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. She began by saving money and learning Mandarin phrases to talk with her Chinese supplier, but a rough meeting taught her the importance of respect and representation. The first store, Luxurious Lookz, opened last year on Highland Road, and the second, Mays Beauty Supply, followed in February near campus. Both locations aim to let students and locals find hair products without feeling judged or uneasy. Smith’s childhood karate training helped her stay disciplined, even after being expelled from middle school for fights. She turned to math and tutoring in high school, which led her toward a future in finance and business ownership. 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. A student named Destiny Jupiter works at both stores and says the close proximity to campus helps her juggle classes and work. She notes that customers often feel a positive shift when they hear the music, saying it “was exactly what I needed. ” Smith’s mission goes beyond sales: she wants to reshape the beauty supply industry, which currently charges Black consumers significantly more for products tailored to coily and kinky hair. Research shows Black women spend nine times as much on ethnic haircare compared to other groups, highlighting a gap that her stores aim to bridge. By offering affordable options and a respectful environment, she hopes to change the culture of beauty care in Baton Rouge.