Korean BSS Topic Agains: Black-owned Entrepreneur Interviews

[bludaydreamer]

How about we find the black owned BSS in our neighborhood and distribute that list. That way we give people options. When you go the store and you can't find what you need, write to the manufacturer and ask them to sell it to that BSS or start a petition for the manufacturer to sell to that BSS. If the manufacturer refuses to sell to the BSS when customers are clearly asking them to, then that seems basis for legal action. I am sure what the KBSA is doing is illegal, but this way it is more than hearsay.

 

[lustrous]

AH! the smell of progress in a positive direction! =D. Thank you ladies!

 

[Mo to the...]

greenandchic & ms-gg

Thank you so much for the friendly welcome.

 

[Queenmickie]

nisemac wow! This is very interesting. Can you tell us more about your experiences living among the Chinese? Sorry is this is off topic. What kind of work are you doing? Is it easy to find black hair care products there??? What is your day-to-day like when they don't know your position? I'm from Brooklyn, and I love going to Chinatown in NYC. For the most part the people there are indifferent to me. Not mean or rude, but not especially nice either. It feels as though they are aware that my presence means more money in their community for them. I could be reading too much into it though. I love your idea for a buy black challenge. I'm so down for that! I live in Italy and will not be ordering from Sally's anytime soon.

 

[Tamster]

tamz412 I'd say its both...those that won't do business and those that they must establish a relationship with. there are aspects of the asian culture that are very challenging. often, a lack of willingness to engage in any dealings could be attributed to the benefit factor. If off the top, they see that a $1000 sale is not worth it, they cut ties then. I'm not defending the behavior, just stating what I've seen. To them, its not always offensive, but a matter of why wasting anyone's time. They tend to be very short and curt in their dealings--something considered rude by western standards.

again, i'm not disputing the racism and other tactics described in the OP, but there are so many other factors involved that don't even include them.

cool, thakns for the insight. i can see how it is both but i choose to not ignore how they corner us out of the market. it is important to understand how cultural differences play a part.

 

[tiffers]

I'm glad this thread is (seemingly) getting back on track, because frankly, I was annoyed and pissed that it couldn't stay positive.

Even when we're trying to change and do better by ourselves, folks still gotta come in with some negativity that does nothing but bring down the morale of what we're trying to achieve.

For what?

If you don't agree with what we're trying to achieve or if you think black people are too ignorant to make a change or if you have absolutely nothing constructive to add to this thread, you're welcome to KIM. Nobody in here wants to hear none of that mess.

Yeah, you paid your 6.50 and you have an opinion and blah, blah, blah, but WE don't wanna hear it in this thread.

That's it and that's all.

Mo to the... Thank you for coming out of lurkdome to give us your ideas/opinions. It's very much appreciated.

Love your name! Every time I see it, this pops in my head:

 

[candy626]

But how many BSS actually sell those brands? The most "natural" hair care product I've ever seen in a traditional Korean BSS is Mixed Chicks (behind the counter under lock & key mind you).

Lol so true. I'm starting to see some products like Mixed Chicks and Miss Jessie's at Asian BBS but they are definitely behind the counter.

 

[Carmelella]

@ Carmelella
No disrespect (and I really means this) but if you are just looking for some products and think "just thought our focus should be somewhere else"why are you in this thread? Boycotting KBSS and brain storming ways to get back into a market is the focus so why would our focus be somewhere else? There are different threads dedicated to different topics. This one has a very specific theme and if you aren't really here for that (which is fine, not looking for consensus) then shouldn't you go where there are people giving what you are looking for? Again, no disrespect. I'm not saying you can't be here or don't have a right to be here. It's like a KKK meeting. I'm not going to attend because they aren't serving what I want. I'm not going to go and then talk about equality and why the white man isn't better. I hope you do not take this the wrong way.

No insult taken. But I compare this to lets say 50 some odd years ago. Civil rights movement and the mechanism to promote change. A whole group of people complain that they are not treated well in the supermarket, the owners disrespect them although they are based in the black community. Some in this group have not been disrespected, don't know the intricate workings of their supermarket but would just rather see black money go into black hands. A group of people say well lets boycott the supermarket. In two months time the supermarket takes a hit, changes their ways somewhat. If the boycotters focused on ruining a business and not creating an empire on their own then they will always be at the mercy of the original supermarket.

