Business
Unity-1 on the Road to Rebuilding
NEW ORLEANS DATA NEWS WEEKLY — On March 20th NOPD officers were in pursuit of what they believed was a car that was stolen. As officers became disengaged the car sped away and tragedy arose as the car crashed into Unity One Beauty Salon, causing a three alarm fire that left the iconic Broadmoor business building engulfed in flames leaving it presently inoperable. Also three lives were lost, the two young men in the vehicle and one women inside the salon who later succumbed to burns sustained in the fire.
By Edwin Buggage
On March 20th NOPD officers were in pursuit of what they believed was a car that was stolen. As officers became disengaged the car sped away and tragedy arose as the car crashed into Unity One Beauty Salon, causing a three alarm fire that left the iconic Broadmoor business building engulfed in flames leaving it presently inoperable. Also three lives were lost, the two young men in the vehicle and one women inside the salon who later succumbed to burns sustained in the fire.
After the fire an outpouring of support came from all over the city, state and nation regarding the rebuilding of what has become an institution in the African-American community. Data News Weekly spoke with Beverly Smith DPC (Doctor of Professional Cosmetology) who owns the business with her husband John Smith, who founded the business in 1981.
Unity One Trailblazer in Black Haircare Industry in New Orleans
As we is known the Black Haircare industry is a multi-billion dollar industry and was traditionally where Black Entrepreneurs could find support from the black community and build wealth. Today while there are still businesses like Unity-One that is Black Owned many have gone out of business.
But Beverly Smith is determined to continue the legacy they have built as they are on the road to rebuild their business.
“We are a family business that began in 1981 by my husband John Smith. I met him in 1982 and began working with him building our business that at one point had five locations and was the number one distributor of black hair care products in the Southeast region,” states Ms. Beverly, a name many have come to know her by in the community.
Continuing talking about the business she says, “We provide professional products to serve professionals in hair care industry the general public. We also have a salon as well. Beauty industry from all over the city gone on and started their own salon. We have been an incubator in the community for beauty professionals.”
Community Comes Together to Support Rebuilding Effort
Speaking of their contribution and the beginning stages of their rebuilding she says, “We are reaching out for resources. We have spoken to Mayor Cantrell and our City Councilman Jay Banks for support. We are a historic business with ties in the community and we plan on rebuilding bigger and better,” Ms. Beverly says with confidence and optimism ringing in her voice.
Speaking of their impact in the community she says, “We have helped the homeless to help transition to permanent housing. We offer training them how to run a business and grow. We have a product as well. Umoja Visions we employ people to work with the product line. Learn how to become entrepreneurs.”
Recently, the Bronner Brother Hair International Beauty Show came to New Orleans. There was an outpouring of support for Unity One and its rebuilding. Speaking of when they were present a check for 10,000 dollars presented to them during an event Smith says, “Bronner Brother brought us on the main stage talked about our tragedy and asked everyone to support us and James and Jessica Bronner gave us a check to start restoration and renovations.”
Locally, fundraisers are also being held to help. Recently, at Bertha’s Place, a local bar held a fundraiser that was well attended with an outpouring of support. “We had DJ Captain Charles there, someone we have known for a long time. He lives in our neighborhood we have done many things for us. Bertha, is someone we have known her for a long time. We started our business around the same time. She is just like family.
Deborah planned and organized the party to assist with us getting some things for our immediate needs.”
They’re both opening their businesses is not the only thing they have in common; recently, Bertha’s Place was also damaged by fire. But today Bertha’s is in a new location and is going stronger than ever with the community continuing to support her. This is something that encourages Ms. Beverly, feeling their family business will travel down a similar path. “It touched her heart because she also had a fire to her business. It touched her heart, she said I understand your pain and if I can do anything to help. Love and prayers is phenomenal. It something to keep us motivated and moving toward rebuilding our business. People really care.”
Also closer to home in Broadmoor where their business is located neighboring business are pitching in to help, “Propeller, a business accelerator that works with small businesses is definitely reaching out. They have been very supportive and will be doing a fundraiser on April 15. I have also talked to Kathleen Rhodes of Rhodes Funeral home and they said they are willing to help in any way possible.”
The Value of Life
All lives matter and in this tragedy three lives were lost. With compassion and care in her voice she says, “I talked to one of the boy’s mother and the other one’s grandmother and I gave them my condolences. We were there to support them with their prayer vigil.” Speaking of the young lady who lost her life she says, “Ms. Shawan, was one of our customers. We all went to her funeral and supported them. I remember seeing her coming in the salon. She was a very quiet lady; she didn’t say much. Monica Scott would do her hair who is one of the salon managers. I remember her just loving being in the environment and my heart goes out to her family and her son Anthony who also use to come and get his haircuts and line ups.”
