You may have heard of Haus of Melanin Beauty Bar because of the ugly thing that happened there.
This is not that story.
This is a story of a young mother who joined The Great Resignation to create an empire to leave her son, who has autism, so he could work and not worry in the future.
It’s also a story about sisterhood and community.
It’s about box braids, ombre acrylics and mink lashes. And lots and lots of pink.
Lots of pink.
A badass has to be on fleek, amiright?
Brittany Matthews is—that’s both badass and on fleek.
Matthews opened Haus of Melanin Beauty Bar last June, mid-pandemic, after the 28-year-old waved goodbye to her job at the Illinois Tollway with money in the bank and a dream in her head.
She landed a prime spot on Morgan Street and within weeks, painted walls pink, hung glittering chandeliers and decked black sofas out with fur-and-frills accessories. She hired some of the city’s best Black-hair stylists.
On a recent weekend night there, Matthews’ best friend was touching up her roots. Some of the stylists’ kids were hanging out or doing chores for pocket change. Women were spilling tea. Music was pumping. It was warm. Glamorous. Like hanging with your best girlfriend.
Exactly how Matthews wants it.
“I wanted to create an environment for women so they feel comfortable— for them to be beautified and for them to feel safe and to feel like they have somewhere that we could start a sisterhood.”
Matthews also plans to give back to the community. Already, she’s hosted a bookbag giveaway and Halloween party for kids who come to the salon. She’s looking at a block party for Haus of Melanin’s anniversary in June and is searching for other opportunities so she and the salon can be woven into Bridgeport’s fabric.
“We bring good energy to the neighborhood,” said.
So far, good energy is coming to her. Her stylists have been booked solid, and Matthews will be adding nail techs and other estheticians to her staff. She aims to expand, perhaps by adding private suites for clients.
She made this dream happen. She could do it again. Right here in Bridgeport.
“We're here to stay forever,” she said.
Haus of Melanin Beauty Bar is located at 3437 S. Morgan St. Learn more or book appointments through the salon’s Instagram account.
You can catch her full story and listen to her crystal giggle just before 6:25 p.m tonight on Lumpen Radio. Stream it. Tune in at 105.5 FM.
Then give us some love. Share us with your besties.