In Style: Seventy years of salon service

20th February 2017   ·   0 Comments

By Charmaine Jackson
Contributing Writer

Some family businesses fizzle prematurely, never reaching the next generation. For Antoinette Edinburg Williams, who has owned and operated Edinburg Williams Salon for more than 70 years, longevity is no foreign concept. At 93, Williams still oversees daily operations; however, she is preparing to pass down the business to niece, Kim Washington.

Void of reservations, Williams knew Washington was the best person to take over the family business. In addition to sharing familial history, her aunt said she exhibited stability, drive and passion among other essential qualities to successfully run their business. For Washington, taking over the family business was quite natural.

“I kind of grew up in the business,” said Washington. “This was something I guess I always knew I wanted to try and carry forward from my aunt. At nine years old, I was sweeping the floors and emptying the ash trays. When my uncle became ill, I started to do payroll,” Washington added.

Williams’ introduction to the hair industry was prompted by her mother, Beulah Edinburg, who enrolled her into Neola’s Beauty School, after graduating from the historic African-American high school, McDonogh 35. “She thought it would help further my education,” said Williams. “She woke me up and said I was going to school, and I did,” Williams added. She became certified to train teachers.

Shortly after she graduated beauty school, Williams entered the world of entrepreneurship, with the help of her mother. Williams opened her first salon in the Uptown neighborhood, Black Pearl. After obtaining a Bachelors of Art degree in Art Education from Xavier University Louisiana, she briefly worked as a social worker.

Williams became the first African-American cosmetologist instructor at Delgado Sidney Collier, formerly known as the Orleans Area Vocational Technical School, and taught there for ten years.

After renting out a few places, Williams’ husband, John B. Williams decided it was time for a more permanent place and moved to the current location: 2640 Bruxelles. Formerly a radio repair shop, the hair salon is situated in the 7th Ward amongst residential homes.

A staple in the community, the salon has catered to the community in more ways than the obvious. Williams hosted Delgado Sidney Collier to conduct mock salon workshops to give cosmetology students salon experience. Williams provided a nurturing and welcoming environment to patrons, including stylists who started their careers in her salon. Some of them have moved on and started their own businesses. The salon has also served as a hub to stay connected. Williams and staff produce a newsletter twice a year, which supports area businesses and acknowledges life milestones, such as graduations or weddings.

“Through the years, we’ve been quite successful with just the average gainfully employed who’d come here to enjoy, who would go to the salon every two weeks and get their hair done, like they were coming to work, this is what they did.”

Hurricane Katrina affected more than the building, and Washington saw an opportunity for the salon’s revival. “I knew some of the struggles post-Katrina, with a lot of people being relocated and not returning. I started searching for ways because I don’t have a cosmetology background,” Washington stated. To grant Williams’ desire to take the salon to the next level, Washington applied to the Capital One Getting Down To Business Program, which provided individual coaching, education on how to effectively run a small business, among other business essentials.

Washington, who is also the Director of Asset Management for the non-profit Jericho Road Episcopal, views entrepreneurship as a path to financial freedom.

“I think it is important economically to be able to pass down to the next generation. This is greater than me; it goes beyond me. I am looking at my daughter and although she doesn’t have to be physically here everyday, it’s another important revenue stream. I think it’s important to teach our children that it’s not just about going to college and getting a 9 to 5. You have to build wealth to pass down.”

At the end of the seven-month program, Williams was awarded the Courage Award, and Washington was awarded first place for best pitch. She has major plans in store to improve the salon, with Williams’ support.

“Society tells us we need to chase money. It’s about building the legacy. I am honored that I have an aunt who has imparted so much knowledge. I am setting us up for the future generations of our family,” Washington stated.

In retrospect, Williams has only one career regret. “I don’t know much I would change but I could have thought larger, sooner, but I am grateful that my husband came into my life to see the larger picture. Maybe instead of having one, I could have had a franchise,” Williams stated.

This article originally published in the February 20, 2017 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper.