When Richard Smith was growing up, he knew he wanted to become either a scientist, a minister or a cosmetologist. Having worked at Rammos Deluxe Barbershop for six years now, he already achieved the latter, and now he's adding one more career to the list: entrepreneur.
"I've been a cosmetologist for a long time, and I wanted to try something new," says Smith, who opened
VIP Beauty Supply on N. Washington in Ypsilanti earlier this month. "Rather than open a business I had no knowledge of, I decided beauty supplies would be a good idea."
Smith didn't have to look far to find the right location for his store. VIP Beauty Supply is located just a couple of doors down from Rammos, where he is still employed as he works to get VIP Beauty up and running. He says downtown Ypsilanti was the perfect place to open as other area beauty supply stores aren't as accessible for near downtown residents.
The space was under renovation for about six months before opening. Smith took a hands-on approach to the store's development, doing much of the grunt work himself. Though he's not ready to add carpenter to his list of careers, he's not giving up on any of his original aspirations.
"I had to pick one, but I'm still thinking I'll do all three," he says.
VIP Beauty Supply offers a variety of hair and nail products, as well as tools, such as clippers and flatirons. The store currently employs a staff of two and can be found under VIPBeautySupply on both Twitter and Instagram.
Source: Richard Smith, VIP Beauty Supply
Writer: Natalie Burg
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