Black Beauty: From DIY to Industry Shifts & Salon Experiences
Growing up as a beauty girl, I made magic with what I had. Whether it was with nails or my hair, The luxury of high-end products? That wasn’t in the budget. Instead, I mastered the art of using drugstore brands, stretching products, and making do with what was accessible. Let’s be real—some of those finds still hold a special place in my heart. But the beauty industry has come a long way since then, expanding with more inclusive brands, endless options for hair, nails, and skincare, and innovations that make beauty even more accessible to Black women.
One thing I truly miss, though? The salon experience. There was nothing like walking into a buzzing beauty salon filled with women laughing, catching up, and getting pampered. Back in the early 2000s, stylists could do it all—from a silk press to a full sew-in, from a fresh color to a flawless roller set. Nowadays, finding a stylist who offers a full-service experience is rare. Many specialize in just one thing, which is great, but it has changed the way we approach beauty. For many of us, a single go-to stylist for everything doesn’t exist anymore. Which I really miss!
That’s why I’ve made it a personal act of love to care for my own hair, especially since finding a full-time stylist in my area has been a challenge. Thankfully, I have my trusted hair braider, but learning how to maintain my own hair has become part of my self-care journey.
Speaking of self-taught skills, let’s talk about my nail and lash journey. Before I was a beauty business owner, I was just a girl who wanted to get her nails done the way I liked them. So, I became my own nail tech. Then, I took it a step further and built a business from it. When I officially opened my doors in January 2019, I had one goal: to create a salon experience that made my clients feel pampered, valued, and confident. Through trial and error, I crafted an experience that not only prioritizes service and quality but also proves that natural nails can grow healthy and strong with the right care. That’s how I stay booked and busy—because good service, attention to detail, and a great salon atmosphere still matter.
Day of Soft Opening for NDU to the public in Jan 2019
The beauty industry has changed in so many ways, but one thing remains: Black women continue to set the trends, define the culture, and innovate within the space. Whether it’s learning to do it ourselves or supporting the businesses that truly cater to our needs, our beauty journey is ours to navigate.
So tell me, what has your beauty journey been like throughout your life? Drop a comment, share your thoughts, and let’s talk about how the beauty industry has shaped you. And if you're looking for quality nail care and a salon experience that prioritizes you, you already know where to find me. Don’t worry, if you’re not a local, I have friends many of places. I can help connect you to a nail pro near you. Let’s continue to redefine beauty together!
“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”
