The Brown Beauty Co-Op Celebrates One Year
The Brown Beauty Co-op, founded by best friend entrepreneurs Kimberly Smith and Amaya Smith, opened its doors to celebrate its first anniversary ( December 7). The highly anticipated event allowed black women to enter the breathtaking decorated space wrapped in gold tinsel and filled with Parisian glam decor. Yet, it was more than just "space." It was our space to network, enjoy "Baked and Bash" decadent desserts, and receive tips and tricks on how to give our faces the "perfect beat" from special guest and global makeup artist—Aj Crimson. While attendees shopped, they were also able to meet influential boss women such as the owner of Wigtstensions—Nichelle J., makeup artist Taylor Simpson, and multi-industry trailblazer Ty Cobb.
Spaces such as this do not come around too often, which is why it is essential to break the mold and create them for ourselves. "This is the Sephora for black women," stated ecstatic attendee Rhonda Cameron. Her eyes twinkled in amazement as she gloried in the walls of brown beauty brand owned products. "This is inspiring because we don't have a place we can go to that sells black woman products."
While the storefront does cater to beauty, skin and hair care, more elements will be added to the booming business going into its second year, and hopefully—many more to come. Kimberly expressed that "This is more than a retail space."
Throughout their first year, they've not only held beauty events but also allowed organizations to spearhead panels on sexual assault and mental health awareness. These events have sparked the concept of the founders being on a mission to play a part in "touching the mind, body, and soul of the woman of color," said Kimberly. Another current initiative in the works is creating an incubation space for brands to be molded into having "shelf-ready" products.
The Brown Beauty Co-op is an extraordinary establishment that bridged an important gap in the community and has already inspired the many women that enter the space to pursue their dreams—even if it means building their own shelves in beauty rooms.
Shekha Bradley, co-owner of "Bake and Bash," felt a secure connection to the Co-op, "I feel very empowered to see two beautiful black women celebrating one year in the nation's capital in a very bustling part of Dupont Circle," said Bradley.
Black and brown women all over the world must understand their power and place in a society that has repeatedly ignored their voices, no matter how loud they shout. Spaces such as The Brown Beauty Co-app give black and brown women the understanding that there is a place dedicated to just us by women who look like us, and that our voices are heard. Co-Founder Amaya Smith says "Beauty of color and Women of Color are mainstream."
We can safely say, many women who entered those brown doors, had never seen anything as consistent or powerful as this. Nothing was done in vain. The mere variety of products just for women of color by people of color created a sense of pride, relatability, and love. The Brown Beauty Co-op isn't just a store; it is a haven and an experience that is dedicated to making its community stronger and better.
