Detroit’s First Black-Owned Beauty & Educational Space Receives $10K Verizon Pay It Forward Grant

We love to hear good news, especially in the midst of a global pandemic. With salons and stores shut down across the country and social distancing orders in effect, small businesses have been hit the hardest.

That includes Bronzed N Glow, Detroit’s first Black-owned beauty and educational retail space. The boutique was originally set to open this May, but due to COVID-19, owners Jamesha Lucas and Destiny Thomas had to find other ways to stay afloat.

Thankfully, the boutique got a bit of good news this week after winning a $10K grant via Verizon’s Pay it Forward initiative. The grant was awarded to 225 small businesses across the country to help with rent, payroll and other operation costs.

“This is just one that came across the email and we were like, ‘We qualify for this so we’re going to try,'” Lucas told Fox 2 Detroit news. 

Lucas also shared that the pandemic has pushed them to rethink how they do business in the future.

“We’re pivoting right now, which I think is the name of the game for most small businesses and businesses, in general.” She is also thankful the support she received from the community and customers even before opening their doors or launching their website.

“The blessing in all of this is that people have actually reached out to me, even before the website has launched, and they’re like, ‘Hey! I’m stuck in the house and I need shampoo and I need conditioner; I’m in need of a good hair gel; what do you have?'” 

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