Meet Armani Chanel, a young black entrepreneur wrapped up in fabulousness and fortitude, alike.
On Tuesday, May 8, Armani posted a heartwarming testimony to Twitter as she announced the grand opening of her new spa, Hollywood's Aesthetics. The timing of the grand opening coincided with the five year anniversary of her father's death at the hands of police officers. Adding to the emotion of the day, Armani opened her new spa in the location previously occupied by her father's barbershop.
My grand opening was a success. Hollywood’s Aesthetics by Armani???????? 18 year old entrepreneur & licensed esthetician???? Tomorrow will make 5 years since my father was killed by the police. This was my dad’s last barbershop????????????. Opening my first spa here meant so much to me! pic.twitter.com/RXhbd2Wyrv— armanichanel (@_lilhollywood) May 8, 2018
Talk about the most heart-swelling circle of life. Oh, and just in case you ain't familiar with the limitless well that is black girl magic, our girl is multi-talented: the pants and bow in the above picture were designed by Armani herself!
By the way, pants and bow made by me???? I will be releasing a clothing line soon????????????— armanichanel (@_lilhollywood) May 8, 2018
& here’s a link of my dad’s story. THIS IS ALL DEDICATED TO HIM???????????????????? May 8, 2013???????????????????????? RIP MARLON BROWN (HOLLYWOOD) https://t.co/LtubbDldKX— armanichanel (@_lilhollywood) May 8, 2018
As soon as we saw her tweet, we just had to reach out to this triumphant source of black girl magic.
"My dad owned his own business since he was 14, cutting hair on my grandma’s porch," Armani told Blavity. "From there he established a well known barbershop in our city of Deland [Florida], called 'Just Cuttin Up.' As a young girl, I saw his dedication, work ethic and knew I wanted to follow in his footsteps."
Armani said her love for aesthetics started early on. "I’ve always been into fashion. As a young girl, my parents bought me books where I sketched clothing and my favorite game was dress up," she said.
"As I grew older, and was allowed to adventure into wearing makeup, I loved the way you could enhance someone’s beauty. I noticed more and more people wearing makeup, and I grew concerned about the condition of their skin. After finishing high school early, I began looking into programs that could combine all of my interests. My mom suggested I look into becoming an aesthetician."
Of course, building her dream wasn't easy! There were challenges, but each and every step was worth it.
"The building I chose required full renovation. However, I was up to the challenge knowing my dad’s barbershop was the last business that operated at that location," she said. "Locating competent workers within my price range that would be able to meet the deadlines so that I could open on the anniversary of the 5th year of my dads murder by the police was of utmost importance."
Along with building her own business as an act of resistance, Armani has used her time to fight against police brutality in honor of her father.
"My business is a product of moving from pain to power," she said. "Through what happened to my dad, the pain and lessons I endured, gave me the momentum I needed to become a young entrepreneur. I travel the world along with other families faced with the injustice of police brutality. During these events, I offer my services to help them relax and enhance their beauty during a time when they are dealing in an array of emotions."
Self-care for the win.
So what's Armani's speciality? Well, it has to do with taking care of that skin. Yes, our melanin is magnificent, but we still have to take care of it!
"My specialty is skin care. With so many people wearing makeup, I want to ensure that they are properly removing their makeup and maintaining the integrity of their skin," said Armani.
Armani's story is certainly inspirational, and she has a few words for any young entrepreneurs — aspiring or otherwise — who may need them.
"There is no age limit to success," Armani said. "Find something that you are passionate about, and build on it. Locate people that can mentor you and motivate you, [whether] it’s in your community or through social media. Never give up. Write down all of your thoughts, goals, and plan strategically. When the time is right activate, execute and accomplish."
Y'all know Armani ain't done slaying our lives, right? She has has more things in store for sure.
"I plan on releasing a natural skin care line for women of color, and establishing my business into other locations," she said. "My interest in beauty expands further, including modeling and designing fashion. I’ve previously participated in these areas and seek to do more."
For more information about Hollywood's Aesthetics, including business hours, head to the spa's Facebook page.
