A majority of Asian bss are in black populated areas....therefore the thefts are being done by black people. lol I shop at a bss and they dont pay me any attention.. I think after a few visits and they remember your face they let their guard down. I'm black and I'd watch everyone in general, but its sad to say that there are black people out there that are firm believers in the 5 finger discount. I've been in a black bss and the owner there told me that he has to keep an eye on black people too.
bss prices are higher because they can't get the items for the same price. a bss owner may have one store where the asian owner may own 10 or more, and can competitively negotiate better prices for the same products. although this economy is still quite difficult, i try to buy what i can from the bss rather than the others, even if it means paying a little more. we have to learn to support black owned business. and maybe one day, they will be able to compete with the asian businesses.
I agree with Apriluv7779. If I go in those stores its only to buy earrings. I find the prices for hair supplies I use better at Drugstores and discount stores. The BSS carry a larger variety of products generally but I just can't go in those stores. Most of them have so much fake hair either wigs and weaving hair all over the place it looks like a sea of self hate to me. Not saying wearing fake hair equals self hate its just seeing so much of it in one place and their attitudes are the worse
I have been boycotting Asian owned beauty supply stores for years! That take money from our community and live a lavish lifestyle with our money without investing into our community. To add insult to injury, they are often nasty!
Love ya hair and SHIRT!;-) I looked at MrsZeaky's video and I totally experienced disparity of such. I dont like to be looked at as a thief and just dished out about$50 at your store. Its ashame! Thanx for sharing this beautiful!
Seems like you had a bad day. Next time go in the shops with a smile on your face. Do not let a few beauty shop bring you down. Online shop shopping is great way to get your hair supplies. Be positive and have a great weekend.
Asian beauty supply stores are usually located in really low income areas theft can be pretty frequent. These thieves have ruined it for the rest & you just have to accept that. Until such thievery stops, it will always be a problem for them. I go in, get what I need and get out. They are not stopping me from buying what I need to buy. You may not be the one whose stealing, but other people are. How are they suppose to know who is stealing and who is not? I wouldn't take it so personally.
I think we should just stop buying from asian beauty supply stores. EVERY one that I have been to (in my area and away) have been the same in terms of treatment smh.... I mostly buy my hair products from drug stores, walmart/target, or Sallys. And I noticed that the quality and prices are sometimes better, esp. at the drug stores.
i support black own beauty supply stores only dont mind spending the extra money to get respect. plus most of tge products in asian bss are not authentic, just becareful about that.(im a former beautican)
I totally agree..........with everything. I had found a bss that I really liked, where I was not treated that way, but then there was this guy i had never seen before literally following me so closely he was in my PANTS.......i went and told the owner i would not be back................they may have good deals, but i'm boycotting. anything i want i will gladly spend a lil more elsewhere. got more to say, but it makes me angry.,.................
We need to support our own instead of being cheap. If we did that then Black BSS prices wouldn't be high and that money would be in OUR community. I don't see a plethora of non-Asians owning and profiting off of Asian restaurants. So I don't understand why we have to be all post racial about OUR hair industry that we consume, but don't see none of the profits. Their profiting off of us, while treating us like shit. And this is a WORLD WIDE phenomena.
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
WHAT IS THIS VIDEO REALLY ABOUT?
.I just wasted 14 minutes of my life waiting to hear some evidence of "racial disparity". I HEARD NONE!!
You talk about how the store owners "sit above everybody" so they can see what's going on in THEIR stores! If a store owner has had incidences of thefts they will do whatever it takes to protect their merchandise. That includes asking you to check your bags! You and all the others will be shopping there AGAIN next week! I guarantee this!!!!
@lakeis3 You sound very angry.....why? Is expressing ones opinion or experience a crime? The title was posed as a question for discussion, and judging by almost everyone of the comments below they have experienced this 'disparity' while shopping in some of these stores. So need for your adversarial commentary no one is arguing here.
@lakeis3 It is against the law to check someones belongings without seeing them stealing. I have been mistreated and have done nothing nor intended to go anything wrong. BTW I have not returned because I do not invest my money into a place that treats me like a criminal. If business fears theft, maybe you should not be in business or invest in a good surveillance camera how about insuance?
The reason black owned beauty supply stores have to charge higher prices is because it is harder for them to make a profit. Because a vast percentage of the distributors are Asian they don't like to deal with black owned business. This is a perfect example of letting our dollar work for us. Just like we boycotted buses we need to boycott some beauty supply stores. I worked for a Black owned BSS and I am sad to say after many years they had to go out of business because they could not compete.
@latia4u I actually agree with this. I purchased most of my items online from black owned stores (i.e. qhemet biologics, orin handmade products, etc.) When I started going natural, I started looking for black owned businesses where I could get items direct as oppose to buying at Asian owned stores. I hear the Asian distributers won't even sell products to black owned stores. Items I can't get from black owned stores online, I get from Walmart.
i know exactly where you're talkin about.. and i always wondered the same thing! but that store has good bargains and has everything a beauty supply should have!
The dynamics in these stores are interested. I am not certain if they even discriminate based upon the shade of our blackness. This could be something that's been happening also. The lighter someone is the better they get treated. Also, you brought up a good point about the attire.
Not shopping at a black-owned business because the prices are higher is a big part of the reason for why Black-owned business can't get to the point where they can reduce their prices. The Asians are super good at cooperating to accomplish a common goal: always keeping their eyes on the big picture. If the tables were turned, a conscious Asian person would gladly pay the extra knowing that they are contributing to THEIR common good. Black folks haven't figured that out yet.
I don't shop in places where disrespect of Black folks is routine. Why would anyone continue to spend their money with a business that can't even act like they understand that you don't have to shop there. Or perhaps they know that as soon as the complaining is over you'll be back in there to buy more of their junk. . . WHAT?!!M WHAT?! WHAT!!? ;-) )) Don't shop there period.
Awesome video Splinta! I live in the east end of the city and have the opportunity to shop at Discount Beauty Supply Mississauga location. Let me tell you why I consider them good to do business with. They're prices are very competitive and they are now carrying a good selection of natural hair products. The people that work at this location are very friendly and always helpful, maybe because it's smaller? Anyhow girlfriend; if your ever in the area check em out.
I agree with you, I have been a few times with my friend she buys a lot of wigs, I think they look down on black people, I observe how sometimes they follow certain people, and the dynamics of how they are situated higher, like you said, says a lot, they don't trust the black customers, I get it some people steal, some have bad attitudes, which sets the tone for the rest of us, but I have never felt comfortable there, I don't like Asian owned beauty supply stores.
im gonna play devils advocate here. coming from a person that used to live in nyc, they ALWAYS check bags. not so much at kings plaza but if you go downtown brooklyn or any random store uptown they check bags because people do steal....ALOT LOL. and i now live in Boston and the BSS i go to are extremely helpful and pleasant. i cant say that they ever treated me differently because of my race. its awful that they do that in other parts of the country.
I went into one today. It has been atleast two years since I have been to one... so I went in there today...and the man behind the counter just looked and me...didnt greet me ...didnt smile... didnt do anything!... so I was already like well...wtf?...I wlaked around and was about to buy some stuff and walked up to the counter and he just stood there...I just turned around..put the items I picked up back up and walked out.
The asian BSS never want to exchange or refund your money. The golden hot curling iron i purchased did not have a smooth barrel so i took it back and was told to use the manfac warranty...for a curling iron!!! I can't remember if they gave me my money back or exchanged it. (it's been a while since the happened). But since then i never buy any appliances from them.
Also the black owned BSSs probably charge ridiculous prices so that they can break even. Koreans RUN that world and they are not going make easy for US to get in. Btw your hair looks cute ... Love the t-shirt.
This nonsense happens all over N America unfortunately. :( it's a shame that in billion dollar industry that we as black people who contribute to those billions don't reap the benefits as owners in the beauty supply industry. I feel this is by design. I am passionate about beauty supplies... I.e. Product junkie- but the only way this changes is if there is more ownership. Of course by design it is difficult to break into BSS. Capital reigns supreme in that world. The only way they (Asians) make
I recently went to a BSS here in Saint Petersburg Florida name Beauty depot. This was my first visit and what I found was shocking to me. Just as you described every girl working the floor was young and black and they have some kind of platform where the asians oversee the floor and control the cash register. It was very uncomfortable. They didn't treat me in any kind of way but I know as soon as I went in there the setup was unsettling. I haven't been back.
I have one "African" BSS in my area as well.......the rest Asian owned. The African BSS has rediculous prices on most stuff. Also, the owner is very rude, not at all helpful, and acts like everyone walks in is stealing! The Asian BSS on the other hand has reasonable prices, but they are very in your face and sometimes annoying. Two extremes.........
Bwoy, duppy know who fi frighten fi true. The problem is some BSS owners set these standards and the patrons don't question them so they become fixed. If this were to happen in a different raced neighborhood and the patrons questioned and challenged their service and standards, believe me it would change. I understand the problem with competitive prices but I would rather buy products online or go anywhere else where I am paying for not only product but excellent customer service.
It really is a shame that we feel like our choices are slim in terms of where we spend our money to purchase our haircare items. I have had the same experience in my city (Raleigh NC), when I go home to visit my family ( Brooklyn NY) and in many other cities. It's like the owners know they have us by the bra strap (so to speak) and think they can treat customers any kind of way. I don't spend my money anywhere where they watch me or treat blacks with rudeness.
. . . I stopped because I do not see the sense of complaining of the treatment I recieved in these shops while paying them. That is telling them that I am ok with this and I accept this behaviour. I dont like it when they do it to me or any other person of my race. it shows blatent disrecpect. And why would they respect us-they have completly dominated an economy for black people and we just say OK. I could not open a halal meat shop and have asain people as my main clientele-it wouldnt happen
There is something going on here. Im based in the UK and the same things is happening hair. The majority of black hair shops are owned by asains. The few black owned hair shops are more expensive then the asain owned shops. And they tend to have a lot less products avaliable in their store. There has to be a reason why they prices vary. Maybe because they are struggling starting out. Im not sure, but to be honest ive stopped buying from all black hair shops anyway. I get my things online . . .
That's crazy Splinta...even there in Toronto the floors are raised and they step up and look over counter. The BSS's are the same here in San Francisco, Oakland and throughout the Bay Area.
I have worked in the retail and wholesale for many years. And the one thing that I know is that there is one price for black business and other races when it comes to beauty supply. We have to go to the source and not to the distribution centers that they have set up for us to spend more money. GO AROUND THEM!!!!
