Korean BSS Topic Agains: Black-owned Entrepreneur Interviews

[faithVA]

People are NOT listening. I was asked to get a professional opinion from my aunt at civil rights and she said for people to call their State Consumer Affairs. Has ANYONE called?

And if course there's no way for people to know everything about the situation but they have decided already that they will only patronize black owned businesses. With such little knowledge of the situation, people have already made a conclusion.

White people did their research on the debit card fees BEFORE freezing their a$$es off in Zucatti park. They made themselves more aware FIRST. Now don't get me wrong. White people do some of he DUMBEST stuff too. Putting money in derivatives and wondering where your money went is just not smart. Then they're listening to Michael Moore when he says that Wall Street made derivatives complicated to confuse people out of their money. These people cabs differentiate y=2x and you put your money on it? Wars are going on in this world and people have forgotten why their fighting. This is following those same patterns.

Sent from my HTC Inspire™

Ok so I went back through the thread and followed your posts. And I do see the information you posted. I agree that more research needs to be done. I also understand that you feel people aren't listening. You won't ever get everyone to listen. But there are a few of us that are listening and trying to hash through the details.

I appreciate the details you have shared so far.

I think the discussion has been helpful though even if there is a disagreement at this point on what the root cause is.

 

[Tamster]

i look forward to all these new LHCF run BSS stores. If i ever go to new jersey, i hope JeterCrazed and TrueBeliever have impeccably run, well stocked stores.

be sure to send me your website addresses ladies!

 

[JeterCrazed]

Ok so I went back through the thread and followed your posts. And I do see the information you posted. I agree that more research needs to be done. I also understand that you feel people aren't listening. You won't ever get everyone to listen. But there are a few of us that are listening and trying to hash through the details.

I appreciate the details you have shared so far.

I think the discussion has been helpful though even if there is a disagreement at this point on what the root cause is.

I'm in the "Don't you dare add another product to your stash" challenge, so you know my participation either way will be non-existent

But seriously,

Has anybody called consumer affairs yet?

 

[faithVA]

I'm in the "Don't you dare add another product to your stash" challenge, so you know my participation either way will be non-existent

But seriously,

Has anybody called consumer affairs yet?

I really should have named the challenge that

Honestly, I have not called consumer affairs. Until you mentioned it had not thought of it as an option.

 

[TrueBeliever]

i look forward to all these new LHCF run BSS stores. If i ever go to new jersey, i hope @JeterCrazed and @TrueBeliever have impeccably run, well stocked stores.

be sure to send me your website addresses ladies!

This is just childish.

Step back for a moment and look at areas where you can effect change that are proactive rather than reactive.
Research the industry if you're interested. Talk to people who are where you want to be.
We're on the same side here. We just have different ideas about how to get to the same place.

 

[Tamster]

aww, you are right, i guess i was just getting annoyed because this conversation was so circular. dah well. back to my other thread.

 

[naturalgyrl5199]

I went to high school with lots of Egyptians, Arabs, Pakistani, Bengali, Indian.... It is not proper to call an Egyptian an Arab. It's like calling an African-American an African. Or a Bengali an Indian. Not proper.

Anyone can buy directly from Dudleys or any other distributor with the right size order. The interviewee is saying that capital isn't the problem. That's #2 where he's confused.

And in doing a lil research, I realized that I've patronized that BSS in the OP when they were in South Orange. They were 2 doors down from a Korean BSS before they decided to move to EO. I wonder y he didn't tell that story. I had no idea that it was black-owned at the time.

ETA: whether or not they want to support our communities, the fact remains that they do. They pay rent to pay property tax. They generate sales tax. They generate foot traffic to support nearby businesses. Can't count how many times I stopped at the black owned Rita's on the corner after picking up a Relaxer. Everyone is missing the bigger picture. Microeconomics is at work here.

