Yeleen Makerspace Opens Doors for Black Beauty Entrepreneurs
Washington, D.C. now has its first-ever manufacturing hub for small beauty brands, thanks to Rahama Wright and her Yeleen Beauty Makerspace. The 3,000-square-foot facility provides production equipment, technical support, and training programs that allow beauty founders to grow beyond their home kitchens.
The makerspace was officially launched during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on September 8, where local leaders, entrepreneurs, and supporters celebrated its historic opening. Wright, founder and CEO, explained that her goal is to close the manufacturing gap holding back diverse beauty entrepreneurs.
“Manufacturing access is the missing bridge for so many promising beauty founders,” Wright said. “Today, we turned that bridge into a runway—where production equipment, technical support, and training meet a community committed to inclusive growth.”
A Hub Designed to Help Black Beauty Brands Thrive
For many Black women entrepreneurs, the biggest barrier in the beauty industry is access to capital and manufacturing resources. Yeleen Makerspace addresses this problem directly by offering shared space, affordable access to professional equipment, and training to help brands scale faster.
The venture particularly supports Black-owned beauty companies, helping them increase production and visibility. By offering filling and labeling machines, storage facilities, and business development programs, the space creates new opportunities for founders who are often overlooked by traditional investors.
Alicia Blair, owner of vegan hair and skin care company HerSolBeauty, highlighted how transformative this hub will be for her business. “This space will allow me to scale, save time, and reach more people with products that truly make a difference,” she said.
Community and City Leaders Back the Makerspace
The launch of Yeleen Makerspace has received strong support from D.C. leaders and major organizations. Partners include the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development, Wacif, JPMorgan Chase, Inspire Access, BRED, and SEED Commons. Together, they are ensuring that small beauty brands gain the tools they need to succeed.
Mayor Muriel Bowser, who attended the opening, also introduced the Fast Beauty Initiative. This new program will help train barbers and cosmetologists more quickly, giving them faster access to careers in beauty and personal care.
“This is what investing in and believing in our community looks like,” Bowser said. “A hub where beauty entrepreneurs and small beauty companies can manufacture locally, collaborate, and scale beyond their home kitchens.”
Rahama Wright’s Vision for Inclusive Growth
Rahama Wright has long been dedicated to building pathways for Black women entrepreneurs. Through Yeleen Makerspace, she hopes to shift the beauty industry by making sure that diverse founders have the same opportunities to grow as established brands.
By blending access to equipment, business training, and a supportive network, the makerspace gives beauty entrepreneurs more than tools—it gives them confidence and community. With this launch, Washington, D.C. has taken a bold step toward creating a fairer beauty industry.
As Wright emphasized, this is not just about business—it is about building a runway for inclusive growth and empowering Black women to lead the future of beauty.