Great topic! I'm sitting on the fence on this one. Although I do think it's a shame that we allow them to dominate a market that we should clearly be running..... the only beauty supply store I have been disrespected in was a black/jamaican owned one. *smh*
BTW the Asian one only employs Haitian girls - high school girls - who get really pissy if you do not accept their assistance - but being pretty savvy about what I want and where it is - I don't need any help - I found that when I had altercations with them the Asian management just wound up having another altercation with them - which made me feel for the young girl made to hustle while they sat up on that glass counter pedestal - I avoid BSS unless I am really looking for something -
Obviously this is a national trend here in the states - I'm in Florida - South Orlando Pine Hills is mostly Middle Eastern owned places but they are ran in the same manner - they take care of shop and register - Black girls unpack, run the floor, give assistance - the only Asian one I was going when I was relaxed gave me issues based on how I was dressed - so I no longer go there - if I went "after work" and spent $100 no drama - but in shorts and flip flops I got tudes - viva Walmart Target!
Yea this topic REALLY BOILS MY NOODLES!! I hate to even think about it because it'll take forever to reach all the black people that shop in these stores to refrain and venture out to the very few black owned BSS stores available. WHAT DO WE DO? We CAN DO SOMETHING! BOYCOTT ASIAN BSS's!!! We really can start a movement especially via youtube, reach out to your fellow vloggers and SPREAD THE WORD TO THE MASSES!! This includes boycotting Sally's as well.
@MusicLova84 That's the thing, can we get black people to leave these shops alone? I understand when people say that the Black owned BSSs are more costly, however, other races will patronize their own no matter what. They do not let the difference of pennies deter them from supporting their own people. This is how they keep their communities strong and thriving.
@hnygirl979 (to continue) They keep their eye on the larger picture which is financial independence even if it costs them a few more pennies in the short run. You better believe that even if you were selling egg foo young for a dollar cheaper they would not bring their business to you, because they are trying to build community. And this is not just with Asian people but most cultures. We (at least in America, because of our unique slavery history) must overcome adversity and do the same.
@hnygirl979 Exactly. And i think we can get black people to leave these shops, but it takes COMMITMENT to the cause and TIME. We can start off by telling every woman we know and they in turn can spread the word. Also via youtube, all these subscribers that vloggers have can really make a difference little by little. It takes ambition! Challenge yourselves to stay out of BSS as you use up ALL the products you have now while we develop a plan of action. Vloggers should do a "Avoid BSS challenge".
Splint, you have really started a great conversation about something that seems to be happening all over. I live in Newark/East Orange, NJ USA and I never gave much thought to the fact that this treatment happens to Black people all over. All I know is I AM NOT GOING TO SHOP WHERE I AM NOT TRUSTED!!! I do not check my bags and I am not about to start. I decided that a long time ago. If I am to patronize your business you have to trust that I am a worthy customer.
@staras00 You are so right, staras00. The Beauty Supply industry is controlled by the Koreans and it is almost impossible for any other nationality of people to break into that business (even white folks!) Like you said, Black people don't have ownership and are beholden to the prices they are charged by the Korean wholesaler. It is very difficult for them to stay in business.
I went to the BSS and accidentally bought the wrong product. I realized it when I got to the car and went back into the store to exchange it. The lady tried to give me a hard time to exchange the product even though she was the person that cashed me out. SMH. I always thought it was funny that all the employees in the Asian owned BSS are black women. Not once has an Asian person helped in the BSS I go to. I guess Asians know nothing about our hair and just want our money. Sad.
I have that gold n hot heat cap for abt 10 years now. Its pretty good.
I use the hair therapy wrap now though. you heat up gel packs and insert into a turbie twist kinda contraption.... I LOVE IT. plus no cord so i can go about doing what I need to do.
That store is whakkk Splinta ... sheesh take ur money elsewhere if you can.
also sorry but has anyone also noticed that these stores seperate the "black products" fromt he white "products"? in the store there is this big shelf seperating and when a black person goes on the otherr side the shop owners stare at you so its like you have to stay on your side of the barrier
in the uk the same thing happens when you are browsing around they begin to follow you around the shop i also agree that meany of the black owned stores in the uk are not making it big because of there prices but when you talk to them about it they call you cheap and its why they dont even last a year
I hate the BSS because of this same reason..so I choose not to ever shop at any of the stores that are rude and disrespectful. I found only one of many in my area that is actually nice and treat you with respect. If you dont absolutely need the product..DONT BUY IT. I found that comparing prices with other stores, not all the BSS is cheap.
I hate it. Ever wonder why this has happened? previously these were owned by white people. How the asians got into this beauty market and they can't identify is beyond me. I guess as long as we let it happen they will continue. And yea I have black owed beauty supply near me who over charges as well
I live in the south and the asian bss owners here act the same way. a friend of my sisters returned something the next day that had broke and the bss owner DID NOT want to take the item back! they want our business but the way they watch you as if you're going to steal something gets on my nerves!
There is a lot of racism in the BSS business. As hnygirl979 said, Koreans dominate the industry and they do not respect black people - they criminalize all their black customers and are openly rude toward them. After I observed and experienced some disturbing encounters in more than a few of these stores I stopped patronizing them completely. If i can't find a product in a drugstore, Target, Whole Foods, etc. then I'll just buy it online. I will not give money to people who hate me.
@asmeik30 Yes, I just refuse to give these types of stores my business. We have to be respected. We must also respect ourselves and understand that we do not have to do business with these people who treat us like animals. Especially today with all the online stores!
Thanks for addressing this in England their is one shop and they have a men at the entrance of the door standing on a chair watching and I refused to go into these shop yet you see other people going in.. If you get more people stop going into these shops they will have more respect...
I've went through the same kind of stuff too. It's sad how those stores are all up in your neighborhood and treats you like crap! They gets away with it because there's no other stores that sells the stuff they sell cheaper Like you said the BO business trying to get all your money just for one item, so You not going back there. It's sad
I understand your frustration with not having any competitors ..but the most efficient way to see change is through action.take your money elsewhere and tell 10 other people that care about where there money goes..I dont shop at Abercrombie..i dont buy Tommy Hilfiger..Liz Claiborne and I really try not to knowingly by P&G goods..there is power in money so people have to decide whats more important a lower price or good service? Sometimes I go without until the buy is worth my money and dignity
Splinta24, the sad truth about this situation is that by continuing to patronize these businesses, we are tacitly encouraging them to continue treating us in such disrespectful ways. However, I ,too, feel that I have no choice.
at a gas station, I was dressed for work (teacher) and this other young lady was NOT, but the way he treated her gave me an ATTITUDE! He was from the middle east, and when I said I had an attitude, eye rolling, put the money on the counter....took my change from him like it was dirty, nose up in the air atttitude, cause he treated the other sista like she was lower than dirt! And he had the never to try to talke to me....I get pissed every time I think about it. I don't buy -ish from there now!
I really dislike going in the beuaty supply store's here in MS . We have asian own beauty supply stores here also. I find it very wierd though they will watch you come in the door and have the only black lady that works there watch you shop. Of course my hair is puffy and all so they are definately going to single me out. I will say don't come to me with that bs. I get what I came in for and leave. I try to shop at walgreens and sally's , sally's is a whole different story.
It happens here in Nebraska too.Thank goodness I'm natural.I don't shop at these stores at all.Yep,raised cashier stands here too.They don't carry any pure oils or really natural products.I used to stare at them until they moved away or looked away.Or,I'd keep asking them questions.Things like this really IRK me.Black owned businesses can't be competitive with them.I get hair gel from Sally's and make my own hair product line.
at the bss and not even restricted to beauty supply stores, im always followed. its very annoying. sometimes i just play along and follow them back or ill just keep asking them for every single thing that i want to pick up from the store and they will get it for me lol. I find it really sad that because of my race(looking younger is also a factor), im automatically labeled as a thief or criminal in such places of business.
@holenote8 i also would like to add that for me, being followed or watched while shopping happens at local beauty supply stores along with sally's or rite aid....it happens a lot. im from south jersey
The problem with those types of businesses consumers patronize them. If I am not getting adequate customer service I will not give my hard earned money for horrible customer service or company who can careless if I patronize the business. If I am going to get better service from the black owned BSS although more expensive I'd rather patronize it. I understand why the items in the black owned BSS cost more...check out BOBSA here on YouTube for more info. (Part 1)
I agree with you! Here in the states, those stores are the same. They hire the African American girls/guys to work there. There was one I use to go to that had a couple of African American girls actually working behind the counter. I was a little shocked at first. However, I am sure that if anything came up missing, the girls would be up for immediate question. The owners and management have always been known for following "US" around in those stores where I live. Discrimination!!!
I completely understand your frustration with the racial disparity in asian owned beauty supply stores and actually havent been shopping from those stores ever since I stopped buying weaves from them and started to grow/take care of my own natural hair. Now I just use all natural oils from organic grocery stores and just follow a good diet or buy the little products I need from giant, target or elsewhere. Its really not worth it and I refuse to encourage racism.
I was going to buy this heat cap until I read the reviews none of them were good. They all a common factor the the cap not not staying hot and/or shutting off. Sally's has them for 32.99. There are other places on the web like Amazon who has them for 17.99 and up but the shipping is ridiculous, just as much as the cap itself costs. I await your review on the cap.Thanks!!
Unfortnately this is EVERYWHERE not just in toronto BSS. i lived in Essex county NJ, NY, VA, MA, EUROPE, n still the same. not just the BSS, watever type of store dem own (ex. corner store),,,they treat u the same way. Sad but true...last time I was in JA (spanish town) BSS, its not even a store...ppl just catch up at the door way and scream wha dem want to the employees which are locked behind BIG STEEL BARS. whateva u purchase dem slide thru de bars...it is wat it is...me nuh business!
whites don't deal with this, but again all w do is fall for the okay-doke. I shouldn't have to wear a business suit to buy some damn hair products. I don't buy from them. Like Martin keep your dollar damn the walk!
The black beauty supply stores here in nyc are expensive, and the asian owned ones jump to conclusions...and the asians are ALWAYS the ones manning the register. I stopped shopping at beauty supply stores a while ago, and once in a while I go to sallys, I can't be bothered with nonsense, because I have 0% patience.
Love this video!!... U r so right...they ALL have this elevated counter like their looking 'down' on us and they know that they corner the entire market so where else can you go? besides a retailer store!...i dont think u need the hutieful steamer either...
