“Best Hair in the City” Finds Permanent Home in OTR

SBLSWANK Signs Lease in 3CDC Development

CINCINNATI (August 22, 2024) – Hair stylist and licensed cosmetologist Shaunia Hughes recently signed a lease for an 819-square-foot space at 1511 Race Street in Cincinnati Center City Development Corp. (3CDC)’s $6.4 million mixed-used development, The Allison. Later this year, Hughes will open SBLSWANK, a hair extension provider that offers other luxury beauty essentials and services ranging from extensions and lashes to wig installs, sew ins and weaves.

Hughes attended Wright State University for two years before coming to the realization that hair was her passion. She took a leap of faith, deciding to leave school and immediately began researching hair and honing her skills. Eventually, Hughes went on to attend Paul Mitchell Hair & Beauty School where she was accepted into Phase 2 – an advanced honors program designed to recognize future professionals’ skill development and coursework completion.

“I started selling hair in 2012 and I never turned back,” Hughes said. “A few years later, in 2019, I had a booth at the Cincinnati Jazz Festival and it really opened a lot of doors for me. I pride myself on quality and ensure that my clients are getting the best. I can’t wait to greet the neighborhood with the level of class and service that we will be providing at SBLSWANK. If you ask anyone that has ever shopped my product, they will tell you it’s never been about the brand – it’s always been about the behavior.”

Hughes previously worked in a friend’s salon to gain experience. In addition, she had a small space in Springdale. The new salon, a booth-rental concept, will have six booths managed by separate stylists. Designed by Dwayne Parks, the salon has a modern vibe, featuring black, cashmere and lime-wash throughout the space with a touch of greenery.

“For several years, 3CDC has maintained an emphasis on inclusivity in commercial leasing, so seeing Shaunia pursue her passion in one of our spaces is inspiring,” said Lindzie Gunnels, Director of Commercial Leasing with 3CDC. “Not only are we thrilled to see what SBLSWANK does in this location, but we’re excited that Shaunia will undoubtedly inspire other women- and Black-owned entrepreneurs to make their dreams reality.”

In OTR, 28% of 3CDC’s leased first-floor commercial spaces are minority-owned businesses – 22% of spaces are Black-owned and 46% are women-owned.

Hughes was also recently accepted into the MORTAR Entrepreneurship Academy. Beginning in March, she will have the opportunity to participate in the valuable 15-week course designed to empower historically marginalized entrepreneurs with the resources needed to build successful businesses.

She plans to offer two types of extensions at SBLSWANK: human and virgin. The gold series, which includes human hair, is the more affordable option and has a lifespan of about one year. The platinum series includes virgin hair, meaning it has never been chemically altered and is in its purest form. With proper care, it can last for 2-3 years. Prices range from $45 – $175 per bundle. The salon is slated to open next month, at which time information will be shared about the grand opening.

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