GoodBody
As the founder of this new modern salon that offers hair, brow, and lash services, she’s made it her mission to celebrate texture diversity and help women prioritize self-care.
“It’s encouraging to see people who look like you do things you hope to do.”
What inspired you to start your salon?
It began as a passion project for me. I had noticed that, as a Black woman with deeply textured, kinky hair, I always had an issue with finding reliable, efficient hair care. For Black women, the search for a good salon can be a real pain. I wanted to change that. So, in 2018, I started doing research and came up with a business plan for a salon. I actually think of it more as a space that celebrates women with deeply textured hair and the beauty experience that they’ve always deserved but never had before.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
The importance of doing the work. That may sound like a cliché, but it’s true. It can be tempting to get caught up in the stuff like getting good press, but you have to make sure you’re setting the foundation to hold your business up for the long run—the things that make up the day to day. If you try to skip that part, your business will not succeed.
What advice would you give to another woman who wants to open her own business?
I’m a positive pessimist and I think that has helped me. I always try to think of the worst-case scenarios because they really help you understand what could happen so you’re prepared for it. I would say to them, “Think of all the worst-case scenarios. Then think of how you will feel if you don’t go for it. Chances are that nothing is worse than looking back 10 years from now and wishing you had tried.”
GoodBody is on the Block—what does that sense of community give you?
It fills me with pride. It’s just so encouraging to see people who look like you do the things you hope to do. We are constantly referring people to each other’s businesses. That kind of support is invaluable. It’s something I try to do for other women—leave little cookie crumbs that lead people back to supporting other Black-owned businesses.
As seen in the pages of Sweet July Magazine.
