Start Your First Hair Business: Youth Entrepreneurship Simulator

Start Your First Hair Business is a hands-on entrepreneurship simulator designed for youth ages 16–21 who want to explore hairstyling, beauty, business ownership, or creative service-based careers.

In this interactive workshop, participants will step into the role of a beginner hair entrepreneur and learn the full process of building a small hair business — from choosing a niche, pricing services, and creating simple branding, to preparing a starter kit and communicating professionally with clients.

This workshop is designed for youth who braid, twist, style friends/family, or simply want to explore the beauty industry in a safe, guided, low-pressure environment. No experience is required.

Participants will leave with a mini business plan, confidence, and clear next steps for turning creativity into income.

This workshop is perfect for:

• Teens and young adults (ages 16–21)
• Youth interested in hairstyling or beauty careers
• Teens who braid/style siblings or friends
• Beginner stylists wanting structure & professional guidance
• Creative youth exploring entrepreneurial skills
• Youth preparing for independence & future employment

No prior skill or business experience is needed.

• Choosing a service niche (braids, twists, curl care, kids’ hair, etc.)
• Pricing beginner-friendly services ethically
• How to communicate with clients professionally
• Hygiene, sanitation & safety basics
• How to create a starter kit for services
• Understanding tools, products & supplies
• Scheduling, time management & boundaries
• Branding basics (name, style, message)
• Simple marketing strategies for beginners
• How to set up a mini “business station” at home
• How to accept payments safely
• Understanding laws, age-appropriate services & safe practice

• Hands-on business roleplay simulation
• Trauma-informed, youth-centered instruction
• Mini business plan creation
• Starter kit checklist included
• Branding + pricing worksheets
• Simple, realistic strategies teens can start using immediately
• A safe environment to ask questions and explore entrepreneurial goals
• Certificate of completion included

We believe every youth and caregiver deserves access to natural hair education, cultural confidence, and supportive community care — regardless of their financial situation. Through our Cultural Curl Care Sponsorship Initiative, community members, beauty professionals, organizations, and local leaders can directly sponsor a youth or caregiver to attend our workshops and programs.

Your contribution helps fund:

• Group Literacy & Skill-Building Workshop Tickets ($25)
• 1:1 Literacy & Skill-Building Session
• Curl Care Hair Appointment ($50)
• Mini Curl Care Sets ($25)
• Full Curl Care Starter Kits ($100)
• Youth Guidebooks and Learning Packets ($25)
• 6 Week Youth Entrepreneurial Enrichment Program ($500)
• Ongoing resources, tools, and educational materials

As a sponsor, you are welcome to tell us exactly where you’d like your support to go — whether that’s a specific workshop, a youth in need, kit supplies, program materials, or a family you know personally.

We’ve also worked hard to ensure all of our workshops, kits, and learning tools remain affordable, accessible, and community-centered. Your contribution helps us continue serving families, caregivers, and youth with excellence and equity.

If you’d like to sponsor a youth, caregiver, or family, please email us at:
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Together, we can make natural hair literacy and cultural care accessible to every child, caregiver, and community.

Also check out other Workshops in Richmond, Business events in Richmond, Kids events & activities in Richmond.