Meet a Colorado entrepreneur who recognized a problem in her community – and started a business to solve it
Sharon Kalenzi always envisioned herself as an entrepreneur. Growing up, Sharon was inspired by her mother, a small business owner who was very involved in their community. And while she and her husband were already co-owners of Rock Creek Veterinary Hospital in Broomfield, Colo., Sharon always wanted a small business of her own. That opportunity arose when Sharon realized how to fulfill a need for both her family and her community: As a Black family living in a predominantly white neighborhood, “there was nobody that could do our hair,” she said.
As a result, Sharon, her husband and two sons were forced to travel to Denver just to get a haircut. As their town grew and became more diverse, however, more people in the Boulder area also faced this challenge. This inspired her to open Sharon’s Beauty Empire because “being a business owner in a community is about making change and filling a need.”
In addition to providing haircuts and styling services, Sharon teaches small group classes on hair care. Many of her clients are Black children with white adoptive parents who want to learn daily upkeep and hair styling for Black hair. Sharon also strives to build community in her salon so it’s a place for more than hair care; clients also come by with their kids to talk and hang out.
Despite the success of Sharon’s Beauty Empire, Sharon’s business has seen its share of challenges. The salon opened right after the COVID-19 pandemic, and workforce shortages remain a problem. Sharon says she has struggled to recruit and retain employees, and doesn’t currently have any. Instead, Sharon rents a booth at her salon to another stylist who offers their own services separately from Sharon’s business.
Sharon’s advice to other entrepreneurs is to network and get involved in their communities because “people do business with people they know. Also, giving back to the community means that people also want to give their business to you,” she said.