The Continuing Importance of Black Owned Businesses and Unity in the Community
In post Katrina New Orleans with its many changes; the importance of Black Institutions, business and cultural footprint is essential. Speak of the future of her business and other Black Businesses she says, “Being Black owned business is sometimes a challenge; oftentimes we do not get the funding and support we need. But I feel there has been an upside to it as well, being a role model for the community,” Smith says proudly.
“We have young people who are now adults say they watched us and because of our example wanted to become a business owner. We give a lot of hope and encouragement that you can become a business owner. The community is proud of what we’ve become and we’ve inspired them.”
For those who know of all they have given back, it is now time for them to be on the receiving end as an outpouring of love and support is there as Unity One is on the road to rebuild. “Unity means coming together as one. We need to unite and be on one accord. Whenever there is someone in need. The community can come together to help together we can stand but divided we will fall. Together we can accomplish more. The whole city, not just Broadmoor.”
This article originally appeared in the New Orleans Data News Weekly.
Bay Area
COVID-19 Response Grant Program
The City of Union City will be issuing another round of its COVID-19 Response Grant Program. The program has distributed approximately $620,000 in grant funds and forgivable loans to the community to respond to the impacts of COVID-19 and will distribute another $322,000 through this latest round of funding. The City will utilize federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and CARES Act funds.
The City of Union City will be issuing another round of its COVID-19 Response Grant Program. The program has distributed approximately $620,000 in grant funds and forgivable loans to the community to respond to the impacts of COVID-19 and will distribute another $322,000 through this latest round of funding. The City will utilize federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and CARES Act funds.
Grants are available through the City’s Road to Recovery Small Business Assistance Program and the Residential Rental Assistance Program. The City began accepting applications on March 6, 2023, at 9 a.m. and will begin reviewing applications (up to 50 applications for each grant opportunity) submitted on or before March 30, 2023, at 5 p.m. The program information and the online application are available on the City’s website:
https://www.unioncity.org/548/COVID-19-Response-Grant-Program
The City will be holding two informational/technical assistance meetings to support residents and businesses with their applications and respond to any questions. These meetings will be streamed via Zoom. See below for meeting information and Zoom meeting links.
Tuesday, March 14, 2023: 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
https://unioncity-org.zoom.us/j/89061570160
Wednesday, March 15, 2023: 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Business
Popular Barbers Bring ‘Empire’ to Hercules
When he was a child, Drew DeGuzman said his parents couldn’t always afford to get his hair cut.“So, when I got a little older into my teens, I bought a cheap pair of clippers and started cutting my own hair and found out I had a real gift for it,” said DeGuzman, an Antioch native and 2004 graduate of De La Salle High School in Concord. DeGuzman started cutting his classmates’ hair, and also his Dad’s and brother’s. He cut hair on the weekends, and it was clear to him that this wasn’t just a hobby, but a career.
By Mike Kinney
When he was a child, Drew DeGuzman said his parents couldn’t always afford to get his hair cut.
“So, when I got a little older into my teens, I bought a cheap pair of clippers and started cutting my own hair and found out I had a real gift for it,” said DeGuzman, an Antioch native and 2004 graduate of De La Salle High School in Concord.
DeGuzman started cutting his classmates’ hair, and also his Dad’s and brother’s. He cut hair on the weekends, and it was clear to him that this wasn’t just a hobby, but a career.
In December 2020, DeGuzman, then 36 years old, alongside Richmond native Christian Chavez, 31, opened the Empire Barber Shop at 3700 San Pablo Ave. in Hercules. The pair had previously worked since 2015 at the Empire location inside the Sunvalley Shopping Center in Concord before launching the Hercules site. The swift popularity of Empire’s new location in West County is connected to a longtime passion for craft.
“It feels really good to know that the community has embraced us, and they see the value that we bring,” DeGuzman said. “It feels great to see hard work pay off.”
Drew DeGuzman poses in front of his workstation. Photo courtesy of Empire Barbershop.
Empire partner Christian Chavez got his start at the shop where he once got his hair cut. Photo courtesy of Empire Barbershop.
Empire barbers keep up with trends and current styles for men’s grooming. Photo courtesy of Empire Barbershop.
Hard work at a young age is how Chavez found his calling. At that time, he’d get his haircuts at Adriana’s Beauty Salon in San Pablo, “right next to McDonald’s,” he said.
Chavez attended Leadership Public Schools in Richmond, which provided students a week where they could intern at a business. Adriana’s Beauty Salon hired him on as an intern to take on walk-ins. Once he got a hold of his own clippers, he started providing haircuts to his family.
