Black History Month - Sparkle Hill

Every February, we honor and pay tribute to the generations of African Americans whose contributions and sacrifices over the decades have shaped our nation. In honor of Black History Month, the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce is proud to shine a light and show our gratitude to the black business owners that play a vital role in our local business community and help our organization drive business forward in Delaware County.

Today we would like you to get to know Sparkle Hill. Continue reading Sparkle's answers to learn more about her. 

Introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about your business:
 
My name is Sparkle Hill and I'm the owner of Main Line Beauty Studio and Services. A small business located in Newton Square devoted to quality makeup and waxing services.

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In honor of February being Black History Month, can you identify a leader in history that has inspired you most and explain why?
Bernadine Anderson is probably the first name that comes to mind. She was one of Hollywood's first Black Makeup Artist and paved the way for the rest to follow by filing a class action suit for discrimination. I applaud her and I'm inspired by her persistence to push and break barriers that some of us still face on a daily basis, yes even in the makeup industry!
 
What motivated you to open your own business?
Because there weren't many opportunities for Black Artist or room for growth with most of the companies I've worked for in the past. That reason alone confirmed my decision to make a few changes, stand out and work for myself! I have a passion for understanding and listening to my clients which gave me all of the confidence and courage that I needed to work independently.

What is one area where you are particularly excited to see the Black community driving culture and innovation?
The amount of youth becoming their own bosses at such young ages in the Black Community. I wish I had the resources they have today to become innovators of the future.
 
What advice would you give to other aspiring Black entrepreneurs?
I'd have to say "ask" the questions! There are no "dumb" questions and in order to succeed it never hurts to ask even if the answer is no. For example... If I didn't ask, I wouldn't have my studio! I reached out to the owner of the building after passing by the location several times. I'd already decided in my head that I couldn't do it... And had I kept that way of thinking, I wouldn't be here now.
 
What impacts do you want your work to have on future generations?
I want my work to impact the future generation of artists by teaching them my techniques. I want to teach them business and how to understand that there may be others in the same industry but they're not YOU! 
 
Is there anything special you do to celebrate Black History Month either personally or at your place of business?
One of my favorite things to do is  support other local small Black businesses by making purchases and posting their companies on social media.