Press Release
June 2015
Women Of Colour
(WOC) have been short changed for a long time when trying to locate cosmetics,
hair and beauty products that are formulated for our colouring, hair and skin
type. While the position has improved
in recent years and the large cosmetic houses are finally waking up to the fact
that WOC are BIG spenders in the
hair and beauty industry, we still cannot find everything under one roof.
Mintel and Nielsen studies have documented that African American women spend 9
times more on beauty products than any
other ethnic group. In the UK
Afro-Caribbean women spend 6 times more on beauty products than any
other ethnic group. Globally, buying power in 2015 is projected to be
S1.1trillion!
Although some Boots and Superdrug stores stock a very limited range of cosmetics for the WOC e.g. Sleek Cosmetics or Olive Oil Relaxer, this is an intermittent feature which is appreciated but more effort needs to be made. Our Caucasian counterparts on the other hand can pretty much walk into any Boots or Superdrug for their budget cosmetic needs and EVERY department store for their premium beauty lines.
The current
trend for all things natural shows no sign of waning and WOC are embracing
their culture and heritage in the knowledge that their natural hair is far from
ugly and unruly and dark skinned women can be beautiful.
However,
skincare, bath/body and hair products specifically formulated for WOC with
natural curly and kinky hair are so rare on the high street that
entrepreneurial WOC have taken to their kitchens and made their own. Many were
also suffering from illnesses, ailments, hair and skin conditions caused by
using products containing harsh chemicals, additives and preservatives and made
the conscious decision to make their own products using natural ingredients.
Many of these women have gone on to form businesses initially selling to family and friends, but it has been noted that the general consumer often has difficulty locating the products as many are only available online (and can get lost in cyberspace) or at natural hair/beauty events. It has also been observed that WOC need to know that brands are not just selling to them but are genuinely interested in WHO they are. Accordingly, brands are selling to WOC but the dots are not joined.
Many of these women have gone on to form businesses initially selling to family and friends, but it has been noted that the general consumer often has difficulty locating the products as many are only available online (and can get lost in cyberspace) or at natural hair/beauty events. It has also been observed that WOC need to know that brands are not just selling to them but are genuinely interested in WHO they are. Accordingly, brands are selling to WOC but the dots are not joined.
“We want a store that caters for
all our beauty needs”
WOC declare
·
We can’t find cosmetics
particularly foundations easily on the High Street
·
We can’t find hair products
specifically for our natural hair easily on the High Street
·
The products exist online not
in a physical tangible location
·
We can’t find professional
upmarket locations as easily as our Caucasian counterparts
·
Most events for natural hair
and beauty products are not for us and make us feel uncomfortable
·
Why don’t we have a beauty-
retail establishment where you can try,
test and chat in a friendly environment
Well this is
all set to change if Lorraine James and her @Bar business partners have their
way. They have created a one stop beauty shop for the WOC and form a platform
for the entrepreneur by providing a retail location and marketing for their
brands.
@Bar Beauty
Boutique is a store that you can walk into and test the products before buying.
We are aware that buying a product that you are not familiar with online can be
a very expensive purchase if you cannot return the product for example if the
colour match is wrong or you just don’t like the smell of a beauty product.
Join Us for an evening of
beauty shopping and cocktails!
@Bar Beauty Boutique
Launch Event at Primo Bar London Westminster
Launch Event at Primo Bar London Westminster
Join us at our launch event
@Primo Bar London in the luxurious Westminster Park Plaza on Thursday 2nd July 2015, where we will be introducing the brands which include Isa Marie
Skincare, Pooka Pure and Simple, Cake Cosmetics UK and Berry Butter.
Primo Bar will be exclusively
for women from 6-9pm and there is NO ADMISSION FEE.
·
Meet the Brands
·
Try the products. You can buy on the night
·
Enjoy a great cocktail selection for only £4!
·
Delectable delights from the Bar Food Menu
·
An amazing DJ and live music will start from 8pm
Venue
Primo Bar
PARK PLAZA WESTMINSTER BRIDGE LONDON
200 Westminster Bridge Road
London SE1 7UT
PARK PLAZA WESTMINSTER BRIDGE LONDON
200 Westminster Bridge Road
London SE1 7UT
Telephone +44 (0)20
7620 7282
Tube: Westminster or Waterloo
Tube: Westminster or Waterloo
Entrance is free (subject to
availability) RSVP is strongly advised, as seating space is limited.
@Bar are pleased to
announce that we will be opening the doors of their retail arm @Bar Beauty
Boutique on Saturday 4th July 2015.
Beauty shoppers will discover a unique beauty buying experience. Visitors will
be able to purchase natural handmade and sourced items free from harmful
chemical and parabens from some of the UK’s most talented entrepreneurs in an
intimate boutique setting.
@Bar Beauty Boutique
Next Stop Arcade
203 Lewisham High Street
London SE13 6LG
Next Stop Arcade
203 Lewisham High Street
London SE13 6LG
@Bar Beauty Boutique aim to
support and promote entrepreneurs entering the hair/beauty industry. We will do
this by giving them the opportunity by way of a platform to showcase their
products and services in a retail environment at an affordable price. If you
are an entrepreneur or small business producing a natural hair/beauty range and
want to showcase what you do or produce in the beauty boutique we want to hear from you!
Please contact us using the
email details below leaving your business details and we will send you an enquiry
form along with costs and general information.
Listings Information
Email contactbar.cp@gmail.com
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/BarLDN
Twitter https://twitter.com/BarLDN
Note to editors
For press enquiries – interviews with Lorraine James or the @Bar Team
please email contactbar.cp@gmail.com or call 07938 086 075.
-ENDS-
@Bar Beauty Boutique – For your brown beauty
needs