By Nancy Varekamp
ofni.1613608402swen-1613608402rats@1613608402pmake1613608402ravyc1613608402nan1613608402
Nicole Rose, fourth generation of a local hair salon family, is now pursuing her own niche. In the mid-1950s, Nicole’s great grandparents, Benjamin and Mary Rose Dean, opened Dean’s Beauty Salon in the Eliot neighborhood. It’s heralded as the oldest Black-owned salon in Portland.
The Deans’ daughter was Nicole’s grandmother Gloria “Ella” Dean, who continued their legacy when they retired. Nicole’s aunt now operates the salon.
“I loved watching my grandmother style hair,” Nicole recalled. “I wanted to be a beautician, but I took a different route.” A bachelor’s degree in marketing led her to a job at a local human resources firm.
She has been wearing her hair in its natural, textured form since high school, and retail products tended to dry her scalp and dull her hair. So she began blending organic fruits, vegetables and herbs to add softness and shine.
“After developing my four different oils, my curls were defined, moisturized, vibrant and healthier, and my scalp was cleaner and dandruff-free,” she said.
Early last year, Nicole decided to sell her products. Using her grandmother’s name was a natural. Her evenings and weekends were filled accumulating an inventory, and now with marketing that draws on her professional experience and education.
“Had I known Ella Dean was going to exist in my current world, I definitely would have taken better notes,” she said with a laugh.
In November Ella Dean products became available at www.elladean.com and at the Dean salon. Future venues are additional salons, beauty supply stores and retail chains.
“I want Ella Dean to make a positive impact in the beauty and hair industry,” Rose said. “I want my brand to be known nationally.”
Bagikan Berita Ini
0 Response to "Taking care of hair is in Eliot neighbor Nicole Rose's DNA - Hollywood Star News"
Post a Comment