Today we’d like to introduce you to Mercedes Brown.
Hi Mercedes, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
They say beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself. But in a world that’s constantly telling women who and what to be, the confidence to just be yourself can get lost in trying to fit in. I know first-hand because I was once the girl trying her hardest to look great on the outside just to fit in. But inwardly I felt lost like I didn’t measure up or have any value. Hello. my name is Mercedes Brown and I am the founder of Mercedes Brown – The Hair Boutique with Purpose. I’ve always had a love for all things beauty-related…. hair, makeup, fashion. But during a very low season in my life, I used these things to mask what I was feeling on the inside. I would walk around completely dolled up on the outside but inwardly I was broken. It wasn’t until I started volunteering in public schools and later working with young adults at my church that I realized I wasn’t alone in this. There were actually tons of young girls and women who hid behind beauty, great hair extensions, fashion but inwardly were suffering alone. A lightbulb went off and I decided to create a space where women could shop for the latest hair extensions, cute earrings, cosmetics and join support groups, healing groups, empowerment events, and more. In 2019 The Hair Boutique with Purpose was born.
I spent about a year testing hair extensions because I wanted to offer quality. I wanted to give my customers a product that would last. I also wanted to create an exceptional shopping experience for every woman that came through our doors.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
One of my biggest challenges, in the beginning, was listening to close friends and family who told me that it made no sense to host support groups and events inside my store. Many said I needed to instead focus on building my hair extension brand and selling the products. They said I couldn’t mix outward beauty with inner beauty. And the crazy part is I almost listened, I almost let their opinions discourage and distract me. But the passion I had on the inside wouldn’t let me stop.
Another hurdle was getting my brand out to customers. Learning how to find my target audience was a challenge in the beginning because there was so much talk on the internet about “how it should be done”. But most of the traditional ways weren’t fitting for my brand. So once again it took stepping outside of what “they were saying” and instead doing what lined up with my mission to not only sell beautiful hair extensions but also empower women from the inside out. Today our social media pages are filled with hair style ideas, new product alerts as well as daily uplifting post and info on upcoming in store events that encourage and empower women.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Mercedes Brown The Hair Boutique with Purpose?
Mercedes Brown is a hair boutique located in Kenwood. We carry a wide variety of luxury hair extensions, lace wigs, unique accessories, cosmetics, and handbags. We are known for our quality hair extensions, great customer service, and beautiful boutique. We offer a unique shopping experience with beautiful uplifting messages and décor throughout the store. We’re also known for our empowerment events and support groups for women. Since opening in 2019 I’ve welcomed close to 500 women in for in-store events that encourage and uplift. The feedback from the women is always so humbling. I’m so honored to be able to offer a space for women to connect and grow together. And every sale we get makes this possible.
I am also very proud of how my hair brand has expanded into other retailers over the past 3 months. Mercedes Brown hair is now sold in 3 of the largest beauty supply stores here in Ohio. We’re also expanding into salons. This expansion has been such an amazing experience. When I walked into the first retailer and saw our huge store displays and banners I cried and thanked God.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
I have so many amazing childhood memories. It’s hard to pick one. As a child, I loved spending time with my grandmother. She was strong, smart, loving and I remember admiring that even when I was little.
Contact Info:
- Email: ShopMercedesBrown@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.mercedesbrown.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopmercedesbrown/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/shopmercedesbrown
