Feb. 13 marked the one-year anniversary of Trendsetter’s Beauty Supply, when they opened their doors after having a ribbon cutting ceremony with Mayor Chris Watts in attendance. The special occasion was due in part to Trendsetter’s being a black-owned beauty supply store.

The owners, Robert and Stephanie Rice, are married. Robert attended the Texas Woman’s University while Stephanie is a University of North Texas alumna.

They both say the journey has been wonderful so far. Robert said the heart of their business is in the college students who support it. Roughly 70 percent of their customers are in college.

Denton resident Erica Robinson has been shopping with them since the stores opened. 

“I like the fact that I feel welcomed in the place," Robinson said. "When you come in, he says ‘hey sis’ and kind of knows me now. It makes it personable."

That’s what seems to differentiate Trendsetter’s from other beauty supply stores selling black products. The cleanliness and openness of the shop keeps customers coming back, being that a large lineup of their products is for the African-American demographic.

“I would say it’s the best place to shop at for us," Robinson said.

Robert would agree. 

“I hope Trendsetter’s Beauty Supply will be a stamp in their college experience. Especially with us being a black business, if it inspires them to one day own a business,” he said.

Although the journey has been wonderful for the Rice couple, there have a few wavy moments for black beauty supply. 

Some of the challenges have been getting products. The Rices has to go through a certain industry to get access to get a lot of them, which they can be denied for. They’ve been pushing through to find different avenues for attaining the products their customers need. If they can’t get a certain supply from one source, they have to go through another competitor. 

The challenges are hidden by the overwhelming support the community has given. It all stemmed from a history of black business.

Robert's mom was a beautician for 27 years, and he followed in her footsteps by being a part of the beauty industry. 

He and his wife are looking to continue on the tradition for generations to come. The dream is to cater to everyone under one umbrella. They see their future expanding to more areas in beauty. 

They are currently looking for a marketing intern who can grow their brand on social media.

Header image by Jade Jackson
Header image layout designed by Christopher Rodgers