Zhorrah Grant
CEO & Creative Director
Hair Granted Beauty Supply
February marks Black History Month in Canada and what better way to honour that, than by highlighting an amazing entrepreneur who has built a dynamic business. This month we celebrate Zhorrah Grant, Founder, CEO and Creative Director of Hair Granted Beauty Supply.
We had the pleasure of speaking with Zhorrah as she juggles her business and academic achievements, to learn more about why she embarked on her entrepreneurial journey and to share her tips on motivation.
Zhorrah Grant hails from the beautiful islands of the Bahamas, where she grew up in the city of Nassau. She has lived in Canada for the past 16yrs, where she has earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology at St. Mary’s University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She also earned a post-secondary Advanced Diploma in Child and Youth Care at George Brown College.
With a passion for beauty, she has always been fascinated with hair, makeup, nails and the list goes on. 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 5 years, holding many positions and left the company as a supervisor. It was then, she decided it was time to open her own beauty supply store and set different standards in the beauty industry.
Zhorrah wanted to focus on giving quality and professional customer service, something in which she prides herself. Zhorrah travelled around the world researching and studying the best ways to create the best experience for customers that enter her store. At the age of 30, Zhorrah’s passion birthed Hair Granted Beauty Supply Incorporated, established in August 2020, where you can find the best in raw hair, products and cosmetics. She is so proud to say that she owns the largest black-owned beauty supply store in the Greater Toronto Area. Zhorrah looks forward to expanding her brand across the GTA, Canada and her home, The Bahamas
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 4 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 color. 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 are doing two things, 1. You are starting to work towards your dream. 2. 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.
Website and Social Media
Website: www.hairgranted.com
Instagram: @hairgranted
Facebook: hairgranted