Black Beauty Hubs in Baton Rouge Create Safe Spaces

Macie Smith, a senior at Southern University, opened two hair supply shops in Baton Rouge to give Black women a welcoming place for beauty care.

The Journey

Start-up Spirit
Saved money and learned Mandarin phrases to talk with her Chinese supplier. A rough meeting taught her the importance of respect and representation.
First Store: Luxurious Lookz
Opened last year on Highland Road.
Second Store: Mays Beauty Supply
Opened in February near campus.

Both locations aim to let students and locals find hair products without feeling judged or uneasy.

Karate Discipline
Childhood training helped her stay disciplined after being expelled from middle school for fights.
Academic Pivot
Turned to math and tutoring in high school, steering her toward a future in finance and business ownership.

Faith & Resilience
After two serious car crashes and losing her grandfather, she turned to faith, riding a university bus to church on Sundays. Her shops now feature scripture displays and gospel music, creating an uplifting atmosphere for shoppers.

Destiny Jupiter
Works at both stores. The close proximity to campus helps her juggle classes and work. She says customers often feel a positive shift when they hear the music, adding that it “was exactly what I needed.”

Beyond Sales
Smith wants to reshape the beauty supply industry, which currently charges Black consumers significantly more for products tailored to coily and kinky hair.
Market Gap
Research shows Black women spend nine times as much on ethnic haircare compared to other groups. Her stores aim to bridge this gap.
Affordable & Respectful
By offering affordable options and a respectful environment, she hopes to change the culture of beauty care in Baton Rouge.