THE BUSINESS
In 2022, Mariah opened her black woman-owned beauty supply store in Stevens Point, WI. To meet the needs of the area’s demographics, she sells weaves and wigs and ethnic hair care products that are not available in other places locally as well as clothes, shoes and jewelry. “The top sellers at Black Girl Magic Beauty right now are combs and edge brushes. ECO gels and braid gels are trending now, too,” Mariah said.
She also provides braiding and other styling services. “Some of my favorites are the braids in a full array of colors like yellow and orange and cotton candy,” Mariah said. Her sense of style is evident in the store: the music playing, the fun pink color she chose for the walls and the mural by local artist Kiba Freeman all share a welcoming vibe.
“Finding a space that fit my vision and was in my price range was a challenge. I feel very lucky to have found this location which is near to the busy Highway 10 and has lots of foot traffic due to neighboring businesses,” Mariah said. Funds continue to be an obstacle for this small business. “I have seen lots of inflation in my inventory costs and minimum purchase requirements from vendors mean some items are out of stock in my store until I can meet those minimums. Another challenge is competing with low big box prices. Luckily, customers love to support this local, black-owned business and I have found good customer service goes a long way.”
Accomplishments with UW-Stevens Point SBDC
- Business plan
- Financial projections
- Grant application assistance
- Resources and opportunities
THE ASSISTANCE
Mariah received help finding and applying for grants from the UW-Stevens Point Small Business Development Center (SBDC) where she worked with consultant Mark Spiers. “Mark helped me with profit and loss statements, he was willing to meet with me and walk me through things I had never done before and he gave me advice on how to write a business plan so it would contain exactly what lenders are looking for,” Mariah said. She was awarded three of the grants that Mark helped her apply for. “His assistance with a start-up cost analysis, a marketing plan, insurance, hiring and financial projections were amazing!” she said.
The Portage County Business Council is also supportive of Black Girl Magic Beauty. “I was thrilled when they came to my ribbon cutting ceremony and brought 50 other guests as well, including the mayor of Stevens Point!” Mariah said.
THE GIVING BACK
She strives to give back to this community that has been so kind to her. It was personally important to Mariah to donate shoes and other items to the Family Crisis Center because she remembered when she stayed there as a child. She also hosted a school supply drive at her “Parking Lot Party.” She distributed backpacks and other goods to those who needed them in a festive atmosphere with food and music and a raffle that included two free hairstyling services.
“One of my future goals is to continue to give clothes and other donations in the local community. I plan to hold the school supply drive annually as well,” Mariah said. Her future will also bring a business degree as Mariah is currently enrolled in college business classes. And the future might just bring a bigger location or even a second location for her business.
Mariah’s advice to other aspiring entrepreneurs was, “If starting your own business is something you’d like to do, be sure it is something you love, and are dedicated to. It’s not a cakewalk and certainly has its ups and downs. Build a strong support system and network every chance you get.”