NWÄR STUDIOS

by Camille Baranda

Nwär Studios made its debut in August 2017 shortly after the owner, Chandra Davis, had gotten her professional license. Davis started the business in hopes of combatting typical beauty standards. Her willingness to provide an inclusive, welcoming and comfortable environment for her clients is something that drives her business forward.

“I really wanted to create a space where it was okay for you to be yourself, it was okay for you to be different and it was okay for you not to be the traditional beauty standard,” Davis said. “And with that, I always chose photos that kind of reflected the everyday woman.”

The pandemic took the world by storm, and it unfortunately affected numerous businesses. Many tried their best to keep going, but some were forced to close down. Although Davis’ business is fairly new, she was able to keep her shop open during the pandemic without many repercussions. She said that she’s grateful for “playing her cards right” and having opportunities to keep her shop alive.

While the pandemic has negatively affected businesses, the Black Lives Matter movement was able to open doors for Black-owned businesses around the nation. People began posting about local Black businesses like Nwär Studios on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook.

“I’ve gotten a lot more traction and a lot more notice from the general public specifically because of this movement,” Davis said. “And it has been, by far, the best marketing I could get without having to pay for it.”

Davis said she feels that the movement has helped bring the community back together by “fostering love and acceptance.”

Nwär Studios provides waxing, lash extensions and facials. One of their most popular services is the Brazilian wax. Davis has also mentioned that she is planning to release a product line for skincare and body care that “focuses on melanin-rich skin care problems” like acne, scarring and discoloration. Anyone interested in the full list of services offered can check out the store’s website, nwarstudiosinc.com.

“My website is basically like my front desk receptionist,” Davis said. “Everything has to go through the website - booking appointments, rescheduling, cancelling - it all has to be done via my website.”

Clients can expect to receive four emails prior to their appointment to make sure they are fully prepared for it. She understands the pressures that can come with being in a beauty studio for the first time.

“I’ve been in beauty studios where I can clearly tell that I’m not wanted,” Davis said. “I can clearly tell that there’s no one who’s going to service me for whatever reason. Maybe they don’t like my hairstyle or maybe they don’t understand it or I’m not their typical client. And I have always been very much against that. I feel like if you’re coming in for beauty treatment, it’s already such an intimate service and the last thing you want to do is alienate someone.”

Davis has kept the business moving by opening up a second location a few months ago in the Dunning neighborhood. Opening another location in the middle of a pandemic might have been risky, but it has proven to be a good thing for the business.