It could just be an asian owners thing. They do the same in the UK follow you round the shop even their kids spy on you while your shopping. There are 2 asian shops where I live and one follow you like hawks the other the staff have manners and often leave you alone while they are in the stock room. As for Black owned shops they often buy from asian suppliers who purposefully inflate their prices to disadvantage non asian black beauty suppliers.
In Italy in Asian owned stores they normally stay at your back, like hawks, I do not like this, but it must be in their culture to be so suspicious in stores... They behave like that with everybody, without distinctions. Last time I remarked in a quite loud voice that I feel uncomfortable when they do that and that I would not go back there, I am a customer, not a thief.
Apart from that, I try to understand and not judge immediately different cultural behaviours, they all are interesting to me.
We have tons of choices, and that what is great about online stores. I can't stand that kind of treatment, and I will do without until I can find a place that treats its customers with respect. Thats whats great about being natural, they are going to start getting less and less of our dollars.
I absolutely hate going in certain BSS because I KNOW I'm being watched. It is so irritating. There is a black owned one that opened up and I was so excited to shop there, but there were not many products to choose from and everything seemed overpriced! I'm hoping the longer she is in business the more competitive the prices will get.
OH MY I'm reading some of the comments n WOW. Well I have been watched, followed and have seen the theft pics on the door. I'm from VA but my worst experience was in Baltimore MD. This is when I was followed she was trying to act like she wanted to help but just wanted to watch us. Really nasty when we checked out. My friend used her card n she was like Id (with her hand out) Not can I see your id. Then looked at it for a good two minutes before she gave it back. Oh my I thought my friend was
I am sorry that this happened to you or made you feel uncomfortable. No kind of racial profiling is ever fair and everyone needs to understand this and live by the golden rule of life.
This is exactly why I don't give those stores the time of day. The stores that act disrespectful lose business, and this is why we need to support good black-owned (Zipporah Beauty, Blended Beauty, Donna Marie, etc) businesses. A lot of times some of those stores think they're doing us a favor. Luckily not all of the BSS are disrespectful, but the majority are.
...(to add) I have for the most part never been treated unfairly in the sense of blatant disrespect, but I always feel like I am being watched in BSS. As to whether it's b/c I am black, I can't say for sure but I wouldn't be surprised. However, when we think about it BSS sell a lot of ethnic products so who do they expect as their clientele, but black ppl. I just feel they should always treat ppl. accordingly and with respect b/c it is after all a business.
I REFUSE!!!to go into any store that I have to check my bag... are their effin crazy. I use to have to do that back in the "old days" in Mount Vernon, NY back in the 90s.. how degrading.... I dont see this anymore..good. Besides that these policies they have are ridiculous.. it really is so so sad that these "ma and pa" stores are going out of business but at least walmart you don't have to be followed and you can get your money back. Sometimes I do feel sorry about going to walmart over them
We have the same problem in Britain. The majority of BSS owned by Asians. They do not employ any Black African or Caribbean women. If they employ black women they are never on the cash desk. In some stores they watch and follow customers around like they are thieves. A lot of these stores got looted and burnt down in the English city riots because of their treatment of black customers. The owners of these stores do not live or shop in the areas that their stores are located.
I live in the Bronx, NY and in all of the BSS stores here you have to check your bags (even in the little boutique mom & pop stores and the 99cent stores). The majority of the ppl. are either black or hispanics in the BX. In most BSS they have pictures of ppl who stole from the store and got caught and unfortunately they are mostly black. As a black person it hurts me to see this, but it does not justify asian, etc. cashiers treating me unfairly b/c of it, if I am spending my money.
We have 1 BSS here and the many complaints have reach the local newspaper so this BSS has lost most of its business. 1 policy being you MUST purchase a $1 stocking cap to try on wigs....OK! but you can ONLY try on 2 wigs per visit, if there is a wig sale you CAN NOT try on ANY of he wigs, this is just 1 of the crazy policy they have enforced, too many to mention. I read the comments on the 1st cap you showed & understood were the problem came. I think I want this new cap. Thanks
by the way,i have a asian owned beauty supply store that i frequent and i have been so lucky to have not experienced the racial under tones that some of these places exhibit. they are very courteous and helpful. they are that way with all there customers. unfortunately they dont carry all the products i would like but they do have a large majority of my staple products and i am very happy with the service. and some of the blk owned businesses in my area are overpriced too girl. its ashame.
i had the same blowdryer cap and i used it for my hair when i had waist length locs and it worked great! since i cut off my locs in dec and i am natural and free i noticed that the darn thing just didnt work for me anymore. i started to write you and tell you to get the electric one like the 1 that i use now but since your hair is longer than mines i figured it might work for you...lmao! NOT! lol! wish i counld but i cant take my blowdryer one back...had it for 11 ys now...lmao!
the asian owners are sweet hearts..literally, when I go in they ask about my girls, how are they in school..they dont stalk you! I love that place..so welcoming! but they are different because most asain bss are not that way..btw, the black owned bss went out of buisness....
so sad! we had a black onwd bss and his prices were 1- 1.50 more than the asian ownwd. and on the bigger items sometimes almost 10! and when you would tell him, he ( the black man) would say that the asian store was selling fakes..WTW..fake hair gease..do I look that stupid! I was s o annoyed because I wantedto support him, but he was treating us, his customers, like fools... I go to the asain one and the owner is a doll! he and his wife know their customers..
Splinter I hear you, I live in the UK went to a Local BSS I was quickly reminded why I haven't been in these places for years, I hadn't even put my foot in the door before I was followed around then when they saw I was ready to pay and had a list with me they switched to being over-helpful. I left with a minimum purchase and will order the rest on-line. I was not dressed in my work just my lounging gear. The next day I went back dressed up and guess what a completely different service
I've been in those stores before but try my best not to go into them now!!!! I just don't like the idea of going in a store that sells black products and the owners are not black. It just seems like a scam. Not saying I haven't been in them before. If I want something I go to Walmart, Walgreens or Sally's. They cater to all races.
I do not even go close to these stores because I just can't deal with the blatant racism and disrespect. I would rather order online or go to a Sally's or whatever. I haven't been to one of these stores in over five years!
Girl, do not apologize for this foolishness. I am grateful that you recommended it to me. I wasn't gonna put up with that kind of foolishness and in the end I did get better treatment and got what I wanted.
I was not about to let them or anybody look down on me, I don't care who they think they are or what they think of me.
The asian lady seemed friendly after she realized I was gonna buy a whole bunch of stuff.....what kind of mess is that? Anyway, worked out in the end. Thanks Splinta!
I live in the UK London and it's the same here,black hair stores are mostly owned by Asians and the black owned ones are way more priced or their stock is very limited.
Black BS owners need to do like the asians and move like a cartel. Their prices are sometimes cheaper than Walmart. Why? Because they move as one and then divvy up the products for sale. Their into survival as a whole and not me-one-only mentality. I paid $70 for Luster's protein treatment because I wanted to support the Black BS nearby. It was painful, but I did it for our good. Plus they have good customer service.
First cool shirt! I love it! I from Detroit and the Asians here sometimes treat
blacks like we are an pest to them. It is stupid and horrible because they are making their money off of us. They do not have these businesses in the suburbs with whites. They have cornered the market and extremely upsetting. I REFUSE to go somewhere were they treat me rudely. I would go ham on them in a minute! Blacks dont go in their neighborhood and sit up stores.
I usually frequent a BSS on Kingston road, in Scarborough. It's black owned and they are always helpful. I refuse to support the other nationalities because of the treatment. Since I've started taking better care of my hair, I purchase my things online, or get family to ship things for me. I feel like telling these owners, "I put clothes on your back, and food in your mouth. The least you can do is respect me." I don't tolerate nonsense.
People complain that black owned online stores are more pricey but the same folks are spending hundreds on MAC make up tho...lol. We have better options online and at other stores now a days then to be stuck lining the pockets of Asain BSS.
I refuse to shop at Asian BSS! They have zero respect for blk people and is sucking our communities dry. All those products in your last video are available at Walmart (minus the shelf dust). I really wish we would all support black owned stores online or on the ground.
I find Discount Beauty on Eglinton which is black owned charges reasonable prices and I usually swing by when I make a Randy's run. I have been to BSW on a few occasions and have never had an issue. I did feel like they were following me once and I started following the person who I thought was following me. I think they figured out what I was doing and left me alone. There is also an African owned I guess I have to call it haberdashery in Lawrence Sq that is also reasonable.
@taleeni I love Ms.Palmer (owner) @ Discount she is so wonderful and pleasant and her prices are competitive. Whenever I'm in the area I shop there......but it's just that I'm seldom close to there! ......and of course yes always make the Randy's run too :)....haven't been to Lawrence square in a minute!
i h8 that store at keele n sheppard....i found one in scarb the prices are not the best but i prefer their service and since i save on gas it works out to be the same...been switching to organic products so get most my stuff at the whole food store
Its impossible for Black owned BSS's to compete with Asian BSS's on prices because the asians own the black hair market. Because so much of our hair products are made in parts of asia(including weave) they mark up prices to non asian owned bss's to put them out of business. They often times refuse to sell products to non asian owned bss owners smh
I live in Houston, Tx and there are beauty supply stores on every corner, there are four within 2 miles of my house. I have a favorite one because the people do speak and say hello when you enter the store but the store is always busy so no one has ever followed me around. They will come and ask if you need help with anything but not in a "I'm watching you kind of way" It does happened to be owned by Asians, pretty much all of the bss here are but there are a few black girls who work there.
yeah its crazy all the bss r run by them where i live.. i have not been in a black own one yet i cant travel all over the world to find them and the one around my house only have one black person working in there and that's the one who check ur bags everyone else on the floor is hispanic smh..... i had to get my hair dryer from my pharmacy to make i would get my money back if something happen NOW thats crazy
I would rather support the black own stores but they really dig big holes in my pocket so i go where i get it cheaper in these hard trying times.....LOL
I have been to that BSS several time never really had any bad experience with them. But up to yesterday I went there to check the kinky curly since you said they carry it and i was telling my sis y the black girls are always on the floor and not doing cash. NE ways I didnt get the Not Today because i get it alot cheaper somewhere else which is owned by WHITES in a little posh salon at Rosedale. No black ppl work there but everyone is on a leveled floor.