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I got ya. This is true.... I wouldn't do that and I understand that....They DO identify as their country of origin.....I was just trying to say "Arabs" are not all Saudis.....
But more to the point: I understand your concerns. And yes, ultimately they contribute to the black community, but yet it still suffers...Microeconomics is very important. But its not enough. I think the Asian BSS's get it because many of them have taken the time to employ African Americans--in the understanding that African-Americans would like to be served by their own. They were smart enough to pick up on AA's feelings about that IMO. But I just get the feeling that our decision not to patronize the stores are not worth it. Purchasing products is not just a thing you do, its emotional. People like to feel good about the purchase they are making and where the money is going to, and WHO is their $$ benefitting...And I know you understand that...
And its not everyone's radar because everyone is busy living their lives...

But now you have a captive audience. A couple of people are interested in owning a BSS. Not everyone is. I certainly am not. I work full time as a supervising Nutritionist in my division, and then a part time college professor at night. I do consulting work on the side (including nights and weekends), and hubby and I are trying to start a family. I am just one person...and I'm sure other LHCF's have as much if not more that they juggle....But I am willing to make a conscious effort to: Find out WHERE I can patronize more black-owned BSS stores in my area and promote that. I think your ideas are on point. But tell me what the everyday citizen can do with their money and shopping habits to provoke a change? Knowing what I know I just can't patronize them any longer... I am all ears....

 

[SmilingElephant]

Hi I am just seeing this & I would like to say PLEASE DON'T BE FOOLED BY THE COLOR OF THE PEOPLE WORKING AT THE STORE!

I am a young black woman & i work in a korean owned BSS in ATL. A very popular chain. Our stores (we have several locations) are all owned by an older korean couple. All cashiers & many stock people who work directly w/the customers are BLACK! However at the end of the day we all make minimum wage while the korean owners are very rich & spend lavishly at black customers expense.

Refund/return= dont even think about it! Those ppl do not like giving customers their money back They dont care abt pissed off customers either & i've heard them laugh when a cust say they will never shop at our store again They kno they hav another location down the street that u will go to not knowin that they own that 1 too! so they are still getting ur $$ regardless.


Dont mean to rant but i used to b under the impression that some stores were black owned too until i started working there.

SUPER. BEAUTY. DEPOT by the way is DEFINITELY not black owned hun. They have 2 major stores in atl by greenbriar & south dekalb mall. i heard they started up in florida but after amassing a large debt they had to expand & create more stores in atl after stiffing some employees out of their checks.

if anybody wanna kno the real deal about these koreans i have stories 4 days!

Yea I was already informed upthread and by email.

That sounds like slavery to me. Even tho y'all get paid...it's still minimum wage! Can you say: protest? That's modern day American slavery!...I know ppl need their checks...but that couldn't be me

Hire all the Blacks to work in THEIR community and pay them minimum wage. ...no suh

 

[JeterCrazed]

I got ya. This is true.... I wouldn't do that and I understand that....They DO identify as their country of origin.....I was just trying to say "Arabs" are not all Saudis.....
But more to the point: I understand your concerns. And yes, ultimately they contribute to the black community, but yet it still suffers...Microeconomics is very important. But its not enough. I think the Asian BSS's get it because many of them have taken the time to employ African Americans--in the understanding that African-Americans would like to be served by their own. They were smart enough to pick up on AA's feelings about that IMO. But I just get the feeling that our decision not to patronize the stores are not worth it. Purchasing products is not just a thing you do, its emotional. People like to feel good about the purchase they are making and where the money is going to, and WHO is their $$ benefitting...And I know you understand that...
And its not everyone's radar because everyone is busy living their lives...

But now you have a captive audience. A couple of people are interested in owning a BSS. Not everyone is. I certainly am not. I work full time as a supervising Nutritionist in my division, and then a part time college professor at night. I do consulting work on the side (including nights and weekends), and hubby and I are trying to start a family. I am just one person...and I'm sure other LHCF's have as much if not more that they juggle....But I am willing to make a conscious effort to: Find out WHERE I can patronize more black-owned BSS stores in my area and promote that. I think your ideas are on point. But tell me what the everyday citizen can do with their money and shopping habits to provoke a change? Knowing what I know I just can't patronize them any longer... I am all ears....

