I’m most excited about creating a space where beauty meets purpose, a space where clients feel seen and celebrated, where new professionals are trained and uplifted and where community and culture are at the center of it all.
Downtown Baltimore is buzzing with exciting news as the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore announces its next cohort of the Black Owned and Operated Storefront Tenancy (BOOST) program. Among the celebrated businesses welcomed into this initiative is Kaizen Beauty, founded by the talented alumna Ashleigh Johnson, a graduate of UBalt's Ratcliffe Entrepreneurship program and the B.S. in Business Administration program.
The recent ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 11 marked a significant step towards strengthening Baltimore's central business district, and the inclusion of Kaizen Beauty underscores the program's commitment to supporting and uplifting black-owned businesses. This initiative comes at a crucial time, offering a beacon of opportunity and growth.
Kaizen Beauty, which began as a successful mobile nail business operating out of Johnson's home, is now poised for significant expansion. Thanks to the BOOST program, Johnson's company will receive a substantial $100,000 in grant funding along with invaluable business support. This crucial investment will enable Kaizen Beauty to establish a brick-and-mortar location, bringing its exceptional services to a wider clientele.
The new storefront for Kaizen Beauty is slated to open its doors as early as September of this year in the Fidelity Building, located in the 200 block of North Charles Street. This strategic location will provide increased visibility and accessibility for Kaizen Beauty, further solidifying its presence in the Baltimore community.
Kaizen Beauty's transition from a mobile service to a physical storefront represents a significant milestone and a testament to Johnson's entrepreneurial spirit and the growing demand for her services.
The selection of Kaizen Beauty as a BOOST grant recipient highlights the vibrancy and potential of black-owned businesses within Baltimore City. As reported by The Baltimore Banner, this initiative by the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore plays a vital role in fostering economic growth and resilience within the downtown area.
This is an exciting chapter for Johnson and Kaizen Beauty, and a positive development for Downtown Baltimore. We eagerly anticipate the grand opening of their storefront and wish them continued success in their new venture!
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