This year, approximately $646.2 billion of revenue is being projected in the U.S. beauty industry and local entrepreneur Sarah Brown is looking to be a part of the change bringing more Black representation to the global industry.
Brown recently opened Beauty Trap, Columbia’s first Black-owned beauty supply store, located at 3200 Penn Ter. Ste. 121. The store sells hair, skin and other cosmetic products. It is one of two beauty supply stores currently open in Columbia.
A mannequin head displays a wig July 9 at The Beauty Trap in Columbia. Sarah Brown is the owner of The Beauty Trap, Columbia’s first Black-owned beauty shop.
Sarah Brown sits behind the register while her daughter D’mmi Brown, 8, lays her edges July 9 at The Beauty Trap in Columbia. “We are teaching the younger generation how to love each other, encourage each other, and uplift each other,” said Brown.
From left, Tonya Kemp and Sarah Brown talk about the store’s inventory July 9 at The Beauty Trap in Columbia. Brown credits Kemp as one of the many people who supported her ambitions and helped make the store possible.
D’mmi Brown, 8, practices using the store register Tuesday, July 9 at The Beauty Trap in Columbia. “If we take our money and keep it in the community and spend it with each other, then we can build our dollars up,” said Brown.