Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystal Tennessee.
Hi Crystal, 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?
HI and thank you for this platform. I would like to not only highlight myself, but my business partners and my husband Brandon who are instrumental in the success of Shades of Beauty Hair & Supply Store which I want to talk about today.
All of us (Crystal, Jennelle & Erica) grew up in the inner city of Baltimore MD where none of the business owners in their communities looked like them. Jennelle and I are identical twins and Erica and I are best friends who met in college. I dreamed of owning a storefront for many years but knew I could not do it alone so I asked Erica and Jennelle to join me in the journey (best decision ever). Owning a beauty supply store as a black female is truly rewarding because less than 8% of all beauty supply stores are owned by black people yet we are the #1 customers.
Shades of Beauty Hair & Supply Store has two locations in Baltimore County: 1370B Martin Blvd. Middle River MD 21220 & White Marsh Mall.
We are currently preparing to open our 3rd location in the Mall in Columbia; Saturday, 10/02/21 will be the GRAND OPENING please come and support if you can (located next to Lord&Taylor). We also have a six-station Braiding Salon located inside of our anchor store in Middle River (next to Target) with the help of our wonderful husbands (Brandon, Kenny & Colin) we have been able to keep our brand as a family owned and operated business who also prides ourselves in employing people from the communities we serve!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Definitely not easy lol. COVID almost destroyed our beauty supply business. We had to close our mall location a week after we opened and the anchor store soon after. I came up with the idea to deliver hair which singlehandedly saved our company. We delivered beauty supplies and hair to almost every part of MD 7 days a week. We hired multiple drivers and the rest is history. We were the first to deliver and that was a good feeling to be able to still help our community because a lot of people still had to work and with the salons closing, they had to do their own hair so they needed us!
Staffing is always a challenge but our friends and family always come to the rescue! Thank you so much to each one of you, there is no way I could ever repay you all for the love and support you have shown me.
Talking about challenges faced as a small business getting work done in our stores or keeping the aesthetics up to industry standard so our stores can look as nice as the big chain retailers. This is something we never have to worry about because my father comes to the rescue everytime and we owe a HUGE THANK YOU for building our dream spaces. We are such a good team; all I have to do is tell my dad and husband what my vision is and they make it happen. Our customers have such a sense of pride shopping with us and always commend us on the look and cleanliness of our stores.
What do you do, what do you specialize in / what are you known for? We are known for having diversity in our stores and proving top-notch customer service to each customer that walks through our doors. Customers are comfortable trusting us with their beauty and hair needs because we are also our own customers and use the same products.
What sets you apart from others?
We hire members of the community to include former felons and people with little experience in our industry to train them and mentor them. We have such an appreciation for our customers it shines through and our customers feel it when they shop with us.
What are you most proud of brand-wise?
We are most proud of being able to serve as role models to young women who get so excited when they meet us and learn we dont just work in our stores but we own them. People have actually hugged us and cried to us in pure joy and that is so special to us it motivates us to keep going.
What do you want our readers to know about your brand, offerings, services, etc? We offer wigs, premium bundles, braiding hair, beauty products, cosmetics, clothes, shoes, and a braiding salon to serve the community. We also highlight local black owned brands in our stores which gives them a platform to showcase their wonderful products! This is somenthing that other beauty supply stores rarely do. We have so many talented people in our own families who showcase their work for example, Erica’s mom has a body butter line that is exclusively sold in our stores and is in HIGH DEMAND and Erica’s sister has a press on nail line that is the best line line I have ever seen. She creates custom nails that can be worn several times (they are a must see).
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My first visit to Disney World with my family when I was in the 4th grade. It was truly magical and so different from Baltimore City. It affected me so much that I visit annually as an adult with my child and family. It reminds me to slow down and take in the moments and live life.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: shadesofbeautyhair.com
- Instagram: shadesofbeautyhairsupply
- Facebook: Shades of Beauty Hair & Supply LLC
Image Credits
Crystal Tennessee
