS store is AA or carribean or something else for a change. Trust me, If I had the initial cash flow and solid credit I would love to open a BSS or biz relating to the hair care industry because I truly enjoy it (I practically live in the BSS stores) and it would bring me great pleasure to service ANYONE who desires good product selection, reasonable prices and good service with knowledgeable staff. WELCOME TO SMILEY79 BSS!!!!! lol!!!!
**SaSSy**
3rd Big Chop on 7/18/2016
I always wonder why AA people would charge 2x more for the same product the non AA do? Maybe that's why AA don't own or handle more businesses and products in general. I'm not speaking about online stores. Also a lot of black based stores run out and start charging higher prices when items are low.
Another reason may be due to lack of unity within the black community. Almost ever race I can think of hire their family to help out or distance cousins which include other friends and they are more united, but us black have more of a "ME" attitude.
Another reason may be due to lack of unity within the black community. Almost ever race I can think of hire their family to help out or distance cousins which include other friends and they are more united, but us black have more of a "ME" attitude.
The "me " attitiude is so correct. I work for a Jewish company. They work with everyone but it does go in order. They alway prefer to work with a Jeiwsh, vendor, delivery service, manufactuer, travel angency. Anything first check for their own and if they can't get it then go to outside people. That is the philosphy with many communities but not ours.
BlackMasterPiece
Well-Known Member
Anew if you wanna know about Black Owned BSS manufacturers/distributers in your area you should go to http://www.bobsaone.org/home.php
I've done extensive research on opening BSS and I found that the two biggest obstacles are the very high startup capital needed.....depending on the area it could be close to half a million to have your inventory on point and establishing relatioships with manufacturers that are more apt to "stick to their own"
Its challenging but its not impossible. I look forward to us owning more of this industry we pour so much money into, I think when that happens, we'll start to see textured hair more frequently and portrayed as beautiful more often.
Imagine if Black people on a whole decided to only patronize Black Owned businesses overall??? We have tremendous buying power we just have to start being more conscious about it. Also, just because one Black business is badly managed it doesnt imply all of them are so, afterall, do you ever walk out of a white owned business and go oh gosh all white owned stores are so badly managed? No, so I'd say start being more vigilant about supporting your own if you want to see a difference.
I've done extensive research on opening BSS and I found that the two biggest obstacles are the very high startup capital needed.....depending on the area it could be close to half a million to have your inventory on point and establishing relatioships with manufacturers that are more apt to "stick to their own"
Its challenging but its not impossible. I look forward to us owning more of this industry we pour so much money into, I think when that happens, we'll start to see textured hair more frequently and portrayed as beautiful more often.
Imagine if Black people on a whole decided to only patronize Black Owned businesses overall??? We have tremendous buying power we just have to start being more conscious about it. Also, just because one Black business is badly managed it doesnt imply all of them are so, afterall, do you ever walk out of a white owned business and go oh gosh all white owned stores are so badly managed? No, so I'd say start being more vigilant about supporting your own if you want to see a difference.
Smiley79
Well-Known Member
I think it will get better...I hear more and more AA talking about opening up one, but like you said that start up capital is NO JOKE!!!!!! wheeew. It's much more than other buisness like restaurants or boutiques, etc. Maybe it's a big deal to me because I'm just not seeing them in my local area. But, regardless, on a more positive note, hopefully we'll see a difference in the near future. Are there any AA owned online stores that you all know of? (like wigs, hair and supplies, etc)
Mizz Diamonds
Well-Known Member
To think that Madame CJ Walker owned it all and invested a lot of the money she made back into the community then all of the companies has sold out to companies like revlon and loreal the book HairStory explains it all. But Black People across the board have a lot of spending power we just need a black owned buissness that has great products (you know the kind without mineral oil) to change all of that you know.
Renovating
Well-Known Member
Thanks for providing that link, BlackMasterPiece. Okay, ladies we can all take the next step and email that link to everyone in your contact list, so more people can at least be aware of where the Black owned BSS are located.
Anew
New Member
This is also true.
Renovating
Well-Known Member
Unfortunately the government is set up where foreigners can get business loans/grants more easily. They talked about it a little on Michael Baisden's show.
BlackMasterPiece
Well-Known Member
EXCELLENT point as a matter of fact, I think its more important that we produce products above and beyond anything else, that way regardless of who owns the retail stores our products are being sold and we always get a piece of the action.
I hope this thread goes from why, to how can we affect change........ grrr gotta run to class, I'll be back to this thread tonight for sure
knt1229
Well-Known Member
The following is the link to the Black Hair Industry and Korean Takeover.
I believe it has 4 parts. The link is for the first part.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=msY2S3wdFVY
This documentary answers the question of why there aren't more black owned BSS stores. Essentially, the Asians have the industry on lockdown and make it very difficult for blacks to get into the business or stay profitable once they are in business.
I believe it has 4 parts. The link is for the first part.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=msY2S3wdFVY
This documentary answers the question of why there aren't more black owned BSS stores. Essentially, the Asians have the industry on lockdown and make it very difficult for blacks to get into the business or stay profitable once they are in business.
skipper
New Member
you might want to examine and compare the spending and saving habits in the asian community and compare and contrast them with those of the aa/black community.
Anew
New Member
This is a post from the other board I'm on that inspired this thread
6 Mexican's enter the country...all lease a cheap apartment..SIX DEEP. They buy a 600 station wagon ($100 a peice) that they share and split the cheap rent 6 ways. They all work (landscaping, drywall, painting, etc) each only making about 28kyear. But remember two things:
1. They have no expenses (6 deep in the apartment and they split the bills)
2. This allows then to save literally all of their money
After a year, if the six of them have saved 15k each, that's $90K!!!!!
So when they decide to start painting/drywall and landscaping business, they have almost 100K to use. No loans, no credit, just cooperative economics. Now they can buy used trucks, equipment, etc and pay cash.
Meanwile, we are sitting at Bank of America begging Mr loa n officer to please let us have the business loan and we promise we'll pay him back, then we cry racism when we are denied.
^^Simple example, but this is how they are ahead of us.
6 Mexican's enter the country...all lease a cheap apartment..SIX DEEP. They buy a 600 station wagon ($100 a peice) that they share and split the cheap rent 6 ways. They all work (landscaping, drywall, painting, etc) each only making about 28kyear. But remember two things:
1. They have no expenses (6 deep in the apartment and they split the bills)
2. This allows then to save literally all of their money
After a year, if the six of them have saved 15k each, that's $90K!!!!!
So when they decide to start painting/drywall and landscaping business, they have almost 100K to use. No loans, no credit, just cooperative economics. Now they can buy used trucks, equipment, etc and pay cash.
Meanwile, we are sitting at Bank of America begging Mr loa n officer to please let us have the business loan and we promise we'll pay him back, then we cry racism when we are denied.
^^Simple example, but this is how they are ahead of us.
