Spotlight: Broadway Barber and Beauty

Broadway Barber and Beauty opened its doors three years ago and is a cornerstone business on NE Broadway and 6th. Many of its stylists are industry veterans, who were displaced during the COVID pandemic. “We have amazing braiders, stylists, and colorists. We have people who specialize in extensions and a master barber. We have talent all the way around with more than 100 years of experience altogether,” Cynthia, the owner of Broadway Barber and Beauty, shared about her business:” I would love to see my stylists grow their business. My goal was to have a place where I owned the building, and we created a place that is ours.”

What is your favorite part about owning a small business?

Cynthia: My favorite part is being a part of the community. I feel like I am making a difference in the community. I am connected to the people who are here. I have a work family in this salon.

If you could go back to the beginning, what would you have done differently?

Cynthia: Who you become is because of the things that you have gone through. Changing anything would change my story. If I could talk to a younger version of myself, I would tell myself to believe in myself and keep going forward.

What role does your community play in your business?

Cynthia: Our community plays a huge role. They come and support our business. We talk about what is happening in politics and life. We talk about how to support each other and grow. We talk about everything here, even things that you aren’t supposed to talk about. In Portland, we are all interconnected. That is the feeling that I get here. We are all interconnected, and I believe that we support each other.

What has been your biggest success to date?

Cynthia: I think opening my own salon was a huge success. When I first started as a hair stylist, I had a great place. Then they didn’t renew my lease and I had to leave. I spent a lot of time going to different salons and I was so happy when I started at Geneva’s because he owned the place. But then COVID displaced us again. I feel truly blessed that now I have a place that is our own. I was terrified the whole time I was remodeling the location. My mom gave me support and told me that I could do it. I just kept moving forward with her support. I learned that if you aren’t scared, you aren’t growing.

What has been your biggest challenge?

Cynthia: The renovations and financing to open the location, as well as the security and safety, have all been a challenge. We have had businesses leave because of the challenges, which makes it harder for us to attract foot traffic.

What's your best advice for someone who wants to start or run their own small business?

Cynthia: My best advice is to go through with it. Do your due diligence, do your research, but move forward. Don’t talk yourself out of it. Find coaching, training—invest in yourself and invest in your business.