Today we’d like to introduce you to Kuku Rose.
Hi Kuku, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
After graduating from college, I became intentional about saving money to launch my beauty business. Like many entrepreneurs, securing startup funding was an uphill battle. I applied for loans and grants and faced rejection after rejection.
During that same season, I experienced one of the greatest losses of my life. I lost my aunt, who was like a mother to me, one of the hardest-working, most fearless women I have ever known. She constantly pushed me to stop waiting for the “perfect time” and reminded me that the right time is when you decide to act. Kuku’s Beauty Supply is my way of honoring her legacy and the strength she poured into me.
Through it all, I’ve learned to lean on what I call “delusional faith,” the kind that keeps you moving even when the odds are stacked against you. I’ve made it this far by the grace of God and an incredible community.
That community showed up for me in a way I’ll never forget. When I received an eviction notice, I was ashamed to tell anyone. But when I finally found the courage to share my story, something powerful happened. A friend reached out to local media, and from there it took on a life of its own. I was interviewed by 7News DC, featured by DMV Daily, people donated to my GoFundMe, Councilmember Janeese Lewis George rallied support, and the Mob the Block organization organized efforts around the business.
I’m still working toward my goals, but this experience confirmed what I’ve always believed: community matters, and asking for help is not weakness. It’s proof that people believe in what you’re building and in the impact you’re making.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Access to funding has been one of the most persistent challenges I’ve faced, from startup to today. Getting approved for small business loans or opening accounts with major beauty brands remains difficult for many entrepreneurs of color in this industry, and I am no exception. Much of my business was initially funded through personal savings and support from family and friends, and that reality speaks to how much still needs to change.
The recent economic climate has only compounded those challenges. Rising tariffs, inflation, shifting consumer habits, and declining sales have put significant pressure on the business, and small businesses are feeling it from every direction.
Every obstacle has only strengthened my resilience, deepened my faith, and reminded me why I started this journey in the first place.
As you know, we’re big fans of Kuku’s Beauty Supply. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Kuku’s Beauty Supply opened in 2019, but my roots in the beauty industry go back nearly 17 years. I built this store because I experienced firsthand what it felt like to walk into a beauty supply store and not feel welcomed or understood. I wanted to change that.
Kuku’s Beauty Supply is a space where beauty meets community. We offer products, services, and education, but more than anything, we offer a genuine experience. You may come in for a product and leave with encouragement, a new perspective, or renewed faith. That human connection is what sets us apart.
I’m also a serial entrepreneur and creative at heart. Beyond the beauty supply store, I run several other brands. TheKukusNest features handmade products including African fabric earrings, crochet accessories, waist beads, and body products. Faith Is Fashion is a faith-centered brand celebrating unity and strength. It’s about believing in yourself, trusting the process, and boldly wearing your faith in everyday life. At the core of everything I do is one simple conviction: people deserve to feel seen, supported, and celebrated.
Kuku’s Beauty Supply is a full-service beauty and cosmetics store proudly serving the DMV community. Our inventory includes everything from human and synthetic wigs to braiding hair, skin care, cosmetics, and more, making us a true one-stop shop for all beauty needs.
We also offer flexible booth rentals for beauty professionals, braiders, makeup artists, lash and brow artists, and hairstylists, with daily, weekly, and monthly options, so you can grow your business without the burden of a long-term lease.
Our event space is available for small events, content shoots, classes, community meetings, and pop-up shops, perfect for entrepreneurs, content creators, influencers, and beauty lovers.
What are your plans for the future?
I plan to continue doing what I love most, serving the community, growing my businesses, creating, and inspiring others. I’m looking forward to expanding my brands, creating more opportunities within the beauty industry, and exploring new ways to combine beauty, creativity, faith, and technology to help people grow personally and professionally. There is so much more ahead, and I am just getting started.
Pricing:
- Faith Is Fashion • T-Shirts: $24.99 | Hoodies: $48.00–$69.00 • Available in store and online at FaithIsFashions.com
- TheKukusNest Handmade Earrings • $24.99 | Available in store and online at TheKukusNest.com
- Kuku’s Beauty Supply Salon Chair Rental • Daily: $60 | Weekly: $420
- TheKukusNest Event Space Rental • $100/hour • Book via Kuku’s Beauty Supply or Peerspace
- Kuku’s Beauty Supply Hair & Skin Products • Pricing Varies Online at KukusBeautySupply.com
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kukusbeautysupply.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kukusbeautysupply
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18UpZBN4Cp/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kuku-rose-4a621b121
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kukusbeautysupply
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@kukusbeautysupply
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/kukusbeautysupply/
- Other: https://share.google/6Sr7B6lREkU99KmaR
