Andrea Shelley Yancey discovered her passion for hairstyling as a child on the porch of her mother’s house in Western Heights, spending countless hours braiding and styling her neighbors’ hair, bringing smiles to their faces. brought. While she took every opportunity to make a little money with her craft, she never imagined that one day this passion would develop into a successful career as a black entrepreneur.
After running her hair salon Sil Beauty for 16 years, Yancey, 38, is now embarking on the next journey to expand her business with the opening of SIL Beauty Square. Event spaces are designed to fulfill our mission of fostering community.
“My customers are my community. After years of having people sit in my chair, I realized how much people are always looking for safe spaces to enjoy themselves. . So an event space makes sense,” Yancey told Knox News. , everyone is welcome here from all walks of life and all demographics. ”
SIL Beauty Square provides rental space to local business owners and serves as an outdoor venue for weddings and community events. For Yancey, it represents an opportunity to give back to the community that shaped her.
A path to vocational school led to a business empire
When Yancey graduated from Fulton High School in 2004, he chose not to take the traditional college path. Instead, she chose to utilize the talents she had cultivated over the years by obtaining her cosmetology license and becoming a master hairstylist.
To her, it made sense.
“I worked at J.C. Penney at East Town Mall, and I also worked at West Town Mall and corporate salons, but there were always hurdles,” Yancey said. I didn’t have that opportunity, but I had the talent, so I started making plans to open my own space to make my own way.”
By the age of 22, Yancey had saved $19,000 and invested all kinds of money to open her first salon in West Knoxville, aiming to serve and cater to a diverse clientele.
“I’ve never been the type to put myself in a box. I grew up in a diverse family. As a business owner, I’ve learned that the key to success is providing needs, not just wants.” I understand,” she said. “Everyone gets their hair done, whether black or white, male or female. Same goes for having fun. Everyone needs a place to host their next party or gathering.”
Yancey believes that attending trade school and entrepreneurship gives young people another path to escape poverty or start making money right out of high school.
“I was the kid who didn’t go to college like my older sister, but that was OK because I wanted to do what I wanted to do. I didn’t want to wait four or five years to start making money for myself. ” she said. . “University is not for everyone, but like me, other young people can start their own business. You have options. Find what you are good at and use it to your advantage. Please.”
Land ownership is part of heritage
Despite saving for five years, Yancey had no plans to open an event space. But while driving on holiday to explore properties for her next venture, she unexpectedly found what she now considers her “vocation.”
“When I first started looking that day, I didn’t think anything of it, but when I saw this place, I felt like it was mine,” she said.
After many calls and several rejections, she finally got a deal and put the property under contract. For Yancey, the concept of land ownership was particularly compelling because he saw it as the key to building intergenerational wealth and the gateway to endless possibilities.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to have space and land because I don’t have to wait for my mom and dad to die and they can take over what’s going to be mine,” Yancey said. spoke. “I’ve been saving money for this place for five years and it’s been a journey. So to be able to find this much space and build on it gives me peace of mind. And owning land is a great thing.” It’s just different. ”
Land ownership is an important step in building intergenerational wealth for Black Americans, as it serves not only as a tangible asset but also as a foundation for economic stability and growth.
As of 2017, Black Americans made up about 13% of the U.S. population but owned about 1.5% of the country. This disparity highlights the historical challenges and institutional barriers Black people face in acquiring and maintaining land ownership.
Sil Beauty Square Experience
Home to a dental clinic for more than 20 years, the new Sill Beauty Square 1,900-square-foot building features six rooms, two bathrooms and a central reception area. Approximately 2 acres of outdoor open space is available for events.
Yancey envisioned the space as a versatile hub for Knoxville business owners, a “blank canvas” ready to accept just about anyone and any type of business to serve customers. It is explained that there is.
Rates start at $200 per hour for a minimum of 3 hours, and tables and chairs may be provided.
“It’s definitely a multipurpose space in the heart of town,” Yancey said. “So whether you’re hosting a birthday party, wedding, or anything in between, we have everything you need to make your next memory.”
SIL Beauty Square, located at 2710 Sanderson Road, will host a family-friendly event for its grand opening on Sept. 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets for the event are $10 at the door and include games, food, live entertainment and activities. All ages.
Angela Dennis is the race, justice and equity reporter for Knox News. Email angela.dennis@knoxnews.com.
