Woman-Owned Business Fulfills Need for Hair and Beauty Products in Tomball

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Overview

Successful entrepreneurs identify a need and create a solution—and that’s exactly what Keisha Woodrup set out to do with The Beauty KNW How.

Woodrup recognized a lack of accessible hair care products that met the diverse needs of men and women in her community. Living in Hockley, she often had to drive to Cypress or Houston to find the products she needed. She saw an opportunity to provide a local solution, not just for consumers but also for salon owners, hairstylists, and braiders. However, before she could launch, she needed guidance and funding.

In March 2023, Woodrup turned to the Prairie View A&M University SBDC for support. The center helped her refine her business plan, navigate the funding process, and explore retail space options in Waller and Tomball, where she saw strong demand for her products. 

Earlier in her journey, she had connected with a mentor in New York City who assisted her in developing a logo, drafting a preliminary business plan, and securing an LLC and EIN. However, it was the SBDC’s expertise that helped her take the critical next steps toward opening a storefront. 

With the SBDC’s support, Woodrup is working toward making high-quality hair care products more accessible to her community, ensuring local customers no longer have to travel far to find what they need.

Identifying a Market and Making a Business Plan

After connecting with Prairie View A&M University SBDC Director and Business Advisor Jasmin Epsy Speed, Woodrup gained valuable insight into the local market. Speed informed her that if she set up shop in Waller—where PVAMU was a key part of the community—she would face competition from several new retailers offering similar product lines. Additionally, Speed cautioned that businesses on campus often experience a drop in revenue during the summer months due to lower student presence, with some closing temporarily during this period. 

Concerned about the challenges of opening a store on campus, Woodrup questioned whether she needed to adjust her business model entirely to succeed. However, Speed provided market data that helped her explore alternative locations. The analysis pointed to Tomball and the Cypress-Rosehill area as more lucrative options. Rather than shifting her concept to compete directly, Speed advised Woodrup to expand it. She encouraged her to reassess her offerings and consider broader services, such as hair analysis, to better meet her target market’s needs. 

As Woodrup continued developing her business plan, she worked closely with both her mentor and Speed, refining her branding, choosing a business name, and pinpointing her ideal customer base. She also explored potential locations that aligned with her vision. To gain further industry insight, Woodrup attended a Beauty Bootcamp in Atlanta, where she visited three beauty supply stores for inspiration. One retailer stood out, and she decided to model her business after it. 

With a clearly defined buyer persona and target demographic, Woodrup revisited her business plan, streamlining its language and enhancing the marketing and financial sections with Speed’s guidance. However, financial projections proved to be one of the most challenging aspects of the process. Since Woodrup’s lifestyle required that her business remain closed on Sundays, this significantly impacted the number of operational days available to hit necessary transaction volume and revenue goals. Every adjustment to the projections added pressure, as fewer open days meant higher daily sales targets to meet break-even requirements.

After multiple rounds of revising the numbers, testing different scenarios, and recalculating break-even points, Woodrup's frustration began to set in. However, Speed notes that, “despite the challenges, putting in the time and effort to fine-tune the financials proved invaluable. By the time Keisha was ready to secure funding, she had developed a deep understanding of her numbers, allowing her to confidently answer lenders’ questions about her projections, financial analysis, and business strategy.”

Woodrup was on track to finalize the plan and begin securing funding from lenders. However, before moving forward, she still needed to confirm inventory selections and initial purchase amounts with her mentor while continuing to explore potential retail locations.

The Beauty KNW How Launches 

In September 2023, Woodrup officially launched The Beauty KNW How, filing with the state to establish her business. As she searched for a storefront, Speed recommended she apply as a vendor for a pop-up shop event at a local church in Tomball. This opportunity helped generate buzz and allowed her to gather valuable customer feedback on her product offerings. 

With the help of a commercial real estate agent referred by the SBDC, Woodrup identified several potential retail locations. She then submitted her finalized business plan, incorporating updated financial projections that accounted for rental costs, to a lender. By February 2024, she secured approval for an SBA loan through Amegy Bank. With this funding, combined with her owner’s equity, she was able to sign a lease for a commercial retail space in Tomball. She also hired both full- and part-time staff to help manage the store. 

In August 2024, The Beauty KNW How celebrated its grand opening with an overwhelming turnout. The event was supported by community members, local vendors, the Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce, and, of course, the PVAMU SBDC, which had played a key role in her business journey. 

“Working with the PVAMU SBDC and Jasmin Epsy Speed was a game-changer for my business,” says Woodrup. “Their guidance helped me refine my business plan, navigate funding, and find the perfect location for The Beauty KNW How. Jasmin’s expertise and persistence—especially through countless financial projections—gave me the confidence to launch successfully. I’m incredibly grateful for their support in turning my vision into reality!”

Today, the SBDC continues to support Woodrup by providing marketing guidance, including direct assistance from one of its experienced business marketing specialists.