Oh, yeah! I remember you now. We were talking about feritin in the other thread. See how I did I all that research on TSH and Hemoglobin? That's my style. Research and then do...

So, you ask what the everyday citizen can do with their money and shopping habits to provoke a change?
If you ask me, before they spend a dime........
THEY CAN CALL CONSUMER AFFAIRS!!!

 

[naturalgyrl5199]

Oh, yeah! I remember you now. We were talking about feritin in the other thread. See how I did I all that research on TSH and Hemoglobin? That's my style. Research and then do...

So, you ask what the everyday citizen can do with their money and shopping habits to provoke a change?
If you ask me, before they spend a dime........
THEY CAN CALL CONSUMER AFFAIRS!!!

Yes ma'am. What do I ask? What kind of info am I looking for...with respect for the cause?

 

[JeterCrazed]

Yes ma'am. What do I ask? What kind of info am I looking for...with respect for the cause?

I suggested this before, but you weren't here...
Consumer Affairs in your state will be able to tell you if complaints have been filed against ANY business operating out of that state. They can tell you if their licenses have been revoked. They can tell you the outcomes of those complaints. You will effectively know the integrity of the company you're giving your money to regardless of the race, ethnicity, age, color, religion, martial status of the owner. If there have been any complaints against any distributor, BSS, etc, they can give you record of it.

The question is, if you call and find that there aren't any complaints against these distributors, will it change your mind that Korean BSS isn't exploiting Blacks?

ETA: And if you feel that you are being charged extra for a product by a distribution company, a BSS, a hotdog stand because of your race....
CALL CONSUMER AFFAIRS!!!

 

[naturalgyrl5199]

I suggested this before, but you weren't here...
Consumer Affairs in your state will be able to tell you if complaints have been filed against ANY business operating out of that state. They can tell you if their licenses have been revoked. They can tell you the outcomes of those complaints. You will effectively know the integrity of the company you're giving your money to regardless of the race, ethnicity, age, color, religion, martial status of the owner. If there have been any complaints against any distributor, BSS, etc, they can give you record of it.

The question is, if you call and find that there aren't any complaints against these distributors, will it change your mind that Korean BSS isn't exploiting Blacks?[/QUOTE]

Hmmm...Prolly not so much. I honestly haven't had a negative encounter at an Asian BSS. But with their practices of keeping the industry on lock within their own...why would I support that? (other than your microeconomics arguement). But I will call Consumer Affairs for the information.

 

[SmilingElephant]

I suggested this before, but you weren't here...
Consumer Affairs in your state will be able to tell you if complaints have been filed against ANY business operating out of that state. They can tell you if their licenses have been revoked. They can tell you the outcomes of those complaints. You will effectively know the integrity of the company you're giving your money to regardless of the race, ethnicity, age, color, religion, martial status of the owner. If there have been any complaints against any distributor, BSS, etc, they can give you record of it.

The question is, if you call and find that there aren't any complaints against these distributors, will it change your mind that Korean BSS isn't exploiting Blacks?

ETA: And if you feel that you are being charged extra for a product by a distribution company, a BSS, a hotdog stand because of your race....
CALL CONSUMER AFFAIRS!!!

To the last question...nope. Not for me.

I say that bc of the way they handle the industry. And look at how many ppl have complaints about Asian BSS.

I understand it's about having good relationships between companies...but they are USING us to make THEM rich!

After reading in the other thread about them hiring Black ppl but payin them crap...i just can't make nice w/ that

 

[SmilingElephant]

To the last question...nope. Not for me.

I say that bc of the way they handle the industry. And look at how many ppl have complaints about Asian BSS.

I understand it's about having good relationships between companies...but they are USING us to make THEM rich!

After reading in the other thread about them hiring Black ppl but payin them crap...i just can't make nice w/ that

ETA: I meant this thread...not the other one lol

 

[JeterCrazed]

To Jetercrazed
I'm sure somebody here knows how to start a BSS if they are so inclined. If not, most places have a public library and chamber of commerce.
It's not like the information is a secret to anyone who wants to know more.

