By: Kenneth Payne
The Black Store is not just a beauty supply store, it’s an open hub to enlighten visitors about the Black experience as a whole.
Houston native Lloyd Ford and his partner Randy Shelby passionately thought out and opened a successful black owned business right off Cullen and Bellfort back in 2020. Before opening, other beauty supply stores in the area had already been established by Asian owners, but that didn’t stop Ford and Shelby to carve out their own lane, and creatively open a beauty supply store that could better serve the Black community in every aspect of life.
The Black Store: Beauty Supply Experience is the name that’s changing the beauty supply industry game. “We give people what they want in order to feed them what need they need,” the famous motto the store lives by said Ford. This is a powerful and bold statement that can hopefully penetrate the minds of the youth and elders in the Black community. The store is home to a one stop shop for countless skin beauty products, hair products, clothes for men and women, etc. What makes this beauty supply store unique is that they have natural foods such as sea moss and natural juices that customers can better their lives with. After all health is wealth.
Another thing to point out about this beauty supply store is how helpful they are to other Black local owners that might not have the means or connections to promote their business right away. “They can come here, make money, and expose their brands more to help take their business to another level,” Ford said. There are also more services coming soon to the store that include a full beauty salon and job opportunities/internships to advance employment rate around the community.
Most beauty supply stores in the Houston area don’t engage with the community outside of the business the way The Black Store does. Ford and his partner created a community group program called the C.G.E., which stands for Creative Group Economics. It’s a mechanism that Ford and Shelby use to engage the community. A lot goes into this program such as education, agriculture, community gardening, and leveraging politics on their side with using another mechanism like P.A.I.D Texas, which means Political Advocates for Independent Democracy. The Black Store supports this political committee and its grassroot candidates during campaign runs in Houston. Supporting P.A.I.D Texas helps with bringing political awareness to the Black community and encourages them to be more politically involved with issues inside their communities.
“I want The Black Store to always fulfill and be an economic base for what we’re trying to do. This is more than just a store,” Ford stated. The Black Store is heavily involved in the community and truly cares for the community. They work with the Harris County Health Department with Violence Intervention, and they recently gave over 600 backpacks away at a back-to-school drive they hosted, in addition to poetry nights, free movie nights, and the list goes on. The Black Store is not in it to only make money, but to also be a beacon of light that helps the blinding eyes of the community to see a better way out. Monetizing your passion is the motto that the Black Store wants every kid to strive for in their program.
With hopes to expanding their brand in the near future around the Houston area, customers can expect top of the line high quality products, goods, and services when visiting The Black Store. Only two and a half years old, the business found great success for itself so far bringing in more than $100,000 dollars in sales last year and attracted publicity from KHOU News. If you’re ever by Cullen and Bellfort Avenue, come over to the great one stop shop store for an amazing experience.
October 16, 2023, HOUSTON, TX – Congressional Candidate Amanda Edwards has raised over $1 million in less than 4 months, a substantial sum that helps bolster the frontrunner status of the former At-Large Houston City Council Member in her bid for U.S. Congress. Edwards raised over $433,000 in Q3 of 2023. This strong Q3 report expands on a successful Q2 where Edwards announced just 11 days after declaring her candidacy that she had raised over $600,000. With over $829,000 in cash-on-hand at the end of the September 30th financial reporting period, Edwards proves again that she is the clear frontrunner in the race. “I am beyond grateful for the strong outpouring of support that will help me to win this race and serve the incredible people of the 18th Congressional District,” said Edwards. “We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s trajectory, and we need to send servant leaders to Congress who can deliver the results the community deserves. The strong support from our supporters will help us to cultivate an 18th Congressional District where everyone in it can thrive.” Edwards said. “Amanda understands the challenges that the hard-working folks of the 18th Congressional District face because she has never lost sight of who she is or where she comes from; she was born and raised right here in the 18th Congressional District of Houston,” said Kathryn McNiel, spokesperson for Edwards’ campaign. Edwards has been endorsed by Higher Heights PAC, Collective PAC, Krimson PAC, and the Brady PAC. She has also been supported by Beto O’Rourke, among many others. About Amanda: Amanda is a native Houstonian, attorney and former At-Large Houston City Council Member. Amanda is a graduate of Eisenhower High School in Aldine ISD. Edwards earned a B.A. from Emory University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. Edwards practiced law at Vinson & Elkins LLP and Bracewell LLP before entering public service. Edwards is a life-long member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Acres Homes. For more information, please visit www.edwardsforhouston.com
As September 13th rolls around, we extend our warmest birthday wishes to the creative powerhouse, Tyler Perry, a man whose indomitable spirit and groundbreaking work have left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. With his multifaceted talents as an actor, playwright, screenwriter, producer, and director, Tyler Perry has not only entertained but also inspired audiences worldwide, particularly within the African-American community, where his influence and role have been nothing short of powerful. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1969, Tyler Perry’s journey to stardom was a path riddled with adversity. Raised in a turbulent household, he found refuge in writing, using it as a therapeutic outlet. This period of introspection gave rise to one of his most iconic creations, Madea, a vivacious, no-nonsense grandmother who would later become a beloved figure in Perry’s works, offering a unique blend of humor and profound life lessons. Despite facing numerous challenges, including rejection and financial struggles, Perry’s determination and unwavering belief in his abilities propelled him forward. In 1992, he staged his first play, “I Know I’ve Been Changed,” which, although met with limited success, was a pivotal moment in his career. Unfazed by initial setbacks, Perry continued to hone his craft, and by 1998, he had successfully produced a string of stage plays that showcased his storytelling prowess.
Calling all teenage student-athletes! If you have dreams of playing college soccer and wish to represent an HBCU, the HBCU ID Camp is your golden opportunity. From 8 am to 5 pm on November 11-12, Houston Sports Park will transform into a hub for aspiring male and female soccer players. Coaches from HBCUs across the nation will be present to evaluate, scout, and offer valuable feedback. Moreover, they might even spot the next soccer prodigy to join their collegiate soccer programs. This camp is not just about honing your soccer skills but also a chance to connect with the HBCU soccer community. You’ll learn the ins and outs of what it takes to excel on the field and in the classroom, which is crucial for a college athlete. The HBCU ID Camp is an excellent platform to network with coaches, learn from experienced athletes, and take the first steps toward your college soccer journey. To secure your spot at this incredible event, don’t forget to register [here](insert registration link). Space is limited to 120 participants, so make sure to reserve your place before it’s too late. It’s time to turn your dreams of playing college soccer into a reality.
