The beauty industry remains an arena where Black beauty entrepreneurs face continuous challenges in establishing their businesses. These challenges include a lack of funding, limited access to resources, mentorship, and the difficulty of securing retail space to introduce their products. However, amidst these obstacles, The Black Beauty Collective (BBC), located at 5305 S Hyde Park Blvd, Hyde Park's newest addition, emerges as a beacon of hope and support, dedicated to amplifying Black ownership and representation within the beauty sector. The Black Beauty Collective is more than just a retail and online store featuring exclusively Black-owned brands. It is a transformative initiative with a mission to empower beauty entrepreneurs by providing essential support and creating a community that champions growth and innovation.
Leslie N. Roberson launched the Black Beauty Collective in April 2023 after seeing ownership discrepancies in the beauty industry, largely due to the lack of funding for Black owners. “We support diverse-owned independent beauty founders by providing access to retail space, community and resources that allows them to scale and elevate their businesses to new heights,” Roberson said. Roberson tells us that in order to become a part of the Collective, she seeks beauty founders from underrepresented and underserved communities, inclusive of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, veteran status and living with a disability. “We have a focused mission of scaling these brands, so they are able to make an impact within the beauty industry,” she says.
The BBC was launched with the consumer as well as the entrepreneur in mind. “We recognize that diverse consumers do not always have access to quality beauty products the way their counterparts do” Roberson tells us, “Therefore, BBC seeks to create equity within the beauty industry.
Like any business owner, Leslie Roberson has had her share of challenges. “As a Black woman founder, I have encountered racism and biases from investors, industry peers and potential partners. I overcome these challenges by continuing to show up in spaces and places that I’m invited to and need to be in to push the mission of the BBC forward,” she says.
She is also aware of challenges that Black beauty entrepreneurs face, and part of the BBC’s mission is to help mitigate those challenges.
Funding and resources are always a challenge for a new business, and BBC helps entrepreneurships overcome this challenge by offering membership to the Collective for only $300 per month. This fee grants entrepreneurs’ access to retail space without the prohibitive costs typically associated with such ventures. Additionally, brands receive 100% of sales revenue after transaction fees and sales tax, ensuring that they can reinvest earnings back into their businesses.
Entrepreneurs also have access to Mentorship and Community. “The Collective isn’t just about physical space; it’s about building a supportive community” says Roberson. Members gain access to critical business support in areas such as marketing, social media, and public relations. Moreover, the Collective fosters an environment where entrepreneurs can learn from and support each other, creating a network of mentorship and shared knowledge that is vital for navigating the complexities of the beauty industry.
In terms of Exposure and Growth, the Black Beauty Collective provides shelf space in its flagship store at 5305 S Hyde Park Blvd, Hyde Park’s newest addition, and on its e-commerce platform, with additional locations set to open later in the year. This exposure is crucial for reaching new customers and scaling businesses. Additionally, members benefit from in-store and offsite activations designed to introduce their brands to beauty industry press, influencers, and executives, thus expanding their reach and impact.
The true power of The Black Beauty Collective lies in its dual approach of providing practical business support while fostering a vibrant community. This holistic model ensures that entrepreneurs are not only equipped with the tools they need to succeed but are also embedded within a network of peers who understand and share their journey.
By addressing the unique challenges faced by Black beauty entrepreneurs, The Black Beauty Collective is actively working to reshape the industry landscape. It is paving the way for increased Black ownership and representation, ensuring that the voices and talents of Black entrepreneurs are not just heard but celebrated and elevated.
In an industry where representation has long been lacking, The Black Beauty Collective stands as a testament to what can be achieved through solidarity, support, and strategic empowerment. It is not merely a store; it is a movement dedicated to transforming the beauty industry from the inside out.
As the Collective continues to grow and expand its reach, it remains steadfast in its mission: to amplify Black beauty entrepreneurs, fostering an inclusive and representative industry where every entrepreneur has the opportunity to shine.
This month, BBC launched its second location in Los Angeles, California. “By 2028 we plan to expand to two additional markets,” Roberson says, adding, “We hope to be a conduit to generational wealth and economic parity for the Black community through increased ownership, specifically those within beauty.”
Joy Wiliams is our newest contributor, bringing a GenZ perspective to the South Side Drive. Joy is a union representative for Chicago Public Schools support staff with SEIU.
