Black Girl Magic…Hair
Witten by Enoch McKie
When people think of magic, often times chanting some incantation or a boy with a lightning scar comes to mind. Nevertheless, magic is a simple thing. When one comes to expect something, and then something totally contrary to their expectations happens, that’s magic! Fittingly, for so many people that have become use to horror stories when dealing with their hair, hair products, or hair stores, to have a company that is completely professional, offers great quality products, and whose primary concern is to serve the customer, that’s magic!
Magic Hair was founded by Janiece Russell. It is a premium hair extension boutique located in Culver City that specializes in creating custom full lace wigs. Priding itself on its quality, the company’s goal is, “to provide our customers with the best quality hair, so you can always look your best. We want our customers to stop buying beauty supply, throw-away hair and wasting money.”
Business is not easy and will test every part of yourself. While building Magic Hair, Janiece has discovered much about herself and business. “The first thing I tell people that say they want to start a business is to make sure you do something you love. If you are getting in business just to make money, but are not in love with what you do, you will eventually be burnt out, miserable, and probably with a failing business. I absolutely love what I do -love seeing my customers transform when they find the perfect unit and can finally customize their unit just the way they want; love seeing my customers’ faces when they come in to my Culver City store and touch and feel the hair rather than ordering online from an overseas company, hoping to get the best and if not, not being able to do anything about it.”
Having built her company up from its very foundation, Janiece cannot stress enough how important it is to be savvy with your finances. “A piece of advice I give is that for the first few years, always put as much money as possible back into your business. Don’t go out and buy a designer bag just because you have the money. Invest that money back into your business and multiply it.”
Being a Black business owner in the hair market has led to a path of many obstacles. The biggest one for Janiece has been finding the best team to work with. “The biggest challenge I had was finding good staff. When I interview candidates, I compare it to hiring a nanny to sit in my home with my most precious possessions. That might be a little dramatic but that’s what it feels like to me. It’s hard finding good, reliable, and trust worthy employees. I have a great team right now.”
Speaking on broader terms, specifically Black owned business, Janiece elucidated, “I feel it’s extremely important to support them. Whenever I have the opportunity to support a Black business, I will. I understand exactly how important it is for us as a community to ‘recycle’ the Black dollar. We need to focus on building up our own community instead of making everyone else rich. Other cultures make it a point to support and patronize their own. We need to make our own people rich instead of making everyone else rich.”
In terms of the Hair market, Janiece explained, “I would like to see more Black owned beauty supplies. Most beauty supplies cater to ethnic hair care needs and are primarily located in more urban areas, but are not Black owned. I would also like to see more Black owned ethnic hair care products. The majority of the products that are in our beauty supplies are not Black owned companies either.”
Overall, Janiece is excited about what the future holds for Magic Hair. “I truly love being a Black business owner. I opened my first brick and mortar store at 27 years old in Culver City, Ca. I have been here for over 3 years now. I have recently been appointed to be on the Culver City Art District Board of Directors. I just want to remind my beautiful Black kings and queens that it is never too early or too late to follow your dreams.”