First black-owned beauty supply store opens in Stephenville

By: Michaela Dennis

Staff Writer

On Aug. 27, 2022, Lolo’s Luxury: Beauty Supply opened in Stephenville. Owned by Tarleton State University alumnus Lorin McNeil, this store serves as a place for all women and men to get hair supplies, clothing, eyelash appointments, hair appointments and accessories.

Before Lolo’s Luxury, the only beauty supply store the community could use was Sally Beauty Supply. Sally’s does not account for ethnic hair, leaving residents to drive an hour away to nearby communities for hair care products. 

McNeil graduated from Tarleton in spring 2022. She was a player in women’s volleyball. Growing up, she admired her mother’s business, which is a consignment shop. McNeil values that her mother gives back to her community and supports others who are less fortunate.

As a women’s volleyball player, she noticed her teammates struggling to get the necessary products they needed for their hair. McNeil always had a passion for beauty and hair, so when she saw an opportunity to give back to her community and support her friends, she took it. 

The grand opening was a success, with awaiting customers forming outside the shop an hour before the opening. 

McNeil was overwhelmed by the support she received from her community. She could not believe so many people showed up to support her business. 

McNeil encourages young women who want to start their own businesses to strive for what they love and not get distracted by discouragement.

“What I want people to take away from this article is that I am here to support the community,” McNeil said.

Bridgit Wekesa, a senior at Tarleton, regularly wears her hair in protective styles such as box braids or faux locs. For these styles, you need additional hair that is sold at a beauty supply store.

This left Wekesa having to set time aside to drive home to Fort Worth to buy products for her hair. Hearing the news of the store opening warmed Wekesa’s heart because she no longer has to waste time buying supplies for her hair.

“I recommend the store to every girl I see,” Wekesa said.

The experience of attending the grand opening made Wekesa emotional. She loved everything about the store, especially that it offers additional services such as eyelash styling and hair styling. 

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