Hey splints, I didn't really read all the other comments but I live in Brampton and I go to their Brampton location and I to have felt like they r on a high like the Black people can't touch their register BUT more recently I have seen a black girl cashing people out and I was soo surprised... In terms of black owned beauty supply stored the problem is when they open it Is a very small location and they can't afford to buy the volume of products that these Asian owned business's buy so they don
rostrom lololol that was funny girl you are really pissed, but where i live the same thing happens because our black people steal, they put stuff up their crotches and stuff like that and the sales girls steal for their men, its trash but all 'blacks' are judged the same way as thieves its a two edged sword as i see
I completely understand Splinta. I am all too familiar with these experiences. I frequent local bss on a weekly or biweekly basis and the level of disrespect is very apparent. However, I have seen disrespect towards bss employees from customers too, esp from our young ladies. I know those experiences has made it bad for the rest of us who expect exceptional customer service. Also, they REALLY DO NOT want to exchange AT ALL!!
i find that even in Jamaica the wholesales are the same, the Asian, Chinese and Syrians has this tendency to want sit high and watch (it make me feel uncomfortable) but i guess the difference is when a girl (downtown or other) feels like she's getting the racial treatment or "the chiney man" a try rob her, shi will trace. Sounds like the Bacra system still and imagine they are taking your money, haffi shake mi head, it sad.
This is common probably everywhere. I live in East Orange, New Jersey, USA. You are watched when you go in these Asian BSSs. The get our money but do not respect us as consumers. The thing about the Black BSSs is that the Asians have the market cornered on this industry (saw a documentary on this very subject). The Koreans have this market locked down. People of other races have little chance to make it in this business. This is why the Black BSSs have to charge more. This is sad.
@hnygirl979 Thank you! I watched it last night. The fact that the Koreans choose who to sell product to based on whether or not they're Asian is a mess! And think of the mark up when they do decide to sell to blacks! No wonder black bss charge more. Smh.
Okay, I'll say it, Korean owned beauty supply stores. In Georgia they're very careful, they play black music in the stores, don't follow us around, and chat it up with customers. They know who buys the expensive weave. Also, there was a documentary done on these businesses, and the truth is that the Koreans have complete control over the channels of distribution. Asa result, it is near impossible for a Black person to open one of these retail stores.
I stopped shopping at the Asian beauty supply stores years ago, due to them treating "us" like trash and having nasty attitudes! As much money as "we" all spend on hair products, If we all boycotted together and completely stop shopping in their stores, we could put them all out of business!
I have strong feelings on this matter. I refuse to subjugate myself and support any businesses that don't respect me or other black people, whether they be Black, White, Asian owned, it doesn't matter. It's like paying for discrimination. No thanks. We do have a choice. I either shop at Sally's, buy online if I have to, go to Whole Foods, Trader Joe's and Target. If I can't get a product at any of these places, I don't need it.
Thanks for this vid Splinta. When I use to live in Toronto I experienced the same thing. From the moment you enter they are starring you down and talking about you in their language. And then when you go to pay- it's nothing but attitude. That's one of the reasons why I went natural- don't have to deal with all that crap. I know live in Calgary and I now buy my beauty supplies at the Organic stores or Walmart :) Great video girl :)
@pinkaddiction13 well damn. can black people live in peace ANYWHERE? white people have no idea how fortunate they are not having to ever worry about racism.
same happened to me but where I live I guess they think all people steal, cause I was reading the ingredients on an item and didn't like it so I put it back and got what I usualy get and after I paid for it I went to my car, long behold before I shut the door she came to my car and ask me wheres the item I had , so I had to go back inside and show her and she smiled and said oh I not say you steal item I was like what ever and told her all people don't steal
I think we for get that, WE HAVE THE POWER NOT THEM. I stopped going to all of the Asian BBS, not because I was treated wrongly but because I saw them treating this lady horribly in front of me. I felt so bad for her. I put my stuff down and never went back. They have no respect for us at all. I shop, in drugstores, Wal-mart, Target, Sally's BBS and online. Between all of those, there are an abundance of products.
cont... they seem to paint all blacks with the same brush and their grocery stores no 1 speaks a word of english i find them very money grabbing but no service.
I notice the same thing in all 3 locations that i have been to I've at keele & shepherd & hwy & county crt & dudas & hwy 10 and it's all the same thing, funny enough it is the only business that asian owns that hires black ppl because they know that they don't know anything about our hair & they also see that we are the biggest market & they see $ signs even the nails they are all behind & the patrons all black. I prefer to go Discount beauty supply black owned @ dundas & hwy10
I loathe going in those stores! They watch you like a hawk like you're gonna steal that dusty mess they've had sitting on those shelves since I don't know when! They treat blacks like criminals all the while going straight to the bank grinning with our money! I'm going too far, but I go as less as possible! Anyway, you hit it right on the head!
Most of the black owned stores have to charge high prices to stay in business, they don't have the direct distributors like the Asians, I feel bad but at the same time I can't spend 30%-40% more.
LOL..."I won't say Asian...I just did." Everything you described I saw first hand in one of the beauty supply stores I go to in the Toronto area too. One time when I went to cash out one of the black women was working the register, BUT a "other nationality" woman was standing right beside her. Babysitting maybe?
I live in a city just outside of Los Angeles, and these BSS are a dime a dozen out here, and I now know which ones have better service, and I DO NOT patronize the stores where I am followed/watched, or that have poor return/exchange policies. Thankfully I have been able to find a couple where the people don't watch you as if you are a confirmed thief. I understand everything you said, about the black girls being on the floor, the little platform that allows them to watch everyone...its a mess
ive been to a bss wherethe had blck ladies at the cash register & on the floor, it took me a while to even realize it was asian owned(pretty sure) until the girls were going to an asian man for directions.
The Korean owned BSS in the black community remains an issue because of the reasons you've mentioned. During the early 90's or so, it was decided (although not validated I don't believe) that the Asians are able to buy products a lot cheaper than Af-Ams. Therefore, blacks have been virtually run out of the hair care business. I'm hopeful that we are coming back with making our own products again. We must hold on to our own industry this time.
i dont like going in those beauty supply stores..cos them asains watch u like a hawk. they think all blacks steal. if i need some gel or other stuff..i go in sallys.
I have the same heat cap and I rarely use it now. I feel like it's choking me when I use it because my strap connects under my chin. Not the feeling I'm going for.
An older lady I knew would not shop at BSS other than Sallys because of other BSS policies. It seems to be all about money: Give it to me and you're not getting anything back.
What I love is they do have a wide selection. But, they watch you like HAWKS!
access to the same suppliers. If we had a black owned bss I would be willing to pay a little more but they could not go CRAZY with their prices. I actually worry that we will end up giving the natural hair beauty products/supplies to the Asian owners as well instead of empowering and growing our own businesses. It will be a shame if this happens. I hope I don't see the day, but I worry...
A majority of Asian bss are in black populated areas....therefore the thefts are being done by black people. lol I shop at a bss and they dont pay me any attention.. I think after a few visits and they remember your face they let their guard down. I'm black and I'd watch everyone in general, but its sad to say that there are black people out there that are firm believers in the 5 finger discount. I've been in a black bss and the owner there told me that he has to keep an eye on black people too.
myra4787 2 months ago in playlist More videos from splinta24
bss prices are higher because they can't get the items for the same price. a bss owner may have one store where the asian owner may own 10 or more, and can competitively negotiate better prices for the same products. although this economy is still quite difficult, i try to buy what i can from the bss rather than the others, even if it means paying a little more. we have to learn to support black owned business. and maybe one day, they will be able to compete with the asian businesses.
jrzygurl04 4 months ago
I agree with Apriluv7779. If I go in those stores its only to buy earrings. I find the prices for hair supplies I use better at Drugstores and discount stores. The BSS carry a larger variety of products generally but I just can't go in those stores. Most of them have so much fake hair either wigs and weaving hair all over the place it looks like a sea of self hate to me. Not saying wearing fake hair equals self hate its just seeing so much of it in one place and their attitudes are the worse
terrinyc29 5 months ago
I have been boycotting Asian owned beauty supply stores for years! That take money from our community and live a lavish lifestyle with our money without investing into our community. To add insult to injury, they are often nasty!
Apriluv7779 5 months ago 5
Love ya hair and SHIRT!;-) I looked at MrsZeaky's video and I totally experienced disparity of such. I dont like to be looked at as a thief and just dished out about$50 at your store. Its ashame! Thanx for sharing this beautiful!
BeauGorgeousNatural 5 months ago
Seems like you had a bad day. Next time go in the shops with a smile on your face. Do not let a few beauty shop bring you down. Online shop shopping is great way to get your hair supplies. Be positive and have a great weekend.
brwneyesaz 5 months ago
Asian beauty supply stores are usually located in really low income areas theft can be pretty frequent. These thieves have ruined it for the rest & you just have to accept that. Until such thievery stops, it will always be a problem for them. I go in, get what I need and get out. They are not stopping me from buying what I need to buy. You may not be the one whose stealing, but other people are. How are they suppose to know who is stealing and who is not? I wouldn't take it so personally.
foxrainbow 6 months ago
I think we should just stop buying from asian beauty supply stores. EVERY one that I have been to (in my area and away) have been the same in terms of treatment smh.... I mostly buy my hair products from drug stores, walmart/target, or Sallys. And I noticed that the quality and prices are sometimes better, esp. at the drug stores.
Chinique430 6 months ago 6
i support black own beauty supply stores only dont mind spending the extra money to get respect. plus most of tge products in asian bss are not authentic, just becareful about that.(im a former beautican)
ladygirl99 6 months ago 2
I totally agree..........with everything. I had found a bss that I really liked, where I was not treated that way, but then there was this guy i had never seen before literally following me so closely he was in my PANTS.......i went and told the owner i would not be back................they may have good deals, but i'm boycotting. anything i want i will gladly spend a lil more elsewhere. got more to say, but it makes me angry.,.................
CoilyHairedBeauty 6 months ago
We need to support our own instead of being cheap. If we did that then Black BSS prices wouldn't be high and that money would be in OUR community. I don't see a plethora of non-Asians owning and profiting off of Asian restaurants. So I don't understand why we have to be all post racial about OUR hair industry that we consume, but don't see none of the profits. Their profiting off of us, while treating us like shit. And this is a WORLD WIDE phenomena.
noodleinmybarf 6 months ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
WHAT IS THIS VIDEO REALLY ABOUT?
.I just wasted 14 minutes of my life waiting to hear some evidence of "racial disparity". I HEARD NONE!!
