Why this is hard
The Korean-American beauty supply industry built a vertically integrated supply chain (manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, retailers) over 50 years. Black entrants face higher wholesale prices and limited brand access at first.
BOBSA — Black Owned Beauty Supply Association
Sam Ennon's BOBSA in Atlanta runs the certification and training program. Members get access to wholesale Black-owned product distribution.
Capital
Initial inventory: $30k–$80k. Lease deposit: $5k–$15k. Build-out: $15k–$40k. Total startup capital: $50k–$150k for a small store.
Product strategy
Black-founded brand lines first: Mielle, Camille Rose, Briogeo, Pattern Beauty, The Mane Choice. Then traditional wholesale lines as you build relationships.