Lets talk about the DEVALUATION of the beauty industry. There are close to 200,000 salons in the U.S.; maybe 70,000 are independently owned. The chain salons are dominating the beauty industry, keeping the prices down low …similar to the restaurant and hotel chains. It’s very important to have good representation before the state board, IRS and the federal government. Otherwise the chain salon owners will represent us and they want a straight salary system starting at $8 an hour. You also will be required to show your tax return to renew your license. All 50 states will be required to enforce continuing education.
The industry is in need of a resurrection, not because of what big companies are taking from us, but what we are giving away. We simply don’t have a clear conscious about our buying power. The large conglomerates are wearing masks. They’ve used companies like Johnson’s, Soft sheen, Pro Line, African Pride, TCB, and Motion’s to control the retail shelve space …giving the impression of being black companies.
Some started out as professional only products just to find out a year or two later that it can be purchased in the supply store or retail shelves. Speaking of retail space…the no-lye kits sold to the tune of over $320,000 last year has robbed the salon industry of over 40% of our business.
According to Essence magazine …60% of black women relax their hair and 40% of them use at-home kits. These sales alone have turned the local beauty supply store into a chemical waste dump. Attendance is down at black trade shows as are the efforts or concerns about education. Sistahs are losing their hair like mad and are now trying to sue the hairdresser.
How do you spell relief? ---NCBL.
In accordance with the Green book, the official statistical publication of the industry, the largest demographic change in salon clientele is, in the increasing number of minority and multi-ethnic patrons, patrons whose varying needs will be met in successful salons. You see, we really need NBCL more than some of you imagine and more & more companies are beginning to realize.
The concerns of 200,000 people are more important than the concerns of just a few. There’s power and an accumulation of benefits when we join forces. There’s more leverage as a team for or against any company, agency or policy. We can bargain for cooperative buying power: financial aid, education, sponsorship, insurance, scholarships, competition and maybe salon promotions. Sally’s is doing this association a great deed as are other companies more willing. IT’S SIMPLY ALL WE HAVE LEFT.
People keep talking about, we need more young people…I say we need people - and people who need people are the luckiest people in the world. Folks like to talk about this association …calling it an association ran by a bunch of old women who want to hold onto their positions. Black men could learn a thing or two from them, because they don’t seem to be able to hold onto anything.
Let’s establish a threshold on the industry, pursue proper representation before lawmakers.
We should create a fund with the N.B.C.L. for the construction of a black beauty historical museum. This facility will act as a shine and a lasting landmark exemplifying the united power of black cosmetologist in this country. Featuring a narrative tour of history, a library, art gallery and meeting place.
If we don’t control our future someone else will!
