Justine Belyeu Black Hair Care by Justine18333 Dolan Way, Santa Clarita(661) 251-6699 • Email: [email protected]: blackhaircarebyjustine.comAs nonessential businesses under the state’s COVID-19 regulations, hair salons have been at least as vulnerable as restaurants and bars during these pandemic times.Nevertheless, Justine Belyeu, namesake of the Santa Clarita salon Black Hair by Justine, has been moving into 2021 with determination, grace and, of course, some really fine hair.Belyeu opened her first hair studio in 2014 before launching Black Hair Care by Justine in 2016. Question: Tell us how and what year you got your business started.
Answer: In 2012, I moved to Santa Clarita and discovered there were no hair salons that specialized in hair care services for Black women. So, I decided to attend cosmetology school at night while working in corporate America during the day. I was already in my late 50s. (Who does that? Right!) I was afraid but not enough to try. I graduated in 2013 and worked in corporate America during the day and worked night at a local hair salon. In 2014, I opened Onyx Hair Studio with a business partner and in 2016 after the partnership was dissolved, I opened Black Hair Care by Justine.
What’s the best aspect of running your own business? I can make my own hours and as much money as I can. Additionally, I can teach other professionals how to enhance their skills and grow their business while working within my business. We work together as a team.
And the worst part? Being the stylist, the manager, trying to market yourself, keeping on top of inventory, paying the bills, not having enough staff to fill the gaps, cleaning the salon and not taking time off for vacations. (Whew!)Other than the COVID year, what’s the biggest challenge you face? Making sure all the business expenses are paid before I pay myself and personal expenses. How has the COVID situation affected your business?I received assistance from family in order to be able to keep my business open. I was awarded a small grant and have been able to keep my expenses current. What advice would you give someone who’s about to start their own business? Save your money, do your research, write a business plan, get help. I did not know there are so many resources that are available to help with opening your business. Make sure this is your passion; something you would do every day for free.Do you think you’ll ever start another business? Yes, I would really like to have a nonprofit business. Helping the homeless and feeding those in need, which I did before COVID-19. Once a year, we collected food from our generous clients and staff and donated to local pantries. We will resume this privilege once we are back in the swing of things. — Michael Aushenker
Black Entrepreneurs Month: Justine Belyeu