You talk about how the store owners "sit above everybody" so they can see what's going on in THEIR stores! If a store owner has had incidences of thefts they will do whatever it takes to protect their merchandise. That includes asking you to check your bags! You and all the others will be shopping there AGAIN next week! I guarantee this!!!!
lakeis3 6 months ago
@lakeis3 You sound very angry.....why? Is expressing ones opinion or experience a crime? The title was posed as a question for discussion, and judging by almost everyone of the comments below they have experienced this 'disparity' while shopping in some of these stores. So need for your adversarial commentary no one is arguing here.
splinta24 6 months ago 2
@lakeis3 It is against the law to check someones belongings without seeing them stealing. I have been mistreated and have done nothing nor intended to go anything wrong. BTW I have not returned because I do not invest my money into a place that treats me like a criminal. If business fears theft, maybe you should not be in business or invest in a good surveillance camera how about insuance?
starrchild1972 6 months ago 2
The reason black owned beauty supply stores have to charge higher prices is because it is harder for them to make a profit. Because a vast percentage of the distributors are Asian they don't like to deal with black owned business. This is a perfect example of letting our dollar work for us. Just like we boycotted buses we need to boycott some beauty supply stores. I worked for a Black owned BSS and I am sad to say after many years they had to go out of business because they could not compete.
latia4u 6 months ago 2
@latia4u I actually agree with this. I purchased most of my items online from black owned stores (i.e. qhemet biologics, orin handmade products, etc.) When I started going natural, I started looking for black owned businesses where I could get items direct as oppose to buying at Asian owned stores. I hear the Asian distributers won't even sell products to black owned stores. Items I can't get from black owned stores online, I get from Walmart.
ondeemia 6 months ago
i know exactly where you're talkin about.. and i always wondered the same thing! but that store has good bargains and has everything a beauty supply should have!
LadyJB22 6 months ago
I find myself going to Sallys more often now. I also shop online and make my own products.
sherrosgirl 6 months ago
@splinta24,
The dynamics in these stores are interested. I am not certain if they even discriminate based upon the shade of our blackness. This could be something that's been happening also. The lighter someone is the better they get treated. Also, you brought up a good point about the attire.
bolinga27 6 months ago
Not shopping at a black-owned business because the prices are higher is a big part of the reason for why Black-owned business can't get to the point where they can reduce their prices. The Asians are super good at cooperating to accomplish a common goal: always keeping their eyes on the big picture. If the tables were turned, a conscious Asian person would gladly pay the extra knowing that they are contributing to THEIR common good. Black folks haven't figured that out yet.
NouveauretroVintage 6 months ago 3
Comment removed
NouveauretroVintage 6 months ago
I don't shop in places where disrespect of Black folks is routine. Why would anyone continue to spend their money with a business that can't even act like they understand that you don't have to shop there. Or perhaps they know that as soon as the complaining is over you'll be back in there to buy more of their junk. . . WHAT?!!M WHAT?! WHAT!!? ;-) )) Don't shop there period.
NouveauretroVintage 6 months ago 2
Awesome video Splinta! I live in the east end of the city and have the opportunity to shop at Discount Beauty Supply Mississauga location. Let me tell you why I consider them good to do business with. They're prices are very competitive and they are now carrying a good selection of natural hair products. The people that work at this location are very friendly and always helpful, maybe because it's smaller? Anyhow girlfriend; if your ever in the area check em out.
avalovesify 6 months ago
I agree with you, I have been a few times with my friend she buys a lot of wigs, I think they look down on black people, I observe how sometimes they follow certain people, and the dynamics of how they are situated higher, like you said, says a lot, they don't trust the black customers, I get it some people steal, some have bad attitudes, which sets the tone for the rest of us, but I have never felt comfortable there, I don't like Asian owned beauty supply stores.
sweetamory 6 months ago
im gonna play devils advocate here. coming from a person that used to live in nyc, they ALWAYS check bags. not so much at kings plaza but if you go downtown brooklyn or any random store uptown they check bags because people do steal....ALOT LOL. and i now live in Boston and the BSS i go to are extremely helpful and pleasant. i cant say that they ever treated me differently because of my race. its awful that they do that in other parts of the country.
nikkinukka 6 months ago
I went into one today. It has been atleast two years since I have been to one... so I went in there today...and the man behind the counter just looked and me...didnt greet me ...didnt smile... didnt do anything!... so I was already like well...wtf?...I wlaked around and was about to buy some stuff and walked up to the counter and he just stood there...I just turned around..put the items I picked up back up and walked out.
humblechick3000 6 months ago 2
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humblechick3000 6 months ago
The asian BSS never want to exchange or refund your money. The golden hot curling iron i purchased did not have a smooth barrel so i took it back and was told to use the manfac warranty...for a curling iron!!! I can't remember if they gave me my money back or exchanged it. (it's been a while since the happened). But since then i never buy any appliances from them.
circuit50641 6 months ago
Also the black owned BSSs probably charge ridiculous prices so that they can break even. Koreans RUN that world and they are not going make easy for US to get in. Btw your hair looks cute ... Love the t-shirt.
Napsagain09 6 months ago
This nonsense happens all over N America unfortunately. :( it's a shame that in billion dollar industry that we as black people who contribute to those billions don't reap the benefits as owners in the beauty supply industry. I feel this is by design. I am passionate about beauty supplies... I.e. Product junkie- but the only way this changes is if there is more ownership. Of course by design it is difficult to break into BSS. Capital reigns supreme in that world. The only way they (Asians) make
Napsagain09 6 months ago
I recently went to a BSS here in Saint Petersburg Florida name Beauty depot. This was my first visit and what I found was shocking to me. Just as you described every girl working the floor was young and black and they have some kind of platform where the asians oversee the floor and control the cash register. It was very uncomfortable. They didn't treat me in any kind of way but I know as soon as I went in there the setup was unsettling. I haven't been back.
nunya33763 6 months ago
I have one "African" BSS in my area as well.......the rest Asian owned. The African BSS has rediculous prices on most stuff. Also, the owner is very rude, not at all helpful, and acts like everyone walks in is stealing! The Asian BSS on the other hand has reasonable prices, but they are very in your face and sometimes annoying. Two extremes.........
cdrayt0n 6 months ago
Bwoy, duppy know who fi frighten fi true. The problem is some BSS owners set these standards and the patrons don't question them so they become fixed. If this were to happen in a different raced neighborhood and the patrons questioned and challenged their service and standards, believe me it would change. I understand the problem with competitive prices but I would rather buy products online or go anywhere else where I am paying for not only product but excellent customer service.
HappyNappyKinks 6 months ago
It really is a shame that we feel like our choices are slim in terms of where we spend our money to purchase our haircare items. I have had the same experience in my city (Raleigh NC), when I go home to visit my family ( Brooklyn NY) and in many other cities. It's like the owners know they have us by the bra strap (so to speak) and think they can treat customers any kind of way. I don't spend my money anywhere where they watch me or treat blacks with rudeness.
Great topic Splinta!!
shuganaps 6 months ago 2
@shuganaps Hey Capital City Chick!
sherrosgirl 6 months ago
. . . I stopped because I do not see the sense of complaining of the treatment I recieved in these shops while paying them. That is telling them that I am ok with this and I accept this behaviour. I dont like it when they do it to me or any other person of my race. it shows blatent disrecpect. And why would they respect us-they have completly dominated an economy for black people and we just say OK. I could not open a halal meat shop and have asain people as my main clientele-it wouldnt happen
QueenChezabelle 6 months ago
There is something going on here. Im based in the UK and the same things is happening hair. The majority of black hair shops are owned by asains. The few black owned hair shops are more expensive then the asain owned shops. And they tend to have a lot less products avaliable in their store. There has to be a reason why they prices vary. Maybe because they are struggling starting out. Im not sure, but to be honest ive stopped buying from all black hair shops anyway. I get my things online . . .
QueenChezabelle 6 months ago
That's crazy Splinta...even there in Toronto the floors are raised and they step up and look over counter. The BSS's are the same here in San Francisco, Oakland and throughout the Bay Area.
ahsiam220 6 months ago
I have worked in the retail and wholesale for many years. And the one thing that I know is that there is one price for black business and other races when it comes to beauty supply. We have to go to the source and not to the distribution centers that they have set up for us to spend more money. GO AROUND THEM!!!!
onedollardiva 6 months ago
go to love beauty supplies on pharmacy and ellesmere in toronto. owned by a nice ghanian family. very reasonably priced!
myhairtoothick 6 months ago
Great topic! I'm sitting on the fence on this one. Although I do think it's a shame that we allow them to dominate a market that we should clearly be running..... the only beauty supply store I have been disrespected in was a black/jamaican owned one. *smh*
tonidaley80 6 months ago
BTW the Asian one only employs Haitian girls - high school girls - who get really pissy if you do not accept their assistance - but being pretty savvy about what I want and where it is - I don't need any help - I found that when I had altercations with them the Asian management just wound up having another altercation with them - which made me feel for the young girl made to hustle while they sat up on that glass counter pedestal - I avoid BSS unless I am really looking for something -
missvhe 6 months ago
Obviously this is a national trend here in the states - I'm in Florida - South Orlando Pine Hills is mostly Middle Eastern owned places but they are ran in the same manner - they take care of shop and register - Black girls unpack, run the floor, give assistance - the only Asian one I was going when I was relaxed gave me issues based on how I was dressed - so I no longer go there - if I went "after work" and spent $100 no drama - but in shorts and flip flops I got tudes - viva Walmart Target!
missvhe 6 months ago
Yea this topic REALLY BOILS MY NOODLES!! I hate to even think about it because it'll take forever to reach all the black people that shop in these stores to refrain and venture out to the very few black owned BSS stores available. WHAT DO WE DO? We CAN DO SOMETHING! BOYCOTT ASIAN BSS's!!! We really can start a movement especially via youtube, reach out to your fellow vloggers and SPREAD THE WORD TO THE MASSES!! This includes boycotting Sally's as well.
MusicLova84 6 months ago
@MusicLova84 That's the thing, can we get black people to leave these shops alone? I understand when people say that the Black owned BSSs are more costly, however, other races will patronize their own no matter what. They do not let the difference of pennies deter them from supporting their own people. This is how they keep their communities strong and thriving.
hnygirl979 6 months ago
@hnygirl979 (to continue) They keep their eye on the larger picture which is financial independence even if it costs them a few more pennies in the short run. You better believe that even if you were selling egg foo young for a dollar cheaper they would not bring their business to you, because they are trying to build community. And this is not just with Asian people but most cultures. We (at least in America, because of our unique slavery history) must overcome adversity and do the same.
hnygirl979 6 months ago
@hnygirl979 Exactly. And i think we can get black people to leave these shops, but it takes COMMITMENT to the cause and TIME. We can start off by telling every woman we know and they in turn can spread the word. Also via youtube, all these subscribers that vloggers have can really make a difference little by little. It takes ambition! Challenge yourselves to stay out of BSS as you use up ALL the products you have now while we develop a plan of action. Vloggers should do a "Avoid BSS challenge".
