Today we’d like to introduce you to Keisha Woodrup.
Hi Keisha, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
The Beauty KNW How beauty supply store was a personal dream of mine about 15+ years ago on a tiny island in the Caribbean, St. Croix USVI. I was too afraid to step out of my comfort box for all those years to launch my business. I would always convince myself that I couldn’t do it. Fast forward 15 years later, moved to a rural town outside of Houston, I quickly realized there were no beauty supply store within a 20-mile radius that serves the needs of women of color with textured hair. I decided it was time to bridge that gap and revisit my beauty supply store idea. This was the birth of The Beauty KNW How Beauty Supply Store. I established The Beauty KNW How beauty supply store in February 2023 with a full year of research, mentorship programs, dedication and being diligent, the store opened May 2024 in Tomball, Texas.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Being an entrepreneur is not easy. It takes a special level of faith and belief to take the leap. I would say the road from inception to opening the doors for the first time was fairly smooth, largely because I had access to the right resources and people who guided me through the process.
However, once the doors were open, I quickly realized I was not fully prepared for the challenges that come with operating a retail business. Those challenges included employee turnover, constant inventory management, sleepless nights, planning, and sourcing products—all while maintaining a full-time 9–5 job. While demanding, these experiences taught me valuable lessons about resilience, time management, and what it truly takes to sustain and grow a business.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
The Beauty KNW How beauty supply store is dedicated to fostering an inclusive haven for women of
diverse backgrounds in the United States, particularly those who identify as black, brown, and
multicultural. Our core purpose is to offer an array of premium beauty products and services
tailored to their unique requirements. We are unwavering in our commitment to providing
exceptional customer experiences, and empowering our community.
Our vision is to become the premier destination for retail beauty supplies in Tomball, TX. We
aspire to be a vital resource for black, brown, and multicultural women seeking top-tier beauty
products. Our vision extends beyond commerce; we envision creating a vibrant community that
champions diversity and inclusivity, empowering all individuals to embrace their true selves
with confidence.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I was the middle child—number four out of six—so I learned early how to be adaptable, observant, and independent. I was raised in a faith-based household, which helped shape my values and grounded me from a young age. I spent my childhood on the beautiful island of St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands, surrounded by blue skies, clear waters, and a community where kids actually played outside together.
Academically, I was an average student throughout my pre-K through 12 years, but my journey wasn’t traditional. I attended four different high schools before ultimately graduating from South Easton Vocational Technical High School in South Easton, Massachusetts. After graduation, I moved back to the Virgin Islands and began my career in the oil and gas industry. In 2012, when the refinery filed for bankruptcy, I made the decision to move to Texas in 2013, chasing opportunity in the oil industry. Since then, Houston has been home.
Today, I enjoy traveling, discovering great eateries, and spending time at the beach. I am a proud mother of two, a grandmother to a handsome grandson, with a granddaughter on the way. Family means everything to me, and I especially love the holidays—Christmas being my favorite. There’s nothing quite like the thought of celebrating Christmas with sand between my toes, ocean waves in the background, and gratitude in my heart.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thebeautyknwhow.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1VcUXJn8nb/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Twitter: https://www.instagram.com/thebeautyknwhow?igsh=MW1waXh1bjJ0NWlscw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Image Credits
Photography by Leo Mitchell Photography
