By: Zjeyoni Moore
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (UATV) — The 8th Annual Black Owned Business Expo, held Feb. 22 by Black Owned NWA at the Fayetteville Town Center, provided a platform for Black entrepreneurs to showcase their businesses, build connections, and engage with the community. Events like this help small businesses thrive by increasing visibility, attracting new customers and fostering economic growth in Northwest Arkansas.
The Expo featured more than 60 Black-owned vendors offering a variety of products and services, from handmade goods to professional expertise. Among the many businesses benefiting from the event was NW2D a Fayetteville based hair salon dedicated to creating a safe and welcoming space for locals.
For NW2D owner Simone Booth, the salon is about much more than just hair. After noticing that many of her peers were traveling out of town to get their hair done, Booth was inspired to attend cosmetology school and open a salon that catered specifically to the Black community in Northwest Arkansas.
“We are such a minority in Northwest Arkansas, so it’s important to have safe spaces for Black people, Booth said. “One of the safest places you can go is a salon or barbershop.”
Booth created NW2D as a space where clients not only receive high-quality hair care but also feel a sense of belonging and connection.
“I really feel like it’s a great opportunity for them to socialize, meet people and let their guard down, she said. “It reminds them of home.”
The Black Expo has played a crucial role in NW2D’s growth. Booth has participated in the event four times, and each year it has helped her expand her business, hire more stylists, and reach a broader clientele.
“The Black Expo has helped our business because we’ve been able to sell products, hire more stylists, and build our clientele” Booth said. “Usually, when we go to the Expo, the following week our books our full.”
Beyond business growth, the event has helped Booth establish relationship within the community.
Loyal client Alexzandria Hollinshed has been coming to the salon since it first opened. For her, the salon is more than just a place to get her hair done – it’s a community space.
“It’s not just a place to get your hair done, it’s a statement in Northwest Arkansas,” Hollinshed said. “We’re here, we’re doing stuff, we’re entrepreneurs, and we have a community and culture. We’re taking up space.”
Even when she doesn’t have an appointment, Hollinshed finds herself stopping by just to be a part of the atmosphere.
“I can come in here and kind of take a load off,” she said.
As NW2D continues to grow, Booth sees a bright future ahead. She hopes to continue to use the Black Owned Business Expo to not only attract more clients but also promote hairstyling classes and further expand her team.
“I really see Nw2D growing and just building this great space of community,” Booth said. “And if you just want to stop by, one of the biggest things we always say is, ‘pull up’”.
With continued community support and events like the Expo, Black-owned businesses in Northwest Arkansas, including NW2d, are continuing to grow.
Building Community at NW2D – Narrated by Simone Booth: