February marks Black History Month and to honour that we're highlighting a George Brown College graduate who's built a dynamic business — entrepreneur Zhorrah Grant, CEO and Creative Director of Hair Granted Beauty Supply.
Zhorrah hails from the Bahamas, where she grew up in the city of Nassau. She has lived in Canada for 16 years and earned a bachelor’s degree in criminology at St. Mary’s University in Halifax and an advanced diploma in child and youth care at George Brown College.
With a passion for beauty, Zhorra has always been fascinated with hair, makeup, nails and more. While working as an educator at an all-girls boarding school in Toronto, she decided to seek part-time work at a well-known beauty supply store. She was with the company for five years and held several positions, including supervisor. She then decided it was time to open her own beauty supply store and set different standards in the beauty industry.
Zhorrah wanted to focus on providing quality and professional customer service, and she travelled around the world researching ways to create the best experience for her clients. In August 2020, at the age of 30, Zhorrah established Hair Granted Beauty Supply Inc., a company that provides high-quality products, including raw hair and cosmetics. She is very proud to say that she owns the largest Black-owned beauty supply store in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Zhorrah looks forward to expanding her brand across the GTA, Canada and her home, the Bahamas.
I had the pleasure of speaking with Zhorrah to learn more about her entrepreneurial journey.
What made you want to become an entrepreneur?
Although working with youth was something I found joy in, I knew something was missing. I’ve always had a passion for beauty, whether it was natural hair, hair extensions, nails — you name it. I would always find myself doing research on the beauty industry. My passion turned into a dream, my dream then turned into a goal, and now four years later, Hair Granted Beauty Supply Inc. is a reality.
Why did you create your business?
After working part-time at a well-known beauty supply store here in Toronto for many years, I realized there was a dire need for Black-owned beauty supply stores within the GTA. Globally, the beauty industry is primarily dominated by countries such as China and Korea. You find a number of beauty supply stores are owned by those who originally come from those countries. The majority of the stores primarily sell products and hair extensions for women of colour. So why not? While working in a beauty supply store, customers would always encourage me to open a store of my own based on the knowledge I have. For years, I considered it, but fear stopped me. I then stepped out on faith and I am forever grateful to be where I am today.
What successes have you enjoyed so far with building your company?
The proudest success so far is actually the opening of my business. To fulfil my dream, unlock the front door and walk into my future that my store represents is the ultimate success.
What is one piece of advice you would give aspiring entrepreneurs?
My one piece of advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is plan, plan, plan! Always write down everything! Every idea, every thought, everything you want to accomplish — write it down. By starting a journal or a book where you can just write down your thoughts, you're doing two things: You are starting to work towards your dream, and you are manifesting your dream. The power of the pen is a weapon like no other. Writing down your thoughts and plans can make you see things so much clearer.
startGBC can support your Business idea
Are you a George Brown student or recent graduate who needs help getting a business idea off the ground? StartGBC provides mentorship and skills development for budding entrepreneurs.
Visit startgbc.com for more information.
