Keep The Brown Beauty Co-op Open
Donation protected
The Brown Beauty Co-op is a partnership between Marjani, the premier indie beauty retailer for “brown girl approved” skincare and cosmetics, and Product Junkie, a natural hair start-up that aims to offer naturalista DIY-ers an in-store haven. Located in the District of Columbia, this one of a kind cooperative beauty space is not only a one-stop beauty and shopping experience, but it is also the place to be for brown beauty focused events and a Business Incubator for emerging beauty brands to showcase their products and services and learn how to navigate the retail landscape.
The Co-op was the brainchild of two best friends Kimberly Smith and Amaya Smith (no relation lol). Kimberly founded Marjani, a beauty e-commerce site catering to women of color, and was welcomed into the market with great success. Marjani has been featured in numerous publications including Ebony, Women's Wear Daily, Cosmopolitan, and Instyle to name a few. Amaya started Product Junkie after embracing the natural hair revolution but realizing there was no real location that catered to women of color who wear their hair naturally.
Together, the pair created the "Playground for Brown Beauty". More than a retail store, the Co-op is a space for women of color to explore products, network with our entrepreneurs and socialize in a safe and welcoming environment. In an industry where our beauty is often overlooked, our products are relegated to an "ethnic" aisle or our beauty needs are an afterthought in large campaigns...The Brown Beauty Co-op has changed the narrative and carved out a space for US.
But, we need your help to ensure that the Co-op survives COVID-19 and beyond. A business model built on socially connecting, having to shut our doors has severely impacted our business. In March alone, we have experienced a sharp decline in sales and have had to cancel events hosted in the Co-op which directly affects our ability to pay ourselves, contractors, vendors and operational expenses. So, we are looking to our village.
How will your donation help:
1. The Brown Beauty Team- In just our second year of operation, we still run a very lean team. Funds will go directly to support the livelihood of our staff and contractors.
2. For Us, By Us- Our vendors are 100% small, minority-owned businesses. Funds will ensure we are able to pay our brand partners and maintain adequate inventory.
3. The Playground- We need to keep the lights on. Lastly, funds will go to paying our bills which include rent, utilities, insurance, etc.
No amount is too small. We appreciate all of the support we have received since our opening day in December 2018. Along the way, we have met so many amazing, beautiful women and you all have confirmed that The Brown Beauty Co-op was not only needed, but it was about time. Help us to remain open now and beyond!
Thank you all!
xo,
Kimberly & Amaya
P.S. Don't forget to share with your network.
#SmallBusinessRelief
The Co-op was the brainchild of two best friends Kimberly Smith and Amaya Smith (no relation lol). Kimberly founded Marjani, a beauty e-commerce site catering to women of color, and was welcomed into the market with great success. Marjani has been featured in numerous publications including Ebony, Women's Wear Daily, Cosmopolitan, and Instyle to name a few. Amaya started Product Junkie after embracing the natural hair revolution but realizing there was no real location that catered to women of color who wear their hair naturally.
Together, the pair created the "Playground for Brown Beauty". More than a retail store, the Co-op is a space for women of color to explore products, network with our entrepreneurs and socialize in a safe and welcoming environment. In an industry where our beauty is often overlooked, our products are relegated to an "ethnic" aisle or our beauty needs are an afterthought in large campaigns...The Brown Beauty Co-op has changed the narrative and carved out a space for US.
But, we need your help to ensure that the Co-op survives COVID-19 and beyond. A business model built on socially connecting, having to shut our doors has severely impacted our business. In March alone, we have experienced a sharp decline in sales and have had to cancel events hosted in the Co-op which directly affects our ability to pay ourselves, contractors, vendors and operational expenses. So, we are looking to our village.
How will your donation help:
1. The Brown Beauty Team- In just our second year of operation, we still run a very lean team. Funds will go directly to support the livelihood of our staff and contractors.
2. For Us, By Us- Our vendors are 100% small, minority-owned businesses. Funds will ensure we are able to pay our brand partners and maintain adequate inventory.
3. The Playground- We need to keep the lights on. Lastly, funds will go to paying our bills which include rent, utilities, insurance, etc.
No amount is too small. We appreciate all of the support we have received since our opening day in December 2018. Along the way, we have met so many amazing, beautiful women and you all have confirmed that The Brown Beauty Co-op was not only needed, but it was about time. Help us to remain open now and beyond!
Thank you all!
xo,
Kimberly & Amaya
P.S. Don't forget to share with your network.
#SmallBusinessRelief
Fundraising team: The Brown Beauty Co-op (3)
Kimberly Smith
Organizer
Washington D.C., DC
Amaya Smith
Team member
Kimberly Harvey
Team member