As part of Women’s History Month and my ‘The Future is Female’ series, I took a trip to Black Owned Studios—a place that’s more than just a store, it’s a community. And I got to sit down with the amazing Efia Mainoo, the founder behind it all.
Black Owned Studios & Marketplace is a one-of-a-kind beauty space in Manchester that stocks Black-owned brands, offers beauty services, and fosters a real sense of community. But beyond the hair and beauty, it represents something deeper—a space where Black people feel prioritised, welcomed, and understood.
A Shift in Beauty Spaces
The beauty industry has changed. My earliest memories of getting my hair done were in salons filled with women, laughter, and chatter. Flicking through old magazines, making sense of neighbourhood gossip, and dozing off, only to wake up with half my hair transformed. Everyone has a different journey, but for me, there was something warm, communal, and familiar about those spaces.
Now, we’re in a more independent, isolated era. Salons feel quieter, and often, we only find community in shared horror stories of botched hairstyles at the hands of semi-qualified home stylists. And don’t get me wrong—everyone has to start somewhere, and if the hair is good, it’s good. But whatever happened to kindness? To spaces that felt like home?
Black Owned Studios bridges that gap. It offers a private, intimate hair experience without losing that sense of togetherness. Walking into the studio, you’re met with warmth—not just from the people but from the very atmosphere itself.
“We don’t do minimalism here”
Efia Mainoo
Since growing into adulthood, I’ve become more aware of the spaces where I feel truly welcome. Where I feel represented. Where I feel catered to. Black Owned Studios is exactly that. The rich orange and yellow tones throughout the space don’t just decorate the walls—they uplift you.
“It’s about creating spaces where our community feels special and prioritised,” Efia told me. And that’s exactly what she’s done.
Black people contribute so much to the beauty industry, yet finding spaces where we’re truly centered is still a struggle. Ideally, I should be able to walk into any salon and feel at ease. But that’s just not reality. That’s why spaces like Black Owned Studios are essential.
The Black British Experience
When talking to Efia, we reflected on the Black British experience. Often, the narrative is so London-centric that it overlooks the nuances of Black life outside the capital. But living and learning in Manchester has shown me the differences, the uniqueness, and the community that exists here.
Black Owned Studios, situated in Cheetham Hill just 15 minutes from the city centre, represents that beautifully. It’s not just a business—it’s a statement. A reminder that Black beauty, Black spaces, and Black community exist beyond the M25.
What does Black Owned sound like?
In case you didn’t get it from the radio show, Black Owned Studios has Neo-Soul vibe—“the kind of songs that feel like a warm hug”. R&B that Black women connect with deeply. The music playing in the background isn’t just a playlist; it’s part of the atmosphere, part of the experience, part of what makes it feel like home.
“We wanted to make sure that each stylist had their special space and could explore the different aspects of beauty that they bring to the table. No one stylist, no one business, is the same.”
Efia Mainoo
Now that we’ve shaken off the winter blues, it’s time to step into the new season looking and feeling our best. Black Owned Studios has got you covered with everything from wigs, nails, locs, and braids to skincare, scrunchies, and more. Keep an eye out for their upcoming spring and summer events—because beauty is a year-round experience, and community never goes out of style.
Spaces like Black Owned Studios aren’t just about hair; they’re about belonging. They remind us that community is still alive, that beauty is still a shared experience, and that Black people deserve to feel prioritised in an industry they’ve shaped. From the decor and music or events and services, Efia Mainoo has built something special—something that feels like home.
And in a world that too often makes us feel like outsiders, that means everything.