Crenshaw Boulevard hair stylists and barbers gathered Monday to learn about measures they can take to sustain their business and customer base during the construction of the Metro Crenshaw/LAX Rail Transit project.
Over 20 salon & barber owners and independent stylists met at the Metro Business Solution Center (BSC), located at the Los Angeles Urban League to hear from several experts in the areas of licensing, taxation, cosmetology and marketing. The BSC has identified 16 separate salon and barber shops on the Crenshaw corridor offering a wide array of personal care services.
The meeting was part of the Business Solution Center’s ongoing “Lunch & Learn” workshop series created to serve the needs of small businesses located along the Crenshaw rail alignment. “All of these merchants have experienced reductions in traffic, customers and sales resulting from the construction,” according to Del Richardson, lead contractor and head of the BSC. “It’s our responsibility to help mitigate some of the negative impacts by bringing resources and training to them.”
Presenters included Crystal Mitchell – Recycling Black Dollars, Kenneth Williams – Universal College of Beauty, Marilyn Brown – Design Studio 27, Dr. Kari Williams – Mahogany Hair Revolution, Starlett Quarles – Urban X Marketing, and Taylor Mayfield – Tax Ease Plus.
“This was a much needed workshop,” according to Ms. Vergee Huddleston of Vergees Hair Salon who has operated on Crenshaw Boulevard for 53 consecutive years. “Barbers and beauticians need to get organized for future opportunities.”
Quentin Nelson, owner of Boug’e Q’ture Store echoed those sentiments stating “It was much needed. People don’t know what to do. Some of our barbers are disenchanted and a meeting like this can help educate and lift spirits up. This was definitely needed to keep people educated.”
