We Have Good Reason To Support “Our” Small Businesses
What more can I say other than; you get what you pay for! I’ve all too long have been completely over, spending my hard-earned coins with businesses that do not respect my dollar. The older we get and the more conscious we become about our finances as women, the less tolerant we are of shoddy business practices and often times will pay for convenience and to have a peace of mind….well that is at least true for me the women within my sistah-circles.
In my previous post I talked about self-care and the journey to aligning you inner self with what you present to the outside world, in order to feel your absolute best. A huge part of that journey for me is being selective about who I break bread with and feeling okay about the quality of product and/or services I receive. With that said, I don’t sit down to eat with just anybody. I am also doing my absolute best to be intentional about where my money goes in terms of the types of businesses that I patronize.
As a single mother of 3 children with all types of other commitments, when it comes to my self-care regime; that is time that I place a lot of value on. It’s my me-time, it’s that very small window where I am not caring for anyone other than myself. I can relax, reset and deservingly be taken care of. Because of the sacredness of that time, I cannot and will not put up with any salon foolishness or support a business that doesn’t genuinly care about the community that allows it to exist.
Good thing for us that Brooklyn is home to some really amazing Black, Women-owned, businesses that get it so right! No ridiculously long waits to be serviced, professional & quality services, and just the right amount Black Girl magic sprinkled on top to make for a unique yet comfortable overall salon experience.
This weekend I was finally able to make it to MOLAS Boutique Spa here in Brooklyn after learning about them in a Facebook group about a week or two ago. (Un)fortunately, I missed my Saturday manicure appointment and had to go on Sunday instead. From the time I walked in the door, the color and energy of the shop was right and the front desk person (which I learn was the owner Yami) was extremely gracious. Although I had an appointment for just the calgel mani, I was able to add in a pedi and eyebrows as a result of the salon not being completely booked like the day prior – WIN!
I was offered a beverage with the options of a mimosa, tea, or juice, while being lead to the pedicure station, less than 5 minutes of entering the shop. Now, I didn’t request any of their specialty pedicure options however; the basic service consisted of an organic, very relaxing foot soak (which I forgot to ask what it had in it), fresh lime slices, lavender and flower infused oil, blueberry foot scrub and hot towels. Luz my technician provided a life-giving foot massage to seal the deal!
When I inquired about the possibility of having my eyebrows done (which have not been touched in well over a year), Yami ensured me that she could do the job. I shared with her my reluctance and she made me extremely comfortable with my decision to allow her to clean them up. Now y’all know the trauma surrounding botched eyebrows and having to (re)grow them back in. When you finally take the chance of letting another person touch them again, it’s like entering a new relationship….. and well whether she knows it or not, Yami and MOLAS are now Bae.
Could I have gone to the one of very popular Asian owned and operated salons and saved a few dollars; yes. I could have also gone to one of the many eyebrow threading salons that have begun to pop up all over the place however; there is definitely something to be said about receiving comfortable and quality services right in your own neighborhood. Everyone benefits from supporting a business that cares not just about what you look like when you walk out, but healthy and safe self-care practices as opposed to providing whatever you’re willing to pay for, even if it’s not in the customers best interest.
Being very much about the experience and feeling my best, the benefits of my MOLAS pamper session exceeded merely my feet and nails being all prettied up and my browns being officially back on popping status. But, it proved to be an experience that I feel good about from the inside out. I’m looking forward to indulging in more of the MOLAS variety of services.
In short, “Our” Small Businesses:
- pay it forward and give back to the community
- understand that consumers appreciate an experience and hold themselves to a high standard of service
- utilize and embrace the best of our culture to shatter stereotypes and operate with integrity
Have any questions about my MOLAS experience or about the other Brooklyn, Black owned nail salon/spas? Do you have a positive Black owned beauty business experience you’d like to share?
Leave a comment and Spread Love, It’s the BrooKlyn Kisha Way!
Sunday Solace
Spread Love:
Kesha
Monday, April 10, 2017 at 3:24 am
Well I’m planning on giving them another try, I wasn’t thrilled with the service that I got!
Lakisha
Monday, April 10, 2017 at 3:38 am
Hi Kesha, That’s not good! Did you reach out to them to express your dissatisfaction? As a new business feedback is critical to there growth. I’ts good that you’re willing to give them mother try. Let me know how it goes.
It´s Really Kita (@itsreallykita)
Monday, April 10, 2017 at 9:26 pm
I believe in good service. I try to support local and small businesses all the time. If the service is off, I may make mention but still give them another try.
Lakisha
Wednesday, April 12, 2017 at 1:22 am
Me too Kita,
Sometimes I think we can be a bit impatient when it comes to our own. If I don’t have a good experience I try to reach out and provide them with feedback.
Keisha Adinkra
Tuesday, April 11, 2017 at 11:04 am
This is awesome! I’m constantly looking for ways to support our businesses. Have you been to the Havyn Spa in Dumbo, Brooklyn? I’ve heard good things about their facials. Thanks for sharing ♥
Lakisha
Wednesday, April 12, 2017 at 1:19 am
Hey Keisha, I haven’t…….but I’m on it!
Jay Colby
Tuesday, April 11, 2017 at 12:11 pm
I believe in the idea of paying it forward. This is great empowering business in our community is key to our growth as a whole.
Lakisha
Wednesday, April 12, 2017 at 1:17 am
Thanks for reading!
Mimi Green
Tuesday, April 11, 2017 at 2:34 pm
I stay supporting small black owned businesses. They make it easy when they have dope products to share, wear and use. I frequent Koils by Nature a lot. They have products for my hair and skin that I love.
Lakisha
Wednesday, April 12, 2017 at 1:15 am
Yes Mimi, I’m always looking for opportunities to connect with quality black owned!
Precious
Tuesday, April 11, 2017 at 7:15 pm
I love hearing about success stories at small businesses! Kudos to Molas!!
Lakisha
Wednesday, April 12, 2017 at 1:11 am
Indeed!
Lamont
Tuesday, April 11, 2017 at 9:49 pm
I definitely am a fan of paying it forward,so now with that being said… looking @ the pic of your mani💅🏽! I now know their is a place for my heart.
Carissa (The Green Eyed Lady)
Wednesday, April 12, 2017 at 12:49 am
I love the idea of paying it forward, and whenever I can I try to do just that. Its not only for empowering others but it feels good to me as well!
Lakisha
Wednesday, April 12, 2017 at 1:10 am
Agreed Carissa, it’s a win win situation!
Tanya “Real Wife Coach” Barnett
Wednesday, April 12, 2017 at 1:49 am
Everything about this makes me happy. Yes, I will pay a little bit more to support my sisters in business. It is the right thing to do.
Ashleigh
Wednesday, April 12, 2017 at 4:33 am
Love this! I’m so adamant about supporting black-owned businesses that I will seek them out before others. So glad you had a great experience.
Lakisha
Thursday, April 13, 2017 at 2:52 am
Agreed, thanks for reading!
Ramona
Wednesday, April 12, 2017 at 4:08 pm
Great post. It is important to feel good about where you spend your money. Supporting black-owned businesses should be exercised by more people. I’ve never heard of Molas Spa, but it sounds like a great place. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Lakisha
Thursday, April 13, 2017 at 2:38 am
Hi Ramona,
Thanks for reading!
feleciamonique88
Thursday, April 13, 2017 at 12:28 pm
I’ve decided to make it my business to visit more black owned businesses this year and still haven’t done so. I need to do my research. Thanks for the reminder.
Jonna
Thursday, April 13, 2017 at 2:35 pm
I get all of my beauty services with a black owned businesses. I just find the ones with excellent service and support them.