MusicLova84 6 months ago
Splint, you have really started a great conversation about something that seems to be happening all over. I live in Newark/East Orange, NJ USA and I never gave much thought to the fact that this treatment happens to Black people all over. All I know is I AM NOT GOING TO SHOP WHERE I AM NOT TRUSTED!!! I do not check my bags and I am not about to start. I decided that a long time ago. If I am to patronize your business you have to trust that I am a worthy customer.
hnygirl979 6 months ago
@staras00 You are so right, staras00. The Beauty Supply industry is controlled by the Koreans and it is almost impossible for any other nationality of people to break into that business (even white folks!) Like you said, Black people don't have ownership and are beholden to the prices they are charged by the Korean wholesaler. It is very difficult for them to stay in business.
hnygirl979 6 months ago
Girl, you need to continue with your "rabbling" I like it and it's so true! Especially here in NYC
SaSSyb4ClaSSY 6 months ago
I went to the BSS and accidentally bought the wrong product. I realized it when I got to the car and went back into the store to exchange it. The lady tried to give me a hard time to exchange the product even though she was the person that cashed me out. SMH. I always thought it was funny that all the employees in the Asian owned BSS are black women. Not once has an Asian person helped in the BSS I go to. I guess Asians know nothing about our hair and just want our money. Sad.
mystikalrosez 6 months ago
You are so right. It happens a lot here in Miami ..
tahisia31 6 months ago
I have that gold n hot heat cap for abt 10 years now. Its pretty good.
I use the hair therapy wrap now though. you heat up gel packs and insert into a turbie twist kinda contraption.... I LOVE IT. plus no cord so i can go about doing what I need to do.
That store is whakkk Splinta ... sheesh take ur money elsewhere if you can.
missimjam 6 months ago
also sorry but has anyone also noticed that these stores seperate the "black products" fromt he white "products"? in the store there is this big shelf seperating and when a black person goes on the otherr side the shop owners stare at you so its like you have to stay on your side of the barrier
TheScarletRose96 6 months ago
in the uk the same thing happens when you are browsing around they begin to follow you around the shop i also agree that meany of the black owned stores in the uk are not making it big because of there prices but when you talk to them about it they call you cheap and its why they dont even last a year
TheScarletRose96 6 months ago
I hate the BSS because of this same reason..so I choose not to ever shop at any of the stores that are rude and disrespectful. I found only one of many in my area that is actually nice and treat you with respect. If you dont absolutely need the product..DONT BUY IT. I found that comparing prices with other stores, not all the BSS is cheap.
wiwut 6 months ago
I hate it. Ever wonder why this has happened? previously these were owned by white people. How the asians got into this beauty market and they can't identify is beyond me. I guess as long as we let it happen they will continue. And yea I have black owed beauty supply near me who over charges as well
lilsisa427 6 months ago
I live in the south and the asian bss owners here act the same way. a friend of my sisters returned something the next day that had broke and the bss owner DID NOT want to take the item back! they want our business but the way they watch you as if you're going to steal something gets on my nerves!
naturallyTRU17 6 months ago
There is a lot of racism in the BSS business. As hnygirl979 said, Koreans dominate the industry and they do not respect black people - they criminalize all their black customers and are openly rude toward them. After I observed and experienced some disturbing encounters in more than a few of these stores I stopped patronizing them completely. If i can't find a product in a drugstore, Target, Whole Foods, etc. then I'll just buy it online. I will not give money to people who hate me.
asmeik30 6 months ago
@asmeik30 Yes, I just refuse to give these types of stores my business. We have to be respected. We must also respect ourselves and understand that we do not have to do business with these people who treat us like animals. Especially today with all the online stores!
hnygirl979 6 months ago
Thanks for addressing this in England their is one shop and they have a men at the entrance of the door standing on a chair watching and I refused to go into these shop yet you see other people going in.. If you get more people stop going into these shops they will have more respect...
queeny107 6 months ago
I've went through the same kind of stuff too. It's sad how those stores are all up in your neighborhood and treats you like crap! They gets away with it because there's no other stores that sells the stuff they sell cheaper Like you said the BO business trying to get all your money just for one item, so You not going back there. It's sad
trecey920 6 months ago
I understand your frustration with not having any competitors ..but the most efficient way to see change is through action.take your money elsewhere and tell 10 other people that care about where there money goes..I dont shop at Abercrombie..i dont buy Tommy Hilfiger..Liz Claiborne and I really try not to knowingly by P&G goods..there is power in money so people have to decide whats more important a lower price or good service? Sometimes I go without until the buy is worth my money and dignity
PLTbyCormie 6 months ago
Splinta24, the sad truth about this situation is that by continuing to patronize these businesses, we are tacitly encouraging them to continue treating us in such disrespectful ways. However, I ,too, feel that I have no choice.
sherwood991 6 months ago
What, what, what! lolololol
mrstripcpa 6 months ago
at a gas station, I was dressed for work (teacher) and this other young lady was NOT, but the way he treated her gave me an ATTITUDE! He was from the middle east, and when I said I had an attitude, eye rolling, put the money on the counter....took my change from him like it was dirty, nose up in the air atttitude, cause he treated the other sista like she was lower than dirt! And he had the never to try to talke to me....I get pissed every time I think about it. I don't buy -ish from there now!
kgagx3 6 months ago
I really dislike going in the beuaty supply store's here in MS . We have asian own beauty supply stores here also. I find it very wierd though they will watch you come in the door and have the only black lady that works there watch you shop. Of course my hair is puffy and all so they are definately going to single me out. I will say don't come to me with that bs. I get what I came in for and leave. I try to shop at walgreens and sally's , sally's is a whole different story.
CorbinC7M 6 months ago
It happens here in Nebraska too.Thank goodness I'm natural.I don't shop at these stores at all.Yep,raised cashier stands here too.They don't carry any pure oils or really natural products.I used to stare at them until they moved away or looked away.Or,I'd keep asking them questions.Things like this really IRK me.Black owned businesses can't be competitive with them.I get hair gel from Sally's and make my own hair product line.
siamese4life 6 months ago
at the bss and not even restricted to beauty supply stores, im always followed. its very annoying. sometimes i just play along and follow them back or ill just keep asking them for every single thing that i want to pick up from the store and they will get it for me lol. I find it really sad that because of my race(looking younger is also a factor), im automatically labeled as a thief or criminal in such places of business.
holenote8 6 months ago
@holenote8 i also would like to add that for me, being followed or watched while shopping happens at local beauty supply stores along with sally's or rite aid....it happens a lot. im from south jersey
holenote8 6 months ago
In order for a good change to take place someone has to stand up for what is right. (Part 2)
LovelyTrueRed 6 months ago
The problem with those types of businesses consumers patronize them. If I am not getting adequate customer service I will not give my hard earned money for horrible customer service or company who can careless if I patronize the business. If I am going to get better service from the black owned BSS although more expensive I'd rather patronize it. I understand why the items in the black owned BSS cost more...check out BOBSA here on YouTube for more info. (Part 1)
LovelyTrueRed 6 months ago
I agree with you! Here in the states, those stores are the same. They hire the African American girls/guys to work there. There was one I use to go to that had a couple of African American girls actually working behind the counter. I was a little shocked at first. However, I am sure that if anything came up missing, the girls would be up for immediate question. The owners and management have always been known for following "US" around in those stores where I live. Discrimination!!!
cat3375 6 months ago
I completely understand your frustration with the racial disparity in asian owned beauty supply stores and actually havent been shopping from those stores ever since I stopped buying weaves from them and started to grow/take care of my own natural hair. Now I just use all natural oils from organic grocery stores and just follow a good diet or buy the little products I need from giant, target or elsewhere. Its really not worth it and I refuse to encourage racism.
fulanigoldnbeauty 6 months ago
I was going to buy this heat cap until I read the reviews none of them were good. They all a common factor the the cap not not staying hot and/or shutting off. Sally's has them for 32.99. There are other places on the web like Amazon who has them for 17.99 and up but the shipping is ridiculous, just as much as the cap itself costs. I await your review on the cap.Thanks!!
margo33 6 months ago
Comment removed
margo33 6 months ago
Unfortnately this is EVERYWHERE not just in toronto BSS. i lived in Essex county NJ, NY, VA, MA, EUROPE, n still the same. not just the BSS, watever type of store dem own (ex. corner store),,,they treat u the same way. Sad but true...last time I was in JA (spanish town) BSS, its not even a store...ppl just catch up at the door way and scream wha dem want to the employees which are locked behind BIG STEEL BARS. whateva u purchase dem slide thru de bars...it is wat it is...me nuh business!
jsimm41 6 months ago
whites don't deal with this, but again all w do is fall for the okay-doke. I shouldn't have to wear a business suit to buy some damn hair products. I don't buy from them. Like Martin keep your dollar damn the walk!
nikknikk19 6 months ago
The black beauty supply stores here in nyc are expensive, and the asian owned ones jump to conclusions...and the asians are ALWAYS the ones manning the register. I stopped shopping at beauty supply stores a while ago, and once in a while I go to sallys, I can't be bothered with nonsense, because I have 0% patience.
AfroMohawkable 6 months ago 2
Love this video!!... U r so right...they ALL have this elevated counter like their looking 'down' on us and they know that they corner the entire market so where else can you go? besides a retailer store!...i dont think u need the hutieful steamer either...
watchfuleye2008 6 months ago
It could just be an asian owners thing. They do the same in the UK follow you round the shop even their kids spy on you while your shopping. There are 2 asian shops where I live and one follow you like hawks the other the staff have manners and often leave you alone while they are in the stock room. As for Black owned shops they often buy from asian suppliers who purposefully inflate their prices to disadvantage non asian black beauty suppliers.
Sofrolushes 6 months ago
In Italy in Asian owned stores they normally stay at your back, like hawks, I do not like this, but it must be in their culture to be so suspicious in stores... They behave like that with everybody, without distinctions. Last time I remarked in a quite loud voice that I feel uncomfortable when they do that and that I would not go back there, I am a customer, not a thief.