Not sure where the 2nd paragraph is going.

Oops... Didn't address the second paragraph.
Koreans get hair from India for weave. During holy holidays, Hindu women shave their hair to make puja (or prayer) and repent or sohaveyou. The Hindu temple sells that hair to the hair industry to support the temple financially. People wanted to completely go around the Koreans to get weave. Find a local temple. Have money ready. Of course it will be unwashed and unprocessed, but that's how they do it. You can wash it and dry it and use it to do microbraids or get a machine and sew your own tracks.
There are black weave specialists in NY and California who deal directly with Indians. No middle man. Sagayam is one Indian Manufacturer.
If you want hair from black people, drink a protein shake and do some protective styling.

 

[AlekHidell]

Exactly.

And, why don't the black entrepreneurs seem to have lawyers? This little hustle the Koreans got going is all kinds of illegal. I must be missing something.

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.

Just wanted to mention something about laws--that it's definitely worth doing what you can to change them at whatever level it would be helpful. An example: We're in the alcohol/wine/beer industry. In our state, there are several laws that prevent the kinds of practices discussed in this thread which is one of the reasons why we choose to open some businesses here over others. There are laws that prevent distributors from selling at different prices to different stores. So a small mom-and-pop wine shop has the same product cost as the large grocery store chain. There are also laws that prohibit business ownership at different levels of the industry. Like, one can own a retail store, but not a retail store AND a distributorship and import/export company--and the relationship distance also has to be sufficiently far apart to avoid circumventing the law (like I can't own the distributorship while dh own the stores). It's to prevent people from cornering the market. Not saying there aren't legal ways around this if you do business in several states but it's much harder to block a small business from thriving.

Sorry for the long example, but my point is that the beauty/haircare industry needs more laws to prevent the kind of monopoly the Koreans currently have going on. If they were forced at the distributor level to sell at the same price, offering the same products, and communicate in a reasonable way (English) as to create more competition and not less, things might change in the right direction. I think I read in this thread someone basically saying like "well, too bad they won't sell to you" and, well, there are so many industries where it's just not possible to conduct business that way (at the state and/or federal level). And the laws aren't created out of "fairness", but because gov't wants to see MORE business transactions not less (more business = more tax revenue, more jobs, etc.).

 

[JeterCrazed]

To the last question...nope. Not for me.

I say that bc of the way they handle the industry. And look at how many ppl have complaints about Asian BSS.

I understand it's about having good relationships between companies...but they are USING us to make THEM rich!

After reading in the other thread about them hiring Black ppl but payin them crap...i just can't make nice w/ that

And you think black people working for black businesses make more than minimum wage?
Do you to the most of your grocery shopping at Whole Foods/ Kings/Food Emporium/Wegman's/ Trader Joes?
Where do you buy your groceries?

 

[JeterCrazed]

Just wanted to mention something about laws--that it's definitely worth doing what you can to change them at whatever level it would be helpful. An example: We're in the alcohol/wine/beer industry. In our state, there are several laws that prevent the kinds of practices discussed in this thread which is one of the reasons why we choose to open some businesses here over others. There are laws that prevent distributors from selling at different prices to different stores. So a small mom-and-pop wine shop has the same product cost as the large grocery store chain. There are also laws that prohibit business ownership at different levels of the industry. Like, one can own a retail store, but not a retail store AND a distributorship and import/export company--and the relationship distance also has to be sufficiently far apart to avoid circumventing the law (like I can't own the distributorship while dh own the stores). It's to prevent people from cornering the market. Not saying there aren't legal ways around this if you do business in several states but it's much harder to block a small business from thriving.

Sorry for the long example, but my point is that the beauty/haircare industry needs more laws to prevent the kind of monopoly the Koreans currently have going on. If they were forced at the distributor level to sell at the same price, offering the same products, and communicate in a reasonable way (English) as to create more competition and not less, things might change in the right direction. I think I read in this thread someone basically saying like "well, too bad they won't sell to you" and, well, there are so many industries where it's just not possible to conduct business that way (at the state and/or federal level). And the laws aren't created out of "fairness", but because gov't wants to see MORE business transactions not less (more business = more tax revenue, more jobs, etc.).

