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:

1. pay it forward and give back to the community
2. understand that consumers appreciate an experience and hold themselves to a high standard of service
3. 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