Today we’d like to introduce you to Angelique Collins.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Angelique. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I’ve always wanted to own my own business, I just never knew what kind. Throughout my childhood I grew up both on the north and west side of Chicago, and when I came home from college we lived west, near where the store is now. I naturally noticed the new strip mall development and would drive by and picture my business there. I thought hard about what the community needed and could benefit from. I was in graduate school and working full time at an elementary school when one day it just hit me!! I told my cousin, “I’m gonna open a beauty supply store.” She looked and me and said, “girl you’re crazy.” But it was exactly what we were missing in the area and although I’d never imagined I would own one, I’ve always been obsessed with the beauty supply store so it kind of made sense. My cousin and I laugh today because after telling her my plan, the very next day it became real. I had about $3,000 saved up and figured I only needed about $7k more, boy was I wrong. I was on a mission, I had tunnel vision and at the end of the tunnel I could clearly see my store. Surprisingly, so many people were discouraging, they said I’d never be able to compete with the Korean/Vietnamese owned stores. Which is ludicrous that an industry which thrives off the African American dollar is monopolized by Asians, but that didn’t stop me! The hardest part actually was securing the location. The property owners and management gave me a really hard time, I think they wanted an already established business. I pleaded that I was from the community and the residents in this area deserved to have a business owned by someone who represented them.
It took a long time but we finally opened for business in September 2014!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
To be honest, where most businesses go through a planning stage, save money, and strategize, I didn’t, I only had a dream, it was all very spontaneous for me, which in a way put me at a disadvantage. In the beginning, it was fun and exciting but almost three years in we have definitely gone and still go through some tough challenges. My family helps me out a lot because I can’t afford to hire help which means that I’m spread very thin and the load can get heavy. However, I’ve been able to stay afloat with no bank loans and little to no help from any financial institutions
So, let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Studio 27 Beauty Supply story. Tell us more about the business.
Studio 27 Beauty Supply is a modern-day beauty boutique and supply store. Whether you are a barber or beautician, or a self-made “beauty-nista”, you can find what you need at Studio 27.
We pride ourselves on being hip and up-to-date on all the new beauty finds. We carry anything from natural hair care products to make-up, hair extensions and wigs to styling tools. Studio 27 also carries exclusive natural hair care products that may only be found online.
It only gets better at Studio 27, as we also offer services!!!! We have a full beauty bar for make-up, lashes, brow waxing and shaping, an in-store hair stylist and barber!
We are known for our full line of LA Girl Cosmetics and our brow services!
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I don’t know if I believe in luck but I do feel extremely blessed! I believe that persistence, hard work, and being an overall good person is favored my God and eventually pays off.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2329 W Madison
Chicago, IL 60612
(inside the Pete’s Mall) - Website: www.studio27beauty.com
- Phone: 312.631.3427
- Email: info@studio27beauty.com
- Instagram: @studio27beautysupply
- Facebook: Madison Western and/or Studio 27 Beauty Supply
- Yelp: Studio 27 Beauty Supply
Image Credit:
Requita Collins
Nadia Johnson
Kaaron Johnson
Jasmine Harris
Annazette Collins
A’Jae Miller
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