Apart from that, I try to understand and not judge immediately different cultural behaviours, they all are interesting to me.
douceclaude 6 months ago
We have tons of choices, and that what is great about online stores. I can't stand that kind of treatment, and I will do without until I can find a place that treats its customers with respect. Thats whats great about being natural, they are going to start getting less and less of our dollars.
bpwarren128 6 months ago
I absolutely hate going in certain BSS because I KNOW I'm being watched. It is so irritating. There is a black owned one that opened up and I was so excited to shop there, but there were not many products to choose from and everything seemed overpriced! I'm hoping the longer she is in business the more competitive the prices will get.
Niqui36 6 months ago
OH MY I'm reading some of the comments n WOW. Well I have been watched, followed and have seen the theft pics on the door. I'm from VA but my worst experience was in Baltimore MD. This is when I was followed she was trying to act like she wanted to help but just wanted to watch us. Really nasty when we checked out. My friend used her card n she was like Id (with her hand out) Not can I see your id. Then looked at it for a good two minutes before she gave it back. Oh my I thought my friend was
Brownaturalady 6 months ago
I am sorry that this happened to you or made you feel uncomfortable. No kind of racial profiling is ever fair and everyone needs to understand this and live by the golden rule of life.
dionydee 6 months ago
This is exactly why I don't give those stores the time of day. The stores that act disrespectful lose business, and this is why we need to support good black-owned (Zipporah Beauty, Blended Beauty, Donna Marie, etc) businesses. A lot of times some of those stores think they're doing us a favor. Luckily not all of the BSS are disrespectful, but the majority are.
MsNaturalTouch 6 months ago
...(to add) I have for the most part never been treated unfairly in the sense of blatant disrespect, but I always feel like I am being watched in BSS. As to whether it's b/c I am black, I can't say for sure but I wouldn't be surprised. However, when we think about it BSS sell a lot of ethnic products so who do they expect as their clientele, but black ppl. I just feel they should always treat ppl. accordingly and with respect b/c it is after all a business.
Kaytube19 6 months ago
I REFUSE!!!to go into any store that I have to check my bag... are their effin crazy. I use to have to do that back in the "old days" in Mount Vernon, NY back in the 90s.. how degrading.... I dont see this anymore..good. Besides that these policies they have are ridiculous.. it really is so so sad that these "ma and pa" stores are going out of business but at least walmart you don't have to be followed and you can get your money back. Sometimes I do feel sorry about going to walmart over them
Ellexis88 6 months ago
We have the same problem in Britain. The majority of BSS owned by Asians. They do not employ any Black African or Caribbean women. If they employ black women they are never on the cash desk. In some stores they watch and follow customers around like they are thieves. A lot of these stores got looted and burnt down in the English city riots because of their treatment of black customers. The owners of these stores do not live or shop in the areas that their stores are located.
moth2650 6 months ago
I live in the Bronx, NY and in all of the BSS stores here you have to check your bags (even in the little boutique mom & pop stores and the 99cent stores). The majority of the ppl. are either black or hispanics in the BX. In most BSS they have pictures of ppl who stole from the store and got caught and unfortunately they are mostly black. As a black person it hurts me to see this, but it does not justify asian, etc. cashiers treating me unfairly b/c of it, if I am spending my money.
Kaytube19 6 months ago
We have 1 BSS here and the many complaints have reach the local newspaper so this BSS has lost most of its business. 1 policy being you MUST purchase a $1 stocking cap to try on wigs....OK! but you can ONLY try on 2 wigs per visit, if there is a wig sale you CAN NOT try on ANY of he wigs, this is just 1 of the crazy policy they have enforced, too many to mention. I read the comments on the 1st cap you showed & understood were the problem came. I think I want this new cap. Thanks
hotpeachjuicy 6 months ago
by the way,i have a asian owned beauty supply store that i frequent and i have been so lucky to have not experienced the racial under tones that some of these places exhibit. they are very courteous and helpful. they are that way with all there customers. unfortunately they dont carry all the products i would like but they do have a large majority of my staple products and i am very happy with the service. and some of the blk owned businesses in my area are overpriced too girl. its ashame.
cherryici 6 months ago
I live in nc....i have never had a problem. Sorry to all that have.but it like you they who mess with
iceprincessnc 6 months ago
i had the same blowdryer cap and i used it for my hair when i had waist length locs and it worked great! since i cut off my locs in dec and i am natural and free i noticed that the darn thing just didnt work for me anymore. i started to write you and tell you to get the electric one like the 1 that i use now but since your hair is longer than mines i figured it might work for you...lmao! NOT! lol! wish i counld but i cant take my blowdryer one back...had it for 11 ys now...lmao!
cherryici 6 months ago
I try to go into these stores knowing what I want and getting the heck outta there.
Chrissynysc 6 months ago
please excuse my typ-os!! I should proof read before I post :0)
kylahsmom1 6 months ago
the asian owners are sweet hearts..literally, when I go in they ask about my girls, how are they in school..they dont stalk you! I love that place..so welcoming! but they are different because most asain bss are not that way..btw, the black owned bss went out of buisness....
kylahsmom1 6 months ago
so sad! we had a black onwd bss and his prices were 1- 1.50 more than the asian ownwd. and on the bigger items sometimes almost 10! and when you would tell him, he ( the black man) would say that the asian store was selling fakes..WTW..fake hair gease..do I look that stupid! I was s o annoyed because I wantedto support him, but he was treating us, his customers, like fools... I go to the asain one and the owner is a doll! he and his wife know their customers..
kylahsmom1 6 months ago
Splinter I hear you, I live in the UK went to a Local BSS I was quickly reminded why I haven't been in these places for years, I hadn't even put my foot in the door before I was followed around then when they saw I was ready to pay and had a list with me they switched to being over-helpful. I left with a minimum purchase and will order the rest on-line. I was not dressed in my work just my lounging gear. The next day I went back dressed up and guess what a completely different service
meadowarch 6 months ago
I've been in those stores before but try my best not to go into them now!!!! I just don't like the idea of going in a store that sells black products and the owners are not black. It just seems like a scam. Not saying I haven't been in them before. If I want something I go to Walmart, Walgreens or Sally's. They cater to all races.
potterylady1 6 months ago
I do not even go close to these stores because I just can't deal with the blatant racism and disrespect. I would rather order online or go to a Sally's or whatever. I haven't been to one of these stores in over five years!
ajwalt72 6 months ago
Girl, do not apologize for this foolishness. I am grateful that you recommended it to me. I wasn't gonna put up with that kind of foolishness and in the end I did get better treatment and got what I wanted.
I was not about to let them or anybody look down on me, I don't care who they think they are or what they think of me.
The asian lady seemed friendly after she realized I was gonna buy a whole bunch of stuff.....what kind of mess is that? Anyway, worked out in the end. Thanks Splinta!
Mandy4610 6 months ago
I live in the UK London and it's the same here,black hair stores are mostly owned by Asians and the black owned ones are way more priced or their stock is very limited.
elibinayi13 6 months ago
Black BS owners need to do like the asians and move like a cartel. Their prices are sometimes cheaper than Walmart. Why? Because they move as one and then divvy up the products for sale. Their into survival as a whole and not me-one-only mentality. I paid $70 for Luster's protein treatment because I wanted to support the Black BS nearby. It was painful, but I did it for our good. Plus they have good customer service.
trini467 6 months ago
First cool shirt! I love it! I from Detroit and the Asians here sometimes treat
blacks like we are an pest to them. It is stupid and horrible because they are making their money off of us. They do not have these businesses in the suburbs with whites. They have cornered the market and extremely upsetting. I REFUSE to go somewhere were they treat me rudely. I would go ham on them in a minute! Blacks dont go in their neighborhood and sit up stores.
rainbowbrite621 6 months ago
I usually frequent a BSS on Kingston road, in Scarborough. It's black owned and they are always helpful. I refuse to support the other nationalities because of the treatment. Since I've started taking better care of my hair, I purchase my things online, or get family to ship things for me. I feel like telling these owners, "I put clothes on your back, and food in your mouth. The least you can do is respect me." I don't tolerate nonsense.
purple2284 6 months ago
People complain that black owned online stores are more pricey but the same folks are spending hundreds on MAC make up tho...lol. We have better options online and at other stores now a days then to be stuck lining the pockets of Asain BSS.
JazzyNappBeauty 6 months ago 10
I refuse to shop at Asian BSS! They have zero respect for blk people and is sucking our communities dry. All those products in your last video are available at Walmart (minus the shelf dust). I really wish we would all support black owned stores online or on the ground.
JazzyNappBeauty 6 months ago
I find Discount Beauty on Eglinton which is black owned charges reasonable prices and I usually swing by when I make a Randy's run. I have been to BSW on a few occasions and have never had an issue. I did feel like they were following me once and I started following the person who I thought was following me. I think they figured out what I was doing and left me alone. There is also an African owned I guess I have to call it haberdashery in Lawrence Sq that is also reasonable.
taleeni 6 months ago 2
@taleeni I love Ms.Palmer (owner) @ Discount she is so wonderful and pleasant and her prices are competitive. Whenever I'm in the area I shop there......but it's just that I'm seldom close to there! ......and of course yes always make the Randy's run too :)....haven't been to Lawrence square in a minute!
splinta24 6 months ago
@splinta24 big up randys patty still and discount beauty supply is a good store
jamaicansunshine 6 months ago
i h8 that store at keele n sheppard....i found one in scarb the prices are not the best but i prefer their service and since i save on gas it works out to be the same...been switching to organic products so get most my stuff at the whole food store
DonMikeSelector 6 months ago 2
I refuse to patronize asiana bss's due to the blatant disrespect ..I rather pay more and be treated with dignity when spending my hard earned cash
naturalstateofmind 6 months ago 11
@naturalstateofmind My thoughts exactly!
thepoetzwife 6 months ago
Its impossible for Black owned BSS's to compete with Asian BSS's on prices because the asians own the black hair market. Because so much of our hair products are made in parts of asia(including weave) they mark up prices to non asian owned bss's to put them out of business. They often times refuse to sell products to non asian owned bss owners smh
naturalstateofmind 6 months ago 2
"because dat aint my steelo and i aint got time!" LMAO love you!
Barbieonabudget 6 months ago
Wow. I can't even imagine seeing a store set up like that. Its blatant racism. Smh. On another note, I LOVE that tee. Where did u get it?
Chrissy4281 6 months ago
Interesting YT find. Perhaps this is the documentary mentioned in comments.
Pls check out Mjrob1914 or search: Black Hair: Korean Takeover of the Black Hair Industry, P 1
HOPROPHETA 6 months ago
I live in Houston, Tx and there are beauty supply stores on every corner, there are four within 2 miles of my house. I have a favorite one because the people do speak and say hello when you enter the store but the store is always busy so no one has ever followed me around. They will come and ask if you need help with anything but not in a "I'm watching you kind of way" It does happened to be owned by Asians, pretty much all of the bss here are but there are a few black girls who work there.
