Today we’d like to introduce you to Justyce Hayes.
Hi Justyce, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
It took me a minute to walk through the best way to make my journey brief, haha! In my opinion, it may be a bit more unorthodox compared to most. I originally planned to open a very successful franchise, but I didn’t have the money. I didn’t allow this to stop me, though. I created investor presentation pitches for silent investors and applied for every loan you could think of. After a few “No’s,” eventually, I found an ‘investor.’ Unfortunately, after a few months, the partnership failed.
Great ideas were brought to the group, but our ideologies were not aligned. As a result of this tarnished partnership, I was awarded settlement funds. Once I received these funds, I took some time to analyze every possible scenario, and after much thought, I decided that I was not going to use the funds to buy into someone else’s success. Instead, I created something that I knew my community needed, a beauty supply store. As a small-town native, I can name where almost every beauty supply store is in the triad.
However, there are only two stores in the cities within a 20-30 mile radius of where I grew up, neither being African American owned. So, needless to say, the opportunity was there. Moreover, according to Selena Hill of Blackenterprise.com, African American consumers spend over $400 million on hair care. Yet, most of the supply stores we are spending our money at aren’t feeding back into our community. So, I felt the need to create something that contributed to African American ownership in the beauty industry.
Furthermore, as I was exiting the franchise as a partner, I discovered Janelle Cato, the owner of Icon Beauty Supply, was opening a brick-and-mortar in the Morrisville area. So, I took it upon myself to introduce myself and my plan. She welcomed me with open arms and agreed to guide me through the process. She became my mentor and has helped me immensely!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has been rocky. From the very beginning, I faced obstacles with my space and infrastructure and navigating the best way to manage and leverage funds. As an African American woman owning a beauty supply store, the struggle to apply and place orders for inventory has also presented its challenges. Between high costs, initial order minimums, and some vendors not accepting orders, stocking the store to its fullest potential has been challenging.
However, with the help of my family, support from my village, and my faith, I find myself overcoming those obstacles every day. My mom is and has always been one of my biggest supporters in everything I do. I entered this business venture understanding that everything would not always be all sunshine and rainbows, but after every thunderstorm, the sun shines. I would not trade this experience for the world. I appreciate the support and feedback that I have received since our opening in December, and I guarantee that Beehive Beauty Supply will be a community staple.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Beehive Beauty Supply is an African American Woman Owned beauty supply store located in Youngsville, North Carolina. Beehive offers your essential beauty supply products ranging from a full line of hair, beauty products, and tools for your hair care needs. We specialize in providing wigs, crochet hair, and braiding hair (in all colors, styles, and lengths). We are still growing and pride ourselves on offering the best customer experience.
I want readers to know that the Hive is a product of determination, passion, and love for my culture. Also, I need the readers to understand that this is not just a transactional service or “get-rich” business model for me. I started this to create a beauty supply store that welcomes and celebrates the consumer and the importance of our hair culture. In addition, I want to serve as an example to all women.
I want to help drive the narrative that any woman can do whatever she wants as long as she puts her mind to it. Regardless of setbacks, closed doors, or lost opportunities, dreams can be reached, and there is no ceiling to your success. Lastly, as far as what separates us from the pack, we desire to be better than what we were yesterday and protect our customers’ images of today.
As long as we receive feedback and have room for growth, our products and services will continuously improve, and customers will always be satisfied. We like to say that there’s no buzz without bees and no hive without queens!
What would you say has been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
I’ve learned so much, but my significant takeaways were to take your time, save as much as possible, and do your research. In hindsight, if I took more time to map out the cost along with taking more time to promote and advertise our store coming to the area, our foot traffic would be much higher than it currently is. Also, growing pains are positive; no matter the industry, all new ventures will have them, and it’s a good thing to embrace them!
Contact Info:
- Email: justyce@beehivebeautysupply.com
- Website: beehivebeautysupply.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_beehivebeautysupply/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beehivebeautysupply
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@beehivebeautysupply