No one is going to say "don't boycott". go without food if you want,... but in the long run you'd be a lot more productive if all your energy was focused on self-sufficiency instead of trying to convince shrewd business owners to "play nice". Unlike 50 years ago there is no law stopping anyone from being self sufficient,... they just aren't,.. or at least not on the same scale as the koreans. 50 years ago they boycotted but the big picture was changeing the law...their empire of sorts. Today,.. I say go ahead and boycott, but don't forget the bigger picture.

I would also like to see more black businesses hustle, go to india and malaysia like the koreans did and set up shop. But to some, that is unimagineable because they think small. They want to do international business and think that people are going to be "fair/play nice". That does not happen in ANY MARKET (black/white/yellow..never happens). If to date I'm not seeing the effort to procure and sell black owned products from the ground up (not third party resale) then why should I boycott Bobby Boss ?

Hence why I said we should get organized and create a database of sorts on this forum and categorize all the good products that we've already created. Support them, get the word out, share. Maybe mid-level success would give them the motivation to move on to bigger things like weaves, or maybe a successful company would have the capital to loan to a company actually interested in making weaves/hair tools from the ground up.

 

[tiffers]

nisemac I love the idea of doing a "buy black" challenge, what an awesome idea!

How many folks would be willing to do this?

Do you all think buying black should apply to independent online vendors (Shescentit, Qhemet, Oyin, etc) as well, or do you think it should only apply to black owned bss'?

Also, keeping up with how much money is spent at black stores is an awesome idea! I'm thinking that everyone can check in whenever they make a purchase and share how much they spent and at what store.

Shoot, we can even have a photobucket or picturetrail account to save scans of reciepts. Of course, only one or two people would have access to the account because if everyone did, it would be an unorganized mess.

 

[Carmelella]

How about we find the black owned BSS in our neighborhood and distribute that list. That way we give people options. When you go the store and you can't find what you need, write to the manufacturer and ask them to sell it to that BSS or start a petition for the manufacturer to sell to that BSS. If the manufacturer refuses to sell to the BSS when customers are clearly asking them to, then that seems basis for legal action. I am sure what the KBSA is doing is illegal, but this way it is more than hearsay.

great idea

 

[JeterCrazed]

How about we find the black owned BSS in our neighborhood and distribute that list. That way we give people options. When you go the store and you can't find what you need, write to the manufacturer and ask them to sell it to that BSS or start a petition for the manufacturer to sell to that BSS. If the manufacturer refuses to sell to the BSS when customers are clearly asking them to, then that seems basis for legal action. I am sure what the KBSA is doing is illegal, but this way it is more than hearsay.

First research the industry. BSS do not go to manufacturers. They go to distributors.
You would need to find out who their distributor is. Many BSS store owners are unwilling to give up that information.
This is not a civil rights issue. I have an aunt that works these particular cases directly at the NJ Division of Civil Rights if u wanna call her, too. Claude Hammercy. Smh

It only takes ONE phone call to file a report. I will ask her today how far they've gone if ANY complaint has crossed her desk. To solve a problem, you must first identify the cause. It has been misidentified!

Sent from my HTC Inspire™

 

[guyanesesista]

Please call her JeterCrazed a professional opinion would be much appreciated.

ETA: this is what I've observed and experienced at BSS in my area.

1) About 5 years ago I went into an Asian BSS for the first time checking out products and I went up the register to where the weave glue was because I was thinking about doing a weave so I picked up a bottle to see if there was a price sticker on it. Chile as soon as I picked that thing up the cashier ordered me not to touch it in the nastiest tone. You'd think I was gonna transmit herpes to it or something. I was so pissed I him and stormed out the store. Ignant? Yes. Thing is I was actually gonna buy that weave glue and a couple other things. I was mad too because I was too lazy to go the BSS in the opposite direction. I've never been back in there since. I don't even pay attention enough to notice if the store is still there.

2) There is another Asian BSS a few blocks away that has almost EVERYTHING. Even hair pousse plus. I have never seen that in other BSS. The store people are super nice there and the prices are reasonable but there are some things like hair accessories that are over priced. I've been going there for a while because I can't find what I need at other places. There are alot of black salons in the area and they get lots of weave customers also. They also sell some weave brands for super cheap.

3) There's another one on the same street that I think is black/Jamaican owned and that poor store is skimpy. I try to buy there when I can, if they have what I need. I'd really like to buy from them if could get more stuff.

4) this Asian one's owner takes mj breaks in the middle of the afternoon. Let's just assume it's prescription. He doesn't let you try on the wigs. I've actually witnessed him being nasty to a customer who was upset that she couldn't try on hers. Like how you gonna tell me I can't try it on but I can't return it if I go home and don't like it? Other than that he's polite.

