In a world where Black women drive significant cultural and economic trends, their presence in the ownership ranks of industries that cater specifically to them is shockingly scarce. Kaylah A. Joseph, founder of LAID Hair Care, a brand now available in Walmart and CVS, exemplifies the resilience, determination, and entrepreneurial spirit that Black women so often must embody. Her story is not just one of personal triumph but also a call to action—highlighting the critical need for increased support for Black-owned businesses in industries where they are the primary consumers but often the least represented among owners.
Joseph’s journey to becoming a Black-owned braiding hair distributor is a story that resonates deeply with many Black women entrepreneurs who often face rejection and discrimination in their efforts to break into industries dominated by non-Black ownership. After a dozen rejections from distributors who refused to sell her products, Joseph could have easily succumbed to frustration. Instead, she decided to forge her own path. She created, funded, and launched her own distribution company for braiding hair—a space where she found no other Black-owned distributors despite the fact that Black women are the main consumers.
Her experience illustrates a painful paradox: Black women, who make up a significant percentage of consumers in the Black beauty supply industry, own less than 3% of the businesses that supply these products. This discrepancy is not just a coincidence but a direct result of systemic barriers that make it difficult for Black women to enter and sustain businesses in this space. These barriers are often economic, logistical, and, in many cases, deeply rooted in racial bias.
For Joseph, the turning point came after repeated denials. Instead of allowing the discrimination to stifle her ambitions, she responded with resilience and creativity, turning her frustration into a solution. She recognized the need for Black women to control the businesses that profit from them, especially in an industry where Black beauty is not just a trend but a foundational pillar. This wasn’t just about braiding hair; it was about reclaiming ownership in an industry where Black women have long been marginalized.
Joseph’s decision to create her own distribution company isn’t just a personal victory—it is a symbolic one. It reflects the wider struggles Black women face in business, particularly in industries where they are the primary consumers but largely excluded from ownership. The Black beauty supply industry, which generates billions in revenue, still sees the majority of its profits go to non-Black owners, a stark reminder of the racial disparities that persist in business.
Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the need to support Black-owned businesses. In industries where Black consumers make up the vast majority, it is critical that ownership reflects that demographic. By supporting Black-owned businesses, consumers can help break down the barriers that have historically excluded Black entrepreneurs from the wealth and power that their consumer dollars create. It is a step towards not just equity but economic justice.
Moreover, Joseph’s story underscores the resilience of Black women, who often must navigate multiple layers of discrimination—racial, gender, and economic—just to compete in markets where their presence is so critical. Her success is an inspiration to other Black women entrepreneurs who may find themselves in similar situations, facing rejection after rejection. It is a reminder that when doors are closed, it is sometimes necessary to build your own.
As Joseph prepares to open her distribution company to wholesale applications, her journey serves as a beacon for others. Black women in business face unique challenges, but with resilience, resourcefulness, and the support of their communities, they continue to break through barriers. The time is now for consumers and corporations alike to recognize the importance of supporting Black-owned businesses, especially in industries where Black culture and beauty are the lifeblood of their success.
Joseph’s message is clear: when faced with rejection, resilience can be the ultimate response. And with that resilience, Black women are not just creating businesses—they are reclaiming ownership of industries that should have always belonged to them.