NY is highly regulated that way with alcohol. If you're not already a distributor, you won't eve be. You buy from the same distributors at regulated prices and that's it. Bar tenders have to make drinks from prepackaged nips ONLY and they have to use the whole nip.
However, in that very same state, hair products are NOT regulated. If you want them to be, start by contacting your state senator or chamber of commerce and make the case of how much in tax revenue is brought in by that industry in that state. AFTER YOU CALL CONSUMER AFFAIRS with a list of complaints to make your case as to why regulation needs to take place. Otherwise, they will not spend money to regulate a trade that is not supporting that state's budget. Oregon will probably hang up on you. California may listen.

There is one flaw in that stance already. The definition of the word Monopoly is used to describe ONE business, not multiple business of those with the same background. The Koreans are not violating and laws regarding monopoly even if everything is true about them shutting out black BSS owners. You will have to collect data about each and every distributor to show how there is a pattern.

You can't cry, "Mom! This boy at school is picking on everybody" and he's never even been to the principal's office. You're gonna make a fool out of yourself and when he's really bothering you, your mother won't even bother.

 

[calmsensual1]

I'm already boycotting Asian owned beauty supply stores. I have been for the last decade or so.

Maybe if we go on twitter and start a hashtag #boycottasianbeautystores or something and make it trend then people will start to take notice. Maybe twitter would block it though, lol.

 

[CrueltyFree]

Hi I am just seeing this & I would like to say PLEASE DON'T BE FOOLED BY THE COLOR OF THE PEOPLE WORKING AT THE STORE!

I am a young black woman & i work in a korean owned BSS in ATL. A very popular chain. Our stores (we have several locations) are all owned by an older korean couple. All cashiers & many stock people who work directly w/the customers are BLACK! However at the end of the day we all make minimum wage while the korean owners are very rich & spend lavishly at black customers expense.

Refund/return= dont even think about it! Those ppl do not like giving customers their money back They dont care abt pissed off customers either & i've heard them laugh when a cust say they will never shop at our store again They kno they hav another location down the street that u will go to not knowin that they own that 1 too! so they are still getting ur $$ regardless.


Dont mean to rant but i used to b under the impression that some stores were black owned too until i started working there.

SUPER. BEAUTY. DEPOT by the way is DEFINITELY not black owned hun. They have 2 major stores in atl by greenbriar & south dekalb mall. i heard they started up in florida but after amassing a large debt they had to expand & create more stores in atl after stiffing some employees out of their checks.

if anybody wanna kno the real deal about these koreans i have stories 4 days!

*pulls up a chair*

 

[nisemac]

I didn't read the whole thread but it's unclear whether this proposed "buy black" challenge is a proposed boycott against Korean owned bss - or all non-black purveyors of hair care tools and products. Because the struggle to successfully own and operate a black owned beauty supply business is not just about Korean store owners and distributors.

No bss carries everything. So why aren't black bss owners stocking up on products by black manufacturers. And how does it change much if a black person takes their business away from Korean distributors and switches dependency to Chinese manufacturer's instead?

Tiye when I proposed "buying black" it really wasn't in the realm of boycotting--more of showing and exerting AA buying power.

I'm catching up on posts, but I truly believe the issue is twofold: AAs affimatively and collectively putting their money into black business first; and serious work in breaking down the ethnic barriers and communication issues between the two entities.

 

[JeterCrazed]

I'm already boycotting Asian owned beauty supply stores. I have been for the last decade or so.

Maybe if we go on twitter and start a hashtag #boycottasianbeautystores or something and make it trend then people will start to take notice. Maybe twitter would block it though, lol.

Are you saying Asian under the realization of all the Nationalities that have NOTHING to do with Korea?
I'm so glad I attended the most diverse college in the country. Starting to think being the only African American woman in Numerical Analysis and Calc III made me a better person. Where is the culture awareness. What r u doing?