 

[Guitarhero]

You never know how you will be able to help people come together for justice. I'm brought to tears this morning and had no idea this thread bloomed so big!!! I buy a set number of products I get mostly from Walgreens, Wal-mart, grocery stores and health food shops. We should try online Black-owned/Hispanic-owned suppliers and support the ones in our locals. Three Sisters is a great one for those in Pittsburgh, PA. They are reasonably priced, helpful, and have many wonderful products and appliances. They also offer consultations. And now that the gov. is changing how small entrepreneurs can make home formulations, get with the program and be legal to keep this new natural industry in your own hands.

Here's what I think: Find the Black suppliers...there are a few in this country but they are limited somewhat. You'd have to read their websites or get in contact with their company. Secondly, we need to get employed by these Black distributorships as well as open up our own bss shops, using them as our supplier. The more we invest in this, the more product we can buy due to greater financial stability. We need to boycott and sue the Korean-owned BSS's and owned-manufacturers as well as talk to our representatives and senators to find out which laws are applying to make this all possible (import-export, tax). We should lobby for these rights. We have been losing THESE AMERICAN JOBS right here under our noses, in our neighborhoods! They are nothing more than the mafia.

Lastly, we need to be vocal in the media about it. Call CNN, write Essence, Black Enterprise, Ebony (and so many others I am unaware of, specifically the ones geared toward female readers) and get organized to seek legal support in this issue. Small business owners need to pursue this legally as well. Times are tough, I realize, but for those who can pursue, then do so.

 

[Tamster]

boycotting ABSS does not mean that we do not create and support our own businesses. That goes hand in hand... just putting that out there as an fyi.

 

[JeterCrazed]

nisemac wow! This is very interesting. Can you tell us more about your experiences living among the Chinese? Sorry is this is off topic. What kind of work are you doing? Is it easy to find black hair care products there??? What is your day-to-day like when they don't know your position? I'm from Brooklyn, and I love going to Chinatown in NYC. For the most part the people there are indifferent to me. Not mean or rude, but not especially nice either. It feels as though they are aware that my presence means more money in their community for them. I could be reading too much into it though. I love your idea for a buy black challenge. I'm so down for that! I live in Italy and will not be ordering from Sally's anytime soon.

Not sure if you were intending on boycotting, Queenmickie. Your post was unclear, but Sallys is American owned. White people. Not Koreans.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alberto-Culver
Stop believing every whim of this one BSS owner. There is a beauty supply store in Irvington, NJ called Sally's and has an Orange awning but a logo very similar to the chain, but is not affiliated with the chain. I must've skipped over him saying that the first time I read. This is miseducation of black people in progress.


Sent from my HTC Inspire™

 

[Guitarhero]

boycotting ABSS does not mean that we do not create and support our own businesses. That goes hand in hand... just putting that out there as an fyi.

Boycotting to stop the purchase of products which will hit the manufacturers in a bad way. Will it happen? Who knows? Boycotts hurt and badly. But going to your government is important. We have laws in place that make it possible for these companies to do this. It's not just computer manufacturing being lost, it's entrepreneurship right here on this land.

 

[Tamster]

Not sure if you were intending on boycotting, @Queenmickie. Your post was unclear, but Sallys is American owned. White people. Not Koreans.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alberto-Culver
Stop believing every whim of this one BSS owner. There is a beauty supply store in Irvington, NJ called Sally's and has an Orange awning but a logo very similar to the chain, but is not affiliated with the chain. I must've skipped over him saying that the first time I read. This is miseducation of black people in progress.


Sent from my HTC Inspire™

what is your point? by the way there are plenty of other sources that support the claims that the OP has made. they have been posted in this thread before.

 

[Tamster]

Boycotting to stop the purchase of products which will hit the manufacturers in a bad way. Will it happen? Who knows? Boycotts hurt and badly. But going to your government is important. We have laws in place that make it possible for these companies to do this. It's not just computer manufacturing being lost, it's entrepreneurship right here on this land.

i agree with you, i was making the point because some people think that just because we want to organize a boycott that means we cant also support our own, go to the media, etc.

 

[SophieDulce]

....now i feel all .______. inside

So that should be our tweet then...Anyone willing to join me in a boycott against Asian owned BSS?? #StoptheBSS or #OccupyBlackHair...somethin like that.

I´m with you!!!

