Celeste Beauty Max for Natural Textured Hair in RW

Hello, I'm Becky Norton, and I'm raising funds to help Tiya open doors to provide a much need opportunity for people in Red Wing and the area to find the right hair products for themselves, their children, and their grandchildren. Everyone deserves to feel like they belong in the community they live, work, and play in. This shop fills an essential gap that has been missing for too long.

I want you to know Tiya's passion for this opportunity in her own words.

For some people, the shoes set the tone for their outfit, which informs how confident they feel, showing up in their full identity. For me, it's the hair. My natural kinky, curly, twisted, straight, coiled hair, the crown I carry upon my head, sets the tone for how the outfit looks and shapes my confidence. My hair, this crown, is a masterpiece that is versatile in many ways and forms in various shapes and can be manipulated into works of art using weaving hair, extensions, braiding hair, wigs, pressing combs, flat irons, gels, and more. This crown, in its natural state, kinky, coiled, and curly, is capable of adaptation and transformation like no other.

This crown, like many others, is a cultural marker of great significance. This crown, like many others, has been considered controversial in some groups. This crown, like many others, has been misrepresented, underrepresented, misunderstood, shamed, and restricted. This crown, like many others, has been called nappy, unprofessional, ugly, dirty, and unkempt. This crown, like many others, is ready for the attention it deserves.

This crown carries an unearned burden of taxation when there is limited access and equity to basic hair care needs. There are only a few options for people seeking hair supplies and products for texturized hair: driving to St. Paul/Minneapolis or to Rochester ( both 50 miles away). The time, money, and emotional stress of this burden and the disconnect to the community because of limited access to one's needs is an unnecessary burden of this crown. Together we can change that for Red Wing.

Despite all the challenges, this crown also represents advocacy for acceptance, equity, belonging, and welcoming. Just this year, in 2022, Minnesota passed the Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural hair Act, the CROWN Act, as progress towards eliminating natural hair bias. It breaks the locks and heavy security around natural and texturized hair products. It puts the beauty back in the natural attributes of texturized hair.

Like the CROWN Act, Celeste Beauty Max is taking a progressive step in a rural community with a growing demographic and a need for representation. This representation for the community of color will serve as a staple in access and equity for their basic hair care needs. Celeste Beauty Max will also offer the community the chance to immerse themselves in a cultural experience focusing on natural hair diversity.

I am looking forward to bringing a culture of belonging where all diverse hair needs are acknowledged, welcomed and included.

~Tiya