Today we’d like to introduce you to Melody Hearne.
Hi Melody, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am originally from Lufkin, Tx and I moved here to Dallas in 2013. My passion for hair started very early as I grew up in a family of braiders and stylists. I taught myself how to braid in middle school and eventually went on to get my cosmetology license after graduating high school. My dream was to open a salon with a beauty supply store in front but life kind of happened and I ended up in corporate America.
Fast forward to 2020, Covid hit and my previous employer sent us home with no return date in sight. Being able to work from home allowed me to not only have more time with my family but it also allowed me to be able to start looking into entrepreneurship, so I began my research. In December of 2020, I was introduced to Clubhouse, and to my surprise, I found that there was a whole community of black-owned beauty supply stores. I researched, prayed, listened, and asked questions. The hardest part of it all was coming up with a business name but finally, Haute Pressed Hair & Beauty Gallery was formed. Being a frequent visitor of beauty supply stores, I knew I wanted something different. My vision was to create an experience that would allow customers to shop in a space where they felt comfortable and like more than a “dollar”.
I looked at about 15-20 different locations around the metroplex. I wanted to be respectful of other beauty supply store owners of color and not open up “next door” to them. I eventually found a location that was perfect for me in Grapevine across the street from Grapevine Mills Mall. After a few setbacks, we opened our doors on August 28, and here we are going into our 4th month. It has been the hardest yet most rewarding decision that I have ever made.
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?
It definitely has not been as smooth as I would have liked but anything worth having is worth the work. Our biggest struggle thus far, is people knowing we are here but we are getting new customers daily and already have “regulars”.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Haute Pressed Hair & Beauty is a 100% Black-Owned Beauty Supply Store located in Grapevine, TX. Our mission is to provide an unparalleled shopping experience with our customer’s needs in mind. We carry the most popular mainstream brands as well as other local black-owned brands. We not only cater to the needs of women/men of color, we carry products for any person that wants to look and feel beautiful. If we don’t have what you need, we try our best to get it. Our goal is to have something for everybody.
What sets us apart? We give back to our community through various programs and initiatives.
What are you most proud of? Overcoming the notion that “we” are only consumers in this industry. I have pressed through and are a part of a wave to be relevant in this industry as store owners.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Risk-taking is just a part of being a business owner and life in general. I resigned from my job of 8 years to pursue my dream with no backup plan and if that’s not taking a risk then I don’t know any other way to explain it.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@hautepressed.com
- Website: www.hautepressed.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hautepressed_hairandbeauty
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hautepressedhairandbeauty
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/haute-pressed-hair-and-beauty-gallery-grapevine