 

[Guitarhero]

Hell I remember trying to speak on this and everyone suddenly got deaf. I thought about making a video about avoiding Asian owned BSS stores but how the hell do they get into our neighborhoods in the first place?? Did we ever come around to see who was buying up what property?? And then did we decide SCREW THAT not in our neighborhood let's come together and have our own black owned something or another....

You are certainly free to talk about this issue on you Youtube.:eyebrows2
And don't lose heart, you have also planted this seed back then.

 

[Guitarhero]

I'm saying black people should work smarter to better their business and not immediately react to paranoia that some other ethnic group, race, religion, creed...is honing in on their success. I HOPE that there are Black BSS owners even lurking on this thread trying to find out what we're using. I've even pleaded with Black BSS owners to buy products I know people are flocking to WHITE (not Korean) BSS to get. Even promising to buy out their stock if it doesn't sell and still they don't buy it. And these are people who I talk to on a personal level, NOT random stores I'm walking into. Stop selling fake Gucci bags and bootleg Michael Jackson CDs in the front. Stop burning oils and incense! Who wants to buy a new headscarf smelling like old cigarettes?
Of course there may be Koreans who are racist toward blacks. There are blacks racist toward Koreans! But the culture difference is creating an impression of a blanketed malice that's just not there.

I you would only READ the article, you would see that this is far from paranoia. It's a successful Black-owned bss giving the FACTS about why they no longer dominate their own industry and giving the proofs of the difficulty of the ins and outs of the business. It's not about culture, actually, it's about business and shut-outs.

 

[bludaydreamer]

Have we come up with any concrete ideas? Steps to take to make a difference? Has anyone volunteered to lead this? I would love to help, can't lead though because I am in Afghanistan. Do we have any connections in the legal field (business law?) that can let us know if there is a precedence for this?

 

[fatimablush]

I think i saw an article like this a while back and it actually stopped me from buying anything from Asian run BSS.

Now...in Orlando there's these chains of Beauty Depots....but there is a Super Beauty Depot that i go to...i am under the impression that it is Black owned. Because all i see working in the store are Black people...and i like that WAY more than going into a strange Asian BSS....i have nothing against Asian ppl personally...but in THIS case...i'm down to boycott because this is a group of people that actually HATE me and MY people. Ya know?

I say we start it bruh.

where is this one located?

 

[ms-gg]

Another issue is one that was presented in the documentary-as we all know, china has the ability to mass produce, and to imitate any product that is created, and do it for cheaper. In their culture, it is not seen as unethical to make "knock offs." So if black people start to create new curling irons, new hair products, new hair accessories and they are successful, you always run the risk of a Chinese manufacturer underpricing you and in bigger quantities. In the words of Omar Little, "it's all in the game yo."

 

[ms-gg]

You know, if you all want to know about Bobsa (is everyone aware that bobsa stands for Black Owned Beauty Supply Association?), or about the korean dominated haircare industry, you can contact bobsa right? I am sure they will be glad to know that their are consumers who are willing to take a stand against what is going on and to support their efforts. They can use the influence that we have on hairboards and on other outlets such as blogs, twitter, youtube, facebook etc etc

Their contact:

http://www.bobsa.org/

 

[SmilingElephant]

where is this one located?

This one is located on the westside of Orlando at the intersection of Hiawassee and Silver Star Road. They have EVERYTHING!!! But i would be disappointed if it was not Black owned bc my nana said that her church owns it but that was years ago when she told me that so idk if that still rings true.

 

[JeterCrazed]

what is your point? by the way there are plenty of other sources that support the claims that the OP has made. they have been posted in this thread before.

The point is know who you're boycotting. Sally is American owned, not Korean. Don't believe the hype.

Sent from my HTC Inspire™

 

[Tamster]

I'm trying to think how we can sue. We might have to recruit business owners who have experienced discrimination from distributors and have them file.

What other ways?

(BTW I dont want to get away from planning the boycott and the ensuing media blitz).

 

[ms-gg]

Ha! I don't know how legit this list is, but here is a list of BLACK OWNED BSS:

http://www.urbansalonnetwork.com/health-and-beauty/product-reviews/35-black-beauty-supply.html

-and it includes their contact information as well (email and phone numbers).


There are some in Richmond (never knew they existed) so I am going to do my part and buy my worlds of curls at one of these locations next week Ya'll got me fired up, I think I'm about to blog about this my dern self...

 

[Tamster]

The point is know who you're boycotting. Sally is American owned, not Korean. Don't believe the hype.

Sent from my HTC Inspire™

please go away so that we can plan our stuff in peace.