BY GWEN HAYES
Sentinel Editor

Excitement is building in Charmaine Jackson as she prepares to host the grand opening of the beauty supply business she is opening in her old neighborhood.

“I grew up in the neighborhood known as Nuccio. I know the area and the people there know me. So in my quest to become a successful African American entrepreneur, I wanted, in some way to give back to my community,” she said.

Kouture Beauty Supply had its grand opening on Sunday, June 26, 2011, 10 a. m. – 6 p. m. There was free food, giveaways, music and kid activities. The business is located at 6014 N. 40th St., Suite ‘B.’[private]

“All hair care stores have hair products, but not all hair products are able to appeal and relate to the African American community and be economical at the same time,” she said.

The daughter of Charles and Lynda Jackson, Charmaine worked in Corporate America for 10 years before stepping out on faith to accomplish her dream. She learned self-motivation and determination from her mother, who worked 2 jobs to provide for her family.

“The journey getting to that point of realizing my dream was not easy,” the mother of 5 says. “Competitors did not want to disclose their manufacturers, or even how to obtain what’s in the buyer’s market. They only wanted me to purchase from them, which was not part of my vision to get the products to the community at an affordable price.

“There were a limited few that God placed in my path who provided me with the right information needed to gain access to the door.”

With the information and guidance she received to sustain that business, Charmaine is able to open a second business, all while holding down a fulltime position in the healthcare industry. She recently launched Best Jumpers in Tampa Bay, LLC. “I found myself always renting them for my kids’ birthdays and other holidays, so I decided to dabble in the business myself.”

Charmaine enjoys spending time with her children and reading new and unique novels.[/private]