The Wells County Chamber of Commerce staff and Ambassadors welcomed owners, Shawn and Alena Eskridge, of Brown Suga Beauty with a Ribbon Cutting celebration. Brown Suga Beauty is located at 213 West Market Street in Bluffton. The business officially opened their doors on October 31, 2022.
Brown Suga Beauty was opened in honor of Shawn’s mother, Mary Eskridge. Mary passed away a year ago and her nickname was Brown Suga. “My mom loved to take care of herself, look her best in public and growing up she wanted the same for all of us as well,” said Shawn. “She would put all sorts of products in our hair and on our skin, which we didn’t understand why at the time, but it was because she knew the importance of having quality ingredients to protect us from the elements.”
Shawn explained that their family grew up in Mississippi and when they moved to Bluffton, Mary struggled to find quality products locally. “My mom also loved fashion and would wear designer wigs, which was not possible to find locally without traveling to find what she needed and that was very frustrating.”
“We did not have a lot growing up, but my mom wanted something better for us and her strength was an inspiration,” said Shawn. “My wife and I decided to continue her vision and legacy by bringing the products she was passionate about to people who understand the need.”
“This is a very exciting moment for us to bring the first multi-cultural beauty supply shop to Bluffton,” explained Alena. “We understand the struggle finding hair products for mixed children as it was hard for us. Brown Suga Beauty is also bringing cultures together to unite one another, look past the other barriers, so we can all shop in the same place to get what we need.”
Brown Suga Beauty is a licensed beauty supply store. “Customers can expect to find not only high-quality products, but also a variety that are organic and vegan,” said Shawn. “Our goal is to help you pick out what fits your needs and explain what it is you are purchasing.”
“We make our own shea butter, and we will carry a variety of hair colors, wigs, shampoo, conditioner, body lotions, skincare, barber solutions and disinfectants,” explained Alena. “Our hope is to offer items our customers need and offer suggestions for other items. Simply helping you find beautiful in our multicultural beauty supply store.”
Shawn and Alena have several goals for the future. Shawn stated he would like to open another Brown Suga Beauty in the next three years. “I would also like to have a barber and salon in this location and offer our products to other salons in town.”
Alena said she would like to create a Brown Suga vending machine for the north side of Fort Wayne. “Many people in the black community must travel to the south side of Fort Wayne to get wigs and hair needs. A vending machine would be a huge convenience for customers.”
Additional goals are to offer educational workshops and classes about skincare, makeup applications, or proper products for different skin types. “We would like to bring local people in to educate the community on a variety of topics,” said Alena.
Brown Suga Beauty also has a selfie-wall, and the community is welcome to come in and take photos. Hours are Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
