Marie’s Hair and Nail Supply
A Black-Owned Beauty Hub Builds Community
Where: Richmond, VA
Industry: Beauty/Retail
As a long-time resident of Richmond, Tawann Scott knows it can be hard to find the right beauty products, especially for the African American Community. After dreaming of being a business owner for years, Tawann took the leap in 2021 to start Marie’s Hair and Nail Supply. By selling a diverse array of products both natural and chemically processed hair, Marie’s fills an untapped market in Richmond’s Southside and Northside communities. Tawann’s determination, combined with support and capital from Richmond’s small business ecosystem, has turned Marie’s into a flourishing beauty supply hub.
“In my head I got a late start because I was almost 50 when I started my business, and I know a lot of people that say oh, you have to do it early. But I am a walking testament right now that you don't have to be young. You can start when you start- just give it a shot, be willing to ask for help, and step into faith.”
Opportunity for Impact
Tawann describes her entrepreneurial journey as a truly collaborative affair. Tawann decided to open her own beauty shop after struggling to find products for her textured hair, but mounting family expenses and the economic impact of COVID19 delayed her timeline. After a few years of persistent planning, Tawann opened Marie’s Hair & Nail Supply in 2021 surrounded by family and friends at her side.
Our Partnership
At Marie’s grand opening Tawann would also expand her circle of support with an introduction to The Metropolitan Business League (MBL) and the Capital Access Hub. The Capital Access Hub is a collaborative effort between MBL and Bridging Virginia that offers diverse funding options and a strong referral network. Tawann worked with the Hub to secure a loan from KIVA, a crowdsourced lending platform. Tawann then connected with a Capital SBDC business advisor to apply for additional capital.
With guidance from SBDC and the Hub, Tawann secured an additional loan from Bridging Virginia, more than doubling her total loan.
Beyond Capital
Now Tawann stays in touch with the team at MBL, Bridging Virginia, and SBDC as she looks for new ways to expand Marie’s offerings. By stocking locally made products and renting space to stylists, Tawann also hopes to extend the support she received to uplift others in her community
“I love that we have local vendors here because it gives them a chance as well. Somebody gave me a chance and I can give them a chance to showcase their products. And then when people come in and purchase their products we're both so excited.”