DeeJ085 6 months ago
yeah its crazy all the bss r run by them where i live.. i have not been in a black own one yet i cant travel all over the world to find them and the one around my house only have one black person working in there and that's the one who check ur bags everyone else on the floor is hispanic smh..... i had to get my hair dryer from my pharmacy to make i would get my money back if something happen NOW thats crazy
msdelle22 6 months ago
I would rather support the black own stores but they really dig big holes in my pocket so i go where i get it cheaper in these hard trying times.....LOL
akisha123 6 months ago
I have been to that BSS several time never really had any bad experience with them. But up to yesterday I went there to check the kinky curly since you said they carry it and i was telling my sis y the black girls are always on the floor and not doing cash. NE ways I didnt get the Not Today because i get it alot cheaper somewhere else which is owned by WHITES in a little posh salon at Rosedale. No black ppl work there but everyone is on a leveled floor.
akisha123 6 months ago
Hey splints, I didn't really read all the other comments but I live in Brampton and I go to their Brampton location and I to have felt like they r on a high like the Black people can't touch their register BUT more recently I have seen a black girl cashing people out and I was soo surprised... In terms of black owned beauty supply stored the problem is when they open it Is a very small location and they can't afford to buy the volume of products that these Asian owned business's buy so they don
HairDiva15 6 months ago
We have to stop allowing this in our neighborhoods. We have too much buying power to give away our money to people who do not appreciate us.
hnygirl979 6 months ago
rostrom lololol that was funny girl you are really pissed, but where i live the same thing happens because our black people steal, they put stuff up their crotches and stuff like that and the sales girls steal for their men, its trash but all 'blacks' are judged the same way as thieves its a two edged sword as i see
wcallisa22 6 months ago
I completely understand Splinta. I am all too familiar with these experiences. I frequent local bss on a weekly or biweekly basis and the level of disrespect is very apparent. However, I have seen disrespect towards bss employees from customers too, esp from our young ladies. I know those experiences has made it bad for the rest of us who expect exceptional customer service. Also, they REALLY DO NOT want to exchange AT ALL!!
shanzie81 6 months ago
Lol... a half-pack is a half of a pack of weave.
HairClothesLipgloss 6 months ago
i find that even in Jamaica the wholesales are the same, the Asian, Chinese and Syrians has this tendency to want sit high and watch (it make me feel uncomfortable) but i guess the difference is when a girl (downtown or other) feels like she's getting the racial treatment or "the chiney man" a try rob her, shi will trace. Sounds like the Bacra system still and imagine they are taking your money, haffi shake mi head, it sad.
garthlynf 6 months ago
This is common probably everywhere. I live in East Orange, New Jersey, USA. You are watched when you go in these Asian BSSs. The get our money but do not respect us as consumers. The thing about the Black BSSs is that the Asians have the market cornered on this industry (saw a documentary on this very subject). The Koreans have this market locked down. People of other races have little chance to make it in this business. This is why the Black BSSs have to charge more. This is sad.
hnygirl979 6 months ago 14
@hnygirl979 Do you remember the name of the documentary? I've been looking for it for awhile.
ivoluv3 6 months ago
@ivoluv3 It is Aron Ranen's "Black Hair Documentary". You can find it on YT : )
hnygirl979 6 months ago
@hnygirl979 Thank you! I watched it last night. The fact that the Koreans choose who to sell product to based on whether or not they're Asian is a mess! And think of the mark up when they do decide to sell to blacks! No wonder black bss charge more. Smh.
ivoluv3 6 months ago
@ivoluv3 So glad you found it! It is such an eye opening doc.
hnygirl979 6 months ago
We should ban them flash mob style using the internet and text messages.And put those store on blast.Im in mississippi=(
joclynnu2 6 months ago
Okay, I'll say it, Korean owned beauty supply stores. In Georgia they're very careful, they play black music in the stores, don't follow us around, and chat it up with customers. They know who buys the expensive weave. Also, there was a documentary done on these businesses, and the truth is that the Koreans have complete control over the channels of distribution. Asa result, it is near impossible for a Black person to open one of these retail stores.
javajive01 6 months ago
I stopped shopping at the Asian beauty supply stores years ago, due to them treating "us" like trash and having nasty attitudes! As much money as "we" all spend on hair products, If we all boycotted together and completely stop shopping in their stores, we could put them all out of business!
ReniiNaturalistaDiva 6 months ago
Also check out this documentary here on YouTube. I found it very informative. Aron Ranen's Black Hair Documentary
KreativeKutie 6 months ago
I have strong feelings on this matter. I refuse to subjugate myself and support any businesses that don't respect me or other black people, whether they be Black, White, Asian owned, it doesn't matter. It's like paying for discrimination. No thanks. We do have a choice. I either shop at Sally's, buy online if I have to, go to Whole Foods, Trader Joe's and Target. If I can't get a product at any of these places, I don't need it.
nicholepat71 6 months ago
Thanks for this vid Splinta. When I use to live in Toronto I experienced the same thing. From the moment you enter they are starring you down and talking about you in their language. And then when you go to pay- it's nothing but attitude. That's one of the reasons why I went natural- don't have to deal with all that crap. I know live in Calgary and I now buy my beauty supplies at the Organic stores or Walmart :) Great video girl :)
MissEducates 6 months ago
@MissEducates damn canada too? i thought people would be nicer in canada and not worr about black people acting a fool/loly
pinkaddiction13 6 months ago
@pinkaddiction13 unfortunately girl, ignorance and racism is everywhere :(
MissEducates 6 months ago
@pinkaddiction13 well damn. can black people live in peace ANYWHERE? white people have no idea how fortunate they are not having to ever worry about racism.
pinkaddiction13 6 months ago
same happened to me but where I live I guess they think all people steal, cause I was reading the ingredients on an item and didn't like it so I put it back and got what I usualy get and after I paid for it I went to my car, long behold before I shut the door she came to my car and ask me wheres the item I had , so I had to go back inside and show her and she smiled and said oh I not say you steal item I was like what ever and told her all people don't steal
PARTLOW1000 6 months ago 2
I think we for get that, WE HAVE THE POWER NOT THEM. I stopped going to all of the Asian BBS, not because I was treated wrongly but because I saw them treating this lady horribly in front of me. I felt so bad for her. I put my stuff down and never went back. They have no respect for us at all. I shop, in drugstores, Wal-mart, Target, Sally's BBS and online. Between all of those, there are an abundance of products.
KreativeKutie 6 months ago 2
@KreativeKutie and what kills me is how they have BLACK people working for them now..SMH!!
napngo 6 months ago
cont... they seem to paint all blacks with the same brush and their grocery stores no 1 speaks a word of english i find them very money grabbing but no service.
jamaicapeace 6 months ago
I notice the same thing in all 3 locations that i have been to I've at keele & shepherd & hwy & county crt & dudas & hwy 10 and it's all the same thing, funny enough it is the only business that asian owns that hires black ppl because they know that they don't know anything about our hair & they also see that we are the biggest market & they see $ signs even the nails they are all behind & the patrons all black. I prefer to go Discount beauty supply black owned @ dundas & hwy10
& not asian
jamaicapeace 6 months ago
I loathe going in those stores! They watch you like a hawk like you're gonna steal that dusty mess they've had sitting on those shelves since I don't know when! They treat blacks like criminals all the while going straight to the bank grinning with our money! I'm going too far, but I go as less as possible! Anyway, you hit it right on the head!
NuLyNapE 6 months ago
I have that Golden Hot Condish cap. Had it for 2 years and I love it. I got mine off ebay for like 25 bucks...
mstanish1 6 months ago
@mstanish1 Great buy! You are the ebay shopping deal queen girl!:)
splinta24 6 months ago
@mstanish1 WOW! do you remember the seller?
hotpeachjuicy 6 months ago
Most of the black owned stores have to charge high prices to stay in business, they don't have the direct distributors like the Asians, I feel bad but at the same time I can't spend 30%-40% more.
DariceHumphries 6 months ago 2
thanks for the info on the cap, cause I was going to buy one but not now
PARTLOW1000 6 months ago
LOL..."I won't say Asian...I just did." Everything you described I saw first hand in one of the beauty supply stores I go to in the Toronto area too. One time when I went to cash out one of the black women was working the register, BUT a "other nationality" woman was standing right beside her. Babysitting maybe?
GenevieveDosSantos 6 months ago
I live in a city just outside of Los Angeles, and these BSS are a dime a dozen out here, and I now know which ones have better service, and I DO NOT patronize the stores where I am followed/watched, or that have poor return/exchange policies. Thankfully I have been able to find a couple where the people don't watch you as if you are a confirmed thief. I understand everything you said, about the black girls being on the floor, the little platform that allows them to watch everyone...its a mess
LadyLovely81 6 months ago
ive been to a bss wherethe had blck ladies at the cash register & on the floor, it took me a while to even realize it was asian owned(pretty sure) until the girls were going to an asian man for directions.
DuubellU 6 months ago
The Korean owned BSS in the black community remains an issue because of the reasons you've mentioned. During the early 90's or so, it was decided (although not validated I don't believe) that the Asians are able to buy products a lot cheaper than Af-Ams. Therefore, blacks have been virtually run out of the hair care business. I'm hopeful that we are coming back with making our own products again. We must hold on to our own industry this time.
TheMoseswoman 6 months ago
i dont like going in those beauty supply stores..cos them asains watch u like a hawk. they think all blacks steal. if i need some gel or other stuff..i go in sallys.
nicegurl35 6 months ago 12
I have the same heat cap and I rarely use it now. I feel like it's choking me when I use it because my strap connects under my chin. Not the feeling I'm going for.
An older lady I knew would not shop at BSS other than Sallys because of other BSS policies. It seems to be all about money: Give it to me and you're not getting anything back.
What I love is they do have a wide selection. But, they watch you like HAWKS!
thecreativelady 6 months ago
The racial atmosphere in that shop is the main reason why they will never spend my money again.
bajan1373 6 months ago
access to the same suppliers. If we had a black owned bss I would be willing to pay a little more but they could not go CRAZY with their prices. I actually worry that we will end up giving the natural hair beauty products/supplies to the Asian owners as well instead of empowering and growing our own businesses. It will be a shame if this happens. I hope I don't see the day, but I worry...
concedenothing