Sent from my HTC Inspire™

 

[Umm Ebraheem]

I'm completely shocked about the Sally Beauty supply comment. I don't frequent Korean BSS because I chose not to spend my money that way, but it did occur to me that the Sally's chain had been bought into by them as well. I will have to do some research on the one close to my house and adjust my shopping accordingly. Thanks for posting this interview.

 

[JeterCrazed]

I'm completely shocked about the Sally Beauty supply comment. I don't frequent Korean BSS because I chose not to spend my money that way, but it did occur to me that the Sally's chain had been bought into by them as well. I will have to do some research on the one close to my house and adjust my shopping accordingly. Thanks for posting this interview.

Sent from my HTC Inspire™

 

[Umm Ebraheem]

Sent from my HTC Inspire™

I just wanted to ask what the point of this gif is. I did not read all the replies to the post and I don't usually get into things on this board, but what specifically about my post would make you respond with that gif?

 

[JeterCrazed]

I just wanted to ask what the point of this gif is. I did not read all the replies to the post and I don't usually get into things on this board, but what specifically about my post would make you respond with that gif?

The interviewee doesn't know what he's talking about and everybody keeps believing everything he's saying. Sally is American.

Sent from my HTC Inspire™

 

[Umm Ebraheem]

The interviewee doesn't know what he's talking about and everybody keeps believing everything he's saying. Sally is American.

Sent from my HTC Inspire™

I see, well in my original post I said I would do my own research. I don't generally take everything I hear or read as the truth, but it still was an interesting interview. I still don't understand why you quoted me with that gif, but to each her own. I stand by my original post that I choose where and how I spend my money and who with. There is not anything wrong with that in my opinion. It is not something I try to persuade others to do, it is my own personal preference. I don't knock somebody who wants to buy Coke instead of Pepsi when I prefer Pepsi.

Saying Sally's is American does not really mean anything. Sally's is a franchise that can be bought by anyone with enough money. That's like saying McDonald's is American. If a group of people decide they are going to buy a bunch of Sally's franchises in a certain city or over a certain geographic area is not to my knowledge against any law.

 

[Raspberry]

I see, well in my original post I said I would do my own research. I don't generally take everything I hear or read as the truth, but it still was an interesting interview. I still don't understand why you quoted me with that gif, but to each her own. I stand by my original post that I choose where and how I spend my money and who with. There is not anything wrong with that in my opinion. It is not something I try to persuade others to do, it is my own personal preference. I don't knock somebody who wants to buy Coke instead of Pepsi when I prefer Pepsi.

Saying Sally's is American does not really mean anything. Sally's is a franchise that can be bought by anyone with enough money. That's like saying McDonald's is American. If a group of people decide they are going to buy a bunch of Sally's franchises in a certain city or over a certain geographic area is not to my knowledge against any law.

Sally's isn't a franchise, it's privately owned, I looked it up... but I hear you

 

[Tamster]

Are you saying Asian under the realization of all the Nationalities that have NOTHING to do with Korea?
I'm so glad I attended the most diverse college in the country. Starting to think being the only African American woman in Numerical Analysis and Calc III made me a better person. Where is the culture awareness. What r u doing?

Sent from my HTC Inspire™

Girl... bye.

 

[JeterCrazed]

I see, well in my original post I said I would do my own research. I don't generally take everything I hear or read as the truth, but it still was an interesting interview. I still don't understand why you quoted me with that gif, but to each her own. I stand by my original post that I choose where and how I spend my money and who with. There is not anything wrong with that in my opinion. It is not something I try to persuade others to do, it is my own personal preference. I don't knock somebody who wants to buy Coke instead of Pepsi when I prefer Pepsi.

Saying Sally's is American does not really mean anything. Sally's is a franchise that can be bought by anyone with enough money. That's like saying McDonald's is American. If a group of people decide they are going to buy a bunch of Sally's franchises in a certain city or over a certain geographic area is not to my knowledge against any law.

The thud was about the spread of rumors. Like that one...
http://www.sallybeauty.com/Sally-Stores/CS_SALLY_STORES,default,pg.html#FranchiseInformation

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