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Kaijah Wilson is a trailblazing entrepreneur and the visionary owner of The Beauty Vault, a thriving beauty supply business with locations in both Chicago and Houston. Known for her keen eye for quality products and her dedication to meeting the diverse needs of her communities, Kaijah has built a successful brand that stands out in the competitive beauty industry. In this interview, Kaijah shares her insights on expanding to new markets, the process of selecting products, and the challenges she's overcome along the way. Whether you're an aspiring beauty supply store owner or looking to get your products onto store shelves, Kaijah's journey offers valuable lessons and inspiration for all entrepreneurs.
GP: Opening beauty supply stores in both Chicago and Houston is an impressive feat. Can you share the key factors you considered when expanding to a new city, and what advice do you have for entrepreneurs looking to scale their businesses to multiple locations?"
KW: when expanding to a new city I considered. Market research about my target customers and my competitors. I as well considered the culture of the region that I’m expanding to because I am a luxury black owned beauty supply. I needed to make sure I was going somewhere that would appreciate what I was bringing. Cost and as well, my business growth potential, whether I had the capabilities to expand. My advice to other entrepreneurs looking to expand to other cities is to make sure you do your research. Make sure the move makes sense and make sure you’re prepared for the highs and lows that comes with business moving doesn’t mean you just Sky rocket to the top make sure you’re prepared to put in the work to grow your business and connect in new areas.
GP: With so many beauty products on the market, how do you decide which products to stock in The Beauty Vault? What should entrepreneurs know about getting their products onto the shelves of a beauty supply store like yours?
KW: I decide what products to stock based off my customer. I learned my customers and what they need and I do my best to provide them with convenience. It’s all about knowing your target customer and I vowed to make sure I bring a variety of different products with different price points for everyone. what entrepreneurs needs to know is stand behind every product I put in my store because I like to be educated about everything that I’m selling and I want my customer to trust me so if the entrepreneur trust their product and can provide knowledgeable information, I’m always willing to work with new brands big or small!
GP: Both Chicago and Houston have vibrant communities with unique needs. How do you tailor your store's offerings to meet the demands of these different markets, and what role does community engagement play in your business strategy?
KW: I tailor my store offering By understanding the characteristics of each cultural cities background . Community engagement is key and that’s naturally in me. I don’t even consider it a business strategy because it’s naturally in me to connect with people and support the community that I’m in because one thing I think a lot of Business lack is giving back ! The community is the reason doors stay open and people forget that a lot. So I try my best to make the community feel appreciated and let the community know without them. I would not be able to thrive.
GP: Running a beauty supply store comes with its own set of challenges. Can you share a significant challenge you've faced in your journey and how you navigated it to continue growing your business?
KW: One of the biggest challenges I face being a beauty supply owner in a predominantly Korean market is knowing that honestly, they don’t want us African-Americans to be owners. We are 100% the consumer and own less than 5% of the market and I have to stay positive and remember that I didn’t get into this business for money. I got into this business cause I wanted to make a change I wanted to fix a problem and treat customers properly and give them the same environment that other races have in their neighborhoods how they have all kinds of high class beauty stores, honestly the minority only can find certain products at their local beauty supply so that motivates me to keep going because I know I’m making a change and it’s my passion!
GP: For those considering opening their own beauty supply store, what are the most important factors to keep in mind? Are there any common misconceptions or mistakes you'd advise them to avoid?
KW: If you’re considering to open a beauty supply, the most important factor to keep in mind is make sure you’re doing it for a reason and the reason it’s not money money should be a plus make sure you have a true passion for the business because with any business you’ll give up if you’re only reason is money if you don’t find enjoyment in what you’re doing you won’t hold on to make it to the prize I as well have a e-book on how to open a beauty supply and offer one on one mentorships that can be found on my websitewww.beautyvaulta.com or any of my Instagram pages thebeautyvaultchi & thebeautyvaulthtx
What’s next for you? Continuing to grow my business and turning it into a franchise to help other young entrepreneurs thrive, and the beauty industry
What’s your definition of grinding pretty?
Grinding pretty is grinding with Class elegance, and beauty hard-working women who get the job done in a beautiful way
Connect with Kaijah on Instagram @thebeautyvaulthtx @thebeautyvaultchi
