Bluffton beauty supply shop aims to build on a legacy
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A Wells County couple is adding to a high-traffic area in downtown Bluffton with a new, independently-owned beauty supply store. Shawn and Alena Eskridge recently opened Brown Suga Beauty LLC after receiving startup guidance from the Northeast Indiana Small Business Development Center.
The store at 213 West Market Street is named after Shawn’s late mother, Mary Eskridge. Shawn says his mother, who grew up on a Mississippi farm, prided herself on using proper hair and skin products and sharing her knowledge in the community.
“She had a thing for fashion and would often wear designer wigs to express her boldness to beauty” Shawn said. “Everyone knew her for her beauty and confidence.”
Shawn and Alena decided to bring those products to Bluffton in honor of Mary. The company says patrons can find anything that would be found in a full-service beauty salon, including hair, nail, skin and makeup products.
“It is important to have a place that allows customers the opportunity to purchase and learn about products available specifically for their hair and skin types,” Shawn said. “Selecting the right items helps customers feel more confident about their appearance and explore and express their individual styles.”
The company emphasized the importance of being a client of the Northeast Indiana SBDC in getting the business up and running.
The Indiana Small Business Development Center, which has 10 locations throughout the state, provides a variety of services and education programs to help entrepreneurs start, grow and finance their businesses.