The upkeep for beauty routines just got simpler.
Kechia Taylor has been a part of the beauty industry for over 15 years. Starting out as an esthetician in Maryland, where she owned two spas, she knew exactly what her clients wanted: no-fuss, natural-looking, clean brows. The high demand for them drove her to micro-blading!
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Now, a licensed permanent makeup artist with 15+ certifications in permanent makeup and special techniques, Taylor has become the go-to franchise for beauty professionals who specialize in her expertise. Knowing firsthand how challenging it can be to build a beauty brand from scratch, she offers ready-made brands to professionals who are great at their craft but may lack the patience or knowledge to build a successful business from the ground up.
“With over 1000 graduates from our micro-blading training program, we offer an avenue where our students can build their beauty businesses in permanent makeup. We offer beginners and advanced courses in micro-blading, machine strokes, and ombre brows at our academy,” a statement from the site reads.
We had the opportunity to chat with the international beauty educator to learn more about Brows & Co. and what she offers other beauty professionals:
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What is your full name, preferred pronouns, and where are you from?
Kechia Taylor (she/her), and I am from Maryland.
How did you get started in the permanent makeup industry?
I have always been a beauty business owner, but one day I saw how micro-blading was changing [the lives of people who] had cancer & alopecia and decided that was the path in the industry that I [wanted] to pursue. Since I had a background in oncology, it was an easy decision for me.
What inspired you to franchise your business?
I saw how difficult it was for my [Black] students to open their own businesses and thought, ‘hey I already have a proven business with systems so why not help more people with an easier solution?’ I [have a] reputation that will help them start with a low barrier to entry.
How do you think this model will benefit other aspiring Black women beauty entrepreneurs?
It will give Black women entrepreneurs the confidence to start their beauty businesses with the support of someone who looks like them. Brows & Co. franchise model will help more Black women become franchise owners without a barrier to entry, such as having a million dollars in assets or half a million in cash to start. Also, as a franchisee, you avoid paying for ongoing education because it’s included. It’s a win-win for all of us.
What are the most important things to know as a beauty brand owner?
It’s important to know that you are in the business of serving people and transforming their lives [using] beauty [techniques]. Passion is always first. Skill can be taught, and business can be learned.
Why is it essential for you to give back in this way?
I want to see us win! I didn’t have this kind of mentorship or opportunity when I started my beauty business and, because of it, I made many mistakes, such as not having proper systems in place for financials, marketing, and organization. Everything was trial and error, which led to poor business decisions. Luckily, I found help and was able to take my business to levels I didn’t know existed for my brand. I want to help more Black women dream bigger and become a part of a corporate brand. Being able to create jobs, hire amazing talent, have access to marketing, ad agencies, and CPAs like big companies and leave the hustle and grind lifestyle behind. Brows & Co. is a team that works together for the betterment, legacy, and quality of life for Black families. I did all the hustling & grinding for us so that starting up is not complicated [for the ones coming up behind me].
What’s next for Brows & Co?
To take my brand global and help more Black women around the world become Brows & Co. Franchise owners.
Anything else you’d like to share?
According to Zippia, the most common ethnicity of franchise owners is White (71.0%), followed by Hispanic or Latino (14.3%), Asian (6.1%) and Black or African American (6.0%).