Black-Owned Businesses to Support in 2026 and Beyond

From styling to skincare services, beauty and wellness-focused organizations with Black business owners are soaring.

Alana Gibbs, Hair 2 Sole Beauty Studio

Bridgeville, PA

“My mother’s idea was for me to do nails in my college dorm for money. I, however, bypassed college, went to nail school, and became officially licensed in 2000. I love doing nails. I can’t imagine doing anything else.” 

Though her skills speak for themselves, Alana’s hustle is only overshadowed by her heart. Her team provides nail services to local group homes for those with mental and intellectual illnesses, and she’s working to improve accessibility in her salon after being diagnosed with MS in 2016. 

On top of it all, Alana is also taking ASL classes, because “I want to be able to communicate and accommodate anyone who comes through my door. I want clients to feel comfortable and welcome in our space.” 

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Nakomis Gilbert, Koiled & Coiffed

Washington, DC

Nakomis, or Koko as her clients and team know her, is the epitome of grace and badassery. Unsurprisingly, this queen believes our hair is our natural crown. 

“It is important to me that I am a Black businesswoman because we, as women, do not get the recognition we should as business owners. To be able to own a business makes me happy to show other young Black women that it can be done.”

Koko’s success is largely due to her range of skills, including blowouts, weaves, braids, twists, loc maintenance, cuts, color, highlights — and the list goes on. With ambition and a mission, her goals of expansion are well within reach, and her salon continues to thrive.

Lisa Jackson, Houston Glam Geeks

Houston, TX

Lisa invented the word “weaveologist” and truly embodies what a master stylist is. Based in Houston, her full-service salon, Houston Glam Geeks, offers hair, beauty, and nail services for women and men. 

As a Black business owner, Lisa uses her salon to represent a space that provides a cultural experience. 

“I decided to open my own business simply because I wanted to make my mark in the beauty industry on my own terms,” she said. 

“Being an entrepreneur means freedom to me. Running a salon is not the easiest thing to do; however it’s rewarding to be able to offer someone an opportunity.” 

And that she has. Running a Black-owned salon, Lisa understands the importance of lifting others as you rise. 

Ingrid Saddler-Walker, WythaBalance Yoga Counseling

Durham, NC

For Ingrid, yoga is more than just a workout. It’s a physical means of understanding and aiding your mental health.

After seeing the success in her students, she began training to teach adults, specifically women who were traumatized. Most recently, she completed a 200-hour teacher training for breast cancer survivors.

Ingrid offers an impressive list of yoga classes at her studio and in local afterschool and treatment programs: Gentle Yoga, Yin Yoga, Yoga that Connects the Mind, Body and Breath, Restorative Yoga, Kemetic Yoga, Chair Yoga, and Yoga and Mindfulness for Kids and Teens. 

Cortney Veney, Naturally Crowned Hair, Nail & Skin Studio

Drexel Hill, PA

There is almost nothing Cortney can’t do in the hair and beauty world. As a master cosmetologist, loctician, and salon educator, she’s extremely passionate about her craft and educating others.

After working her way up in several salons, Cortney fell in love with hair and beauty. Her goal was to open a full-service studio that catered to everyone, a place where all would be welcomed.

However, her path took a slight detour when she found out she was pregnant in college. She moved back home to Pennsylvania to be closer to family and embark on a new and equally “terrifying and exciting” journey: motherhood. 

But being a new mom only pushed her harder to pursue her dreams. 

“It gave me a desire to work even harder towards my goal: to be the best version of myself for my daughter. Naturally Crowned was born with a lot of sweat, equity, and love,” Cortney said. 

In 2016, she officially opened her first salon location. Naturally Crowned offers hair, skincare, and nail services with a focus on natural beauty through styling and education. 

“We wanted to establish a focus on natural hair styling and protection and skin and nail health. The idea was to focus on helping clients to embrace their natural beauty.”

Two years later, in 2018, Cortney expanded and opened a larger location that offered full-service care, including body waxing, facials, and lash and brow services. 

Since then, she started three other beauty businesses, including her own natural hair and skincare line, and is working on an esthetic spa to open by 2023. 

“It was harder to manage being not only a mom but a young single mother, but I never lost sight of my dreams or goals.” 

Along the journey, I met my soon-to-be husband, who’s motivated me to… continue to grow in the industry I love so much. My daughter is now 13 and is thriving.” 

And she’s not stopping any time soon: “Our goal is to teach as many men and women the art, history, and craft of cosmetology by opening a school for aspiring new talent.”

Ramla Evans, Ramglam Esthetics

Brooklyn, NY

She’s been in the industry since 2012 and worked as a solo esthetician and in high-paced spas. She’s currently expanding into the oncology specialty after completing her official training — with an ultimate goal to partner with cancer centers to provide skincare treatments to patients.

Tara Manson, Monique-Nicole Hair Studio

Washington, DC

As the co-owner of Monique-Nicole Hair Studio on Capitol Hill, she offers a variety of services, including haircuts, styling, texturizing, color, conditioning, and weave and wig installation. 

Leading her salon with kindness first, Tara inspires to encourage women and men to feel free to be their best selves. 

She’s also the owner of All Things Beauty Hair and Skin Oil, STAND OUT apparel and body butters, and Tenir Ferme fragrances. 

Her hustle doesn’t stop, and it’s her simple motto that keeps her going: “When you look good, you feel good. When you feel good, you share that energy with the world.”

At Vagaro, our businesses represent the best parts of who we are. Together, we work to create a safe space in order to empower and educate our small business owners and entrepreneurs. 

We’re proud to celebrate Black History Month with our incredible clients, who show up and show out, every month*.*