The Comforts Beauty Supply logo on April 7, 2023. Photo taken by Amy Acevedo.

Kiara Alvarado is looking to positively impact the city of Norman, Oklahoma, with the opening of her small business.

Comforts Beauty Supply opened in March 2023 and is located inside Beauty and Designz Studio Lounge where is Headington Hall located. The business sells a variety of products from hair care to braiding hair to eyelashes.

Kiara Alvarado, the business’s owner, was introduced to the beauty industry at a young age. Her mother opened the first black-owned nail salon in Denver, where Alvarado is from. She forged her own path into the beauty world through hair care.

Upon moving to Norman from Denver, Alvarado noticed that she had the skills and passion to better the community.

“Going up to Midwest City or Del City or even Oklahoma City, it’s too far for travel,” Alvarado says, regarding the few black hair care options available in Norman. “I see the need and I want to fulfill that need.”

Alvarado was getting her hair done by Beauty and Designz co-owner Natasha Coleman, when they began discussing the need for black hair products in Norman.

“We just started having a conversation about our hair and what we’re needing and how it’s not supplied in Norman,” says Alvarado.

Shortly after, Alvarado opened her shop within the salon’s doors. Customers can purchase oils and greases, brushes, extensions and a plethora of other products without having to make a half-hour or more commute.

Following their grand opening in February, Beauty and Designz became the first black-owned business on the University of Oklahoma’s campus. Alvarado is happy to be a part it.

“It feels amazing to be a part of something like that,” says Alvarado. “To know where Norman has come from to where it is going, I think that’s just great.”

While she does enjoy working for herself, Alvarado does not ignore the challenges she faced to get there. She faced financial hardships, and some questioned why a black woman would open her own business.

Yet, Alvarado listened to her own advice of never giving up on her dreams. While she enjoys making her own hours and never answering to anyone, her favorite part about working for herself is inspiring her own children.

“My children get to see that their mom actually has something of her own that they will actually own one day,” says Alvarado.

Alvarado encourages shoppers to support all small and local businesses. To support her, you can find her on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. Comforts Beauty Supply is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.