HOUSTON — In the heart of Houston, the scent of a flat iron and the sound of clippers create a symphony of beauty and community. For over a century, Black women and men have gathered in beauty salons and barber shops to share stories, laughter, and wisdom.
Since 1915, the Franklin Institute has been a pillar in this sacred space. Rooted in tradition and excellence, the institute has been a beacon for aspiring barbers and cosmetologists in Houston, Texas.
"'The Franklin way is the right way,'" says Ron Jemison Jr., the fourth-generation owner carrying on the legacy.
Originally founded by Madam Nobia Franklin, the institute's journey began with a hairstyling salon in San Antonio, where she crafted her own hair products. Over the years, the Franklin Beauty Culture School has flourished in various cities before returning to its roots in Houston in 1934.
Today, in 2024, Jemison has infused his own vision into the business, rebranding it as the Franklin Institute. Along with offering top-notch cosmetology training, he has introduced barber classes and fostered a diverse student body, embracing inclusivity and innovation.
"This is the foundation. You're talented but you have to know the rules and regulations. You have to pass this test to move forward because you have people in your hands," he said. "You're actually putting chemicals on their hair that could actually have a reverse [effect] and all the hair falls out. So, that's why it's so important to go to school. We call them doctors, they're hair doctors."
Family ties
He says what makes the Franklin Institute stand out is a sense of family — but not just his own blood.
"It's that family love and feel that we give. It's how we know our students by name, not by number," he said.
One student you also probably know by name is Ms. Tina Knowles, who graduated from the beauty school in the '80s. Jemison refers to her as a pioneer in the industry and local community.
"She had a wonderful salon here in Houston. It wasn't that she just graduated from Franklin, she actually really impacted the Houston community with her salon," he underscored.
Headliners Salon was the first stage for Ms. Tina's daughter, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, performing for women in her mother's chair. Now, decades later the singer is returning to her roots with a new haircare line called Cécred, which she says honors a sacred space for the Black community. Ivy McGregor, executive director of Beyoncé's public charity BeyGOOD, grew up in that space, which she says feels like family dinners.
"It's a space for all kinds of conversations. You have someone funny making everyone laugh, a wise woman sharing her knowledge, and so many stories being shared in a safe environment," McGregor described. "It's a hub, a cultural center in our community."
The Investment
With rave reviews pouring in for her haircare products, Beyoncé is investing $500,000 in the individuals who curate these special spaces.
The Franklin Institute is among five cosmetology schools nationwide selected to receive the Cécred x BeyGOOD Student Scholarships fund.
"We wanted to acknowledge and highlight the significant role cosmetology plays in our culture," McGregor expressed. "And what better institution than the Franklin Institute to showcase this longstanding narrative, having served the Houston community and beyond for many years."
Other distinguished schools on the list include Beaver Beauty Academy in Atlanta, Trenz Beauty Academy in Chicago, Universal College of Beauty in Los Angeles, and Janas Cosmetology Academy in New Jersey.
The Cécred x BeyGOOD fund will also offer salon business grants in these locations, chosen through meticulous market analysis, McGregor elaborated.
"The selection wasn't solely based on hair salons but on the overall presence of cosmetology: from schools to students and licensed professionals," McGregor clarified.
Annually, 25 students and 25 salon owners will be awarded $10,000 each in financial aid scholarships and grants, respectively, through the Cécred x BeyGOOD Salon Business Grant. The impact of these funds could be transformative.
Commitment to the cosmetology sector
Embarking on a career as a professional hair stylist typically involves an initial investment of close to $14,000 in Texas, as reported by Cosmetology-License.com. On a national scale, the average cost stands at around $20,000, according to Beauty Schools Directory.
"Economic equity is a fundamental pillar of BeyGOOD. It's crucial to address the existing disparities," McGregor emphasized. "We firmly believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to flourish. Through this program, we are thrilled to see education and entrepreneurship intersect."
McGregor highlighted that the cosmetology field has often been overlooked but is now receiving the attention it deserves.
"While other industries have been supported through loans and various initiatives during challenging times, cosmetology has not received similar focus. We are delighted to change that narrative and uplift the entire sector with the help of Mrs. Carter's generosity," she added.
The initiative is commencing in Beyoncé's hometown, demonstrating her commitment to empowering the industry where she began her career.
"In her hometown of Houston, her dedication remains unwavering, right? Whenever there is an opportunity to contribute, her priority is always her community. We are thrilled to have the chance to make a lasting impact," McGregor emphasized. "Our goal is to not just create a temporary ripple effect, but to establish something that will endure for many years to come. We want to look back in the future and say, 'We ignited the flame, and it's still burning brightly.'"
This initiative marks a significant moment, inspiring the next wave of aspiring hairstylists.
"I believe that the scholarship will serve as a source of motivation for young women who have dreamt of pursuing a career in cosmetology but were unsure of how to proceed," Jemison commented. "To witness someone they admire, someone from their own hometown, who has achieved success and is using their platform to give back to the community sends a powerful message: 'You can achieve your dreams too!'"
