Groundbreaking Expansion for Black-Owned Business
Nneka Slade and her son, Kameron Coleman, have taken a significant step in the beauty industry. They own Play Beauty Supply, a Black-owned beauty supply store in Richmond Heights, Ohio. The mother-son duo recently signed a 7-figure deal to expand their business across Ohio, marking a major milestone.
“We never dreamed about this happening,” Slade told The Akron Beacon Journal per AfroTech. “We didn’t even know what was going to happen but if we failed, we were going to fail big, something like this doesn’t happen.” This expansion deal underscores their commitment to providing quality beauty products and services to minority communities.
From E-Commerce to Storefront Success
Before owning Play Beauty Supply, Slade and Coleman started with an e-commerce business selling hair extensions. They spent time in salons and worked with stylists to promote their products. Their dedication paid off, leading them to open a physical store.
In March, they acquired another beauty supply store, Star Beauty Plus, in Maple Heights. This acquisition is part of their larger expansion plan. Despite their generation gap, Slade and Coleman credit their success to the lessons they’ve learned from each other. “She leans on me to bring in the new 21st-century ideas, the delivery, websites, marketing. It’s a balance with each other,” Coleman said.
A Unique Approach to the Beauty Industry
Operating a Black-owned beauty supply store in Ohio is rare. Slade, a former cosmetologist with three decades of experience, ensures that all products at Play Beauty Supply cater to minority groups. This unique approach has resonated with their customers.
“People that come in now to the store are excited to see that it’s Black-owned,” Slade said. “They come in shedding tears because they can buy the products they need for their hair. People come in from all over either around or out of town, and most are coming from Akron and Canton areas. We are so happy about the support we have received.”
Building a Strong Business Partnership
Slade and Coleman’s business partnership thrives on their different strengths. Slade is organized and structured, while Coleman brings creativity and a willingness to take risks. This dynamic has helped them grow their business and navigate the challenges of expansion.
“We learned a lot about each other,” Slade added. “I’m more of the left brain-organized, structured, and Kameron is more of the right brain-creative, risk taker. There’s a nice balance that happens.”
Their journey from e-commerce to a multi-location business shows their resilience and determination. As they continue to expand, they remain focused on providing high-quality beauty products and supporting their community.
