There’s a new type of hair salon opening on Thursday, May 11 and it’s not your typical beauty parlor. Owner Jennell Moody, 34, wants to focus on developing young minds as well.
Moody grew up in a single parent household in North Philly, a part of the city where she was born and raised. Her mother worked long hours to support her family, but Moody wishes she had more resources to work early on in her life. This is why she decided to instill a social mission into her business, starting with a mentoring program for girls between nine and 14 years of age to learn about personal hygiene, healthy body image, self-esteem and “the look for less.” Meet her newest business endeavor: Boujie Babes salon, located at 4329 Lancaster Ave in the Mill Creek neighborhood.
“This is my third salon, the first one I basically went all out for,” said Moody. The color scheme is pink and pearly white with a chandelier descending from the ceiling, with vintage-style hairdryers at the opposite end of the salon. After 16 years of experience in the cosmetology business, Moody decided this salon was where she would pool all of her skills. On Fridays and Saturdays, she wants to offer wine and mimosas to her clients along with some baked goods.
Specializing in short hairstyles, the salon will provide services for cutting, coloring and relaxing. The owner described it as an “extension-free” salon. “We’re trying to get people comfortable with their own hair and accepting yourself for who they are. There are a lot of weaves being pushed out there, but your hair can be short AND sexy. We’re moving away from that stereotype,” she elaborated.
Boujie Babes salon will get involved with the community on Lancaster Ave. Moody is open to neighborhood involvement and is currently in the process of navigating the resources available.
“As you get older your dreams can come true, whether small or big. I wanted to give back to the community. It’s not about money for me, I wanna be part of my community. I care about the youth, I wanna speak at schools. I visit schools and do demos for free and career days. I don’t charge for those things,” she explained.
Upon opening, Bouji Babes will maintain business hours between Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
– Rana Fayez
May 4th, 2017 at 10:04 pm
Kudos Beloved, as an 2015 Aveda grad in Charlotte NC, my roots are from Chester PA first Cosmetology license 1992, working on my Mobile Beauty business, you are an inspiration to read… God Success to you!
May 5th, 2017 at 9:13 am
Congrats to you. I am right down the avenue if you need me. A Part Of Me Boutique 3834 Lancaster. Maybe we can collaborate. So glad to see younger folk stepping out on faith.
May 5th, 2017 at 11:01 am
I recall having everything except Salon First Aid kit
Dont forget it for State board inspection. Holla if i can be of any help.
Much success!
May 5th, 2017 at 12:12 pm
Yes my name is Zakia Jackson
I have attended barbering school
I have my license…. I’ve been cutting
For 10/+ yrs I’m looking to study under someone… I also want to help give
Back to the community through mentorship
I look to meet u:)
May 5th, 2017 at 1:55 pm
Love your mission! Never Give Up!
May 5th, 2017 at 10:57 pm
I hear you say perms but no Extensions how about doing natural hair without perms?
May 6th, 2017 at 5:26 am
Congratulations!This was so refreshing to read. So grateful you decided to have such a fine shop withing our community. I hope you get all the business you can handle and them some and that you will prosper tremendously.
May 8th, 2017 at 9:24 am
Thank you all for the kind word and encouragement!!!
Zakia if you see this message contact us at boujiebabessalon@gmail.com, we are currently looking for new stylists to join the team.
Jazz, we do natural hair as well!! Check out our website for a list of our services.
May 9th, 2017 at 1:33 am
I was born and raised in this area! I’m looking for a salon to get color on my natural hair done as I’ll be celebrating my 45th birthday on May 25th. This could be the beginning of a new client/stylist relationship…
Congratulations and continued success with your business!