The Launch of Our Business Outreach Initiative

Since its inception in 2020, Black Women Owned has been committed to uplifting Black women entrepreneurs by highlighting their businesses and providing them with the visibility they deserve. But this year, we are taking our mission further by launching our Business Outreach Initiative! This new endeavour is all about getting up close and personal with Black women-owned businesses within our community to better understand their unique challenges and work together to find sustainable solutions for growth and success.

Our first stop on this transformative journey was Elisabeth Hair Salon in Winnipeg, owned by the remarkable Elizabeth Mague. On September 7, 2024, we had the privilege of visiting Elizabeth's salon, learning about her inspiring journey, and offering our support in meaningful ways. Here’s a glimpse into our experience, the insights we gained, and how we plan to continue putting Black women-owned businesses at the forefront.

Meet Elizabeth Mague

Elizabeth Mague, the owner of Elisabeth Hair Salon, also called Elisabeth Salon & Spa has been a dedicated entrepreneur in the beauty industry for over 20 years. Since opening her doors in 2003, Elizabeth has built a reputation for her exceptional skills and commitment to customer satisfaction. Her salon has become a haven for women seeking not just a hairstyle, but a place where they feel valued, beautiful, and empowered.

Operating a successful business for over two decades is no small feat, especially in an industry as dynamic and competitive as beauty and hair care. Elizabeth’s salon has faced various challenges over the years, from economic downturns to the recent pandemic. Yet, through it all, she has maintained her dedication to her clients and her craft, continually evolving and adapting to meet the needs of her community.

Our Visit to Elisabeth Hair Salon

During our visit, we were immediately struck by the warmth and welcoming environment Elizabeth has cultivated at her salon. Every corner of the space reflects her passion for beauty and her commitment to her clients. Elizabeth herself is a lady who has persevered, sharing stories of the highs and lows she has experienced over the years. It was evident that her success goes beyond her technical skills; it lies in the relationships she has built with her clients, many of whom have been with her since she first opened her doors.

However, our visit also revealed an opportunity for growth. While Elizabeth Hair Salon has enjoyed sustained success in the local community, it lacked a strong online presence that could help attract new clients and increase its visibility beyond the salon's immediate neighborhood. Recognizing this, we saw a chance to make an impact by helping Elizabeth tap into the potential of digital marketing.

As part of our Business Outreach initiative, we decided to assist Elizabeth in establishing an online presence. With her permission, we created an Instagram account for the salon, @elisabethhairwpg. This new platform will serve as a digital hub for showcasing her work, engaging with her existing clients, and attracting new ones.

Our volunteer photographer, Arnold (@thechief.whip), generously offered his skills to capture high-quality images of the salon, highlighting its inviting atmosphere, Elizabeth's expertise, and the joy her clients experience. These images will be the cornerstone of the salon's new Instagram profile, providing potential clients a glimpse into the Elizabeth Hair Salon experience.

We encouraged Elizabeth to share her story on social media, post pictures of her work, and connect with her audience more regularly. By sharing behind-the-scenes content, client testimonials, and her own reflections as a Black woman entrepreneur, Elizabeth can build a loyal online community that mirrors the one she has nurtured in her physical space.

Why We Started the Business Outreach

The launch of our Business Outreach initiative is not just about giving businesses like Elisabeth Hair Salon a digital makeover; it’s about truly understanding the challenges Black women entrepreneurs face. For many Black women business owners, there are systemic barriers that limit their access to resources, funding, and networking opportunities. Often, these challenges are compounded by a lack of visibility and recognition in broader markets.

By visiting businesses in person, we get to see firsthand the unique hurdles they encounter. Elizabeth shared with us some of the struggles she has faced, including managing rising operational costs, navigating changes in consumer behaviour, and competing with larger, more well-funded salons. Her story is one of resilience, but it also highlights the need for more tailored support, especially in areas like marketing, financial planning, and technology adoption.

Our goal with the Business Outreach initiative is to bridge these gaps by offering a blend of practical solutions and strategic guidance. For Elizabeth, that meant enhancing her digital footprint. For other businesses, it might mean different forms of support, such as mentorship, grant writing assistance, or access to training workshops.

Beyond digital support, we are committed to putting businesses like Elizabeth Hair Salon at the forefront through networking and mentorship programs. One of the key ways we aim to do this is by connecting Black women entrepreneurs with mentors who have experience navigating similar challenges. These mentors can provide valuable insights, share lessons learned, and offer strategic advice tailored to each business’s unique circumstances.

Networking is another vital component. We plan to host regular events, both online and in-person, where business owners can connect, share experiences, and learn from one another. Building a supportive community where Black women can lean on each other, exchange knowledge, and form partnerships is essential for fostering growth and resilience.

Our experience at Elisabeth Hair Salon was inspiring, and it reaffirmed the importance of our work through the Business Outreach initiative. We are excited to continue this journey, highlighting more Black women-owned businesses and providing them with the tools and resources they need to succeed.

Elizabeth’s story is just one of many, and we are committed to bringing more of these stories to light. Through this initiative, we hope to create a ripple effect, encouraging consumers to support Black women-owned businesses and inspiring more Black women to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.

We believe that when Black women thrive, our entire community benefits. So, let’s continue to support, uplift, and celebrate these incredible businesses. Follow us on this journey, and join us in showing the world the power of Black women entrepreneurship!

Stay tuned for more updates on our Business Outreach initiative, and don't forget to follow @elisabethhairwpg on Instagram to support Elizabeth and her salon.

Join the Movement!

Want to get involved? If you are a Black woman entrepreneur or know someone who would benefit from our Business Outreach initiative, reach out to us! We can build a stronger, more inclusive economy that celebrates the talent, resilience, and brilliance of Black women together.