“I just saw the clippers waving at me all the time,” he said. “I knew my calling was to become a professional barber and stylist.”
Empire specializes in modern men’s grooming and precision haircutting and styling. The shop additionally “stays true to our foundation in traditional barbering with an emphasis on classic hot towel shaves and service,” said DeGuzman.
The key to balancing a diversity of services with top-notch craft is ongoing education, he added.
“We have created a culture here where we want to continue to learn and seek new techniques and learn how to execute these evolving styles,” he said.
DeGuzman added, “We value professionalism and want the public to really feel welcome and respected when entering our shops.”
It’s not all work, no play for DeGuzman and Chavez.
“We are family guys,” DeGuzman said. “So we really enjoy spending time with our family and friends. “From taking advantage of the hiking trails on the waterfront, movies at the park, sporting events, and exploring all the awesome food spots our community has to offer.”
The pair also love to shop and eat locally, including at the nearby Target and Trader Joe’s, Pear Street Bistro, Leila by the Bay, Powder Keg, and “of course our neighbors at Sharetea and Kinder’s,” said DeGuzman.
Empire Barber Shop opens Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, contact (510) 243-5396.
Business
San Francisco Bank, Others Affected by Failure of Silicon Valley Bank
Another Bay Area bank was affected Monday by uncertainty in the financial markets following the failure of Silicon Valley Bank on Friday. Stock in San Francisco-based First Republic Bank sank nearly 62 percent Monday and shares of other regional banks suffered losses, reportedly. On Sunday, regulators seized Signature Bank in New York after it failed.
By Keith Burbank
Bay City News
Another Bay Area bank was affected Monday by uncertainty in the financial markets following the failure of Silicon Valley Bank on Friday.
Stock in San Francisco-based First Republic Bank sank nearly 62 percent Monday and shares of other regional banks suffered losses, reportedly.
On Sunday, regulators seized Signature Bank in New York after it failed.
But a San Jose State University professor of finance and accounting does not see the failure of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank as signs of a coming crisis.
“I don’t think it is a huge contagion issue,” said assistant professor Matthew Faulkner. “It’s more toward an isolated incident.”
Over the weekend and Monday, top federal officials including President Joseph Biden appeared to be getting ahead of the issue.
Biden sought to ease American’s fears by making all deposits held by Silicon Valley Bank customers available regardless of the amount of their deposits, federal officials said over the weekend.
That includes businesses who must pay their employees and their bills, officials said.
“Americans can have confidence that the banking system is safe,” Biden said Monday morning. “Your deposits will be there when you need them.”
Investors will not be protected, Biden said. According to the president, they took a risk and “that’s how capitalism works.”
Taxpayers will not be on the hook for the losses. Money to cover the losses will come from fees that banks pay into the deposit insurance fund, Biden said.
In California, state Treasurer Fiona Ma said Monday that her office has no exposure to Silicon Valley Bank and state and local government funds are safe.
Additionally, companies that did business with Silicon Valley Bank won’t have to pay any penalty if they must file their payroll taxes late, according to the California Employment Development Department, which collects payroll taxes.
Employers can request a waiver online at https://edd.ca.gov/en/payroll_taxes/e-Services_for_Business/ or in writing.
Silicon Valley Bank failed Friday after depositors and investors tried to withdraw $42 billion from the bank on Thursday. The bank had $175 billion in deposits at the end of last year. The withdrawals left the bank with a negative cash balance of nearly $1 billion Thursday.
Monday, First Republic Bank said it widened its financial position with liquidity from the U.S. Federal Reserve Bank and JP Morgan Chase and Co.
First Republic now has more than $70 billion to fund operations, the bank’s officials said. Additional liquidity is available through the Bank Term Funding Program, which the Federal Reserve announced Monday and ensures banks can meet the needs of their depositors.
“First Republic’s capital and liquidity positions are very strong, and its capital remains well above the regulatory threshold for well-capitalized banks,” said Jim Herbert, founder and executive chairman, and Mike Roffler, president and CEO, of First Republic Bank. “First Republic continues to fund loans, process transactions and fully serve the needs of clients.”
U.S. Senate hopeful Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Oakland, blamed the failure of Silicon Valley Bank on the rollback of federal financial regulations by former President Donald Trump.
“Federal oversight over large corporations and our economy is crucial and regulators must once again step in and ensure we do not repeat the mistakes made in 2008,” Lee said in a statement.
Silicon Valley Bank was the 16th largest bank in the United States as of March 10, Faulkner said.
Faulkner suggests depositors open another account, if they have one with more than $250,000 in it, to protect themselves.
Silicon Valley Bank was focused on serving startups, Faulkner said, which was probably part of the reason it failed. But Faulkner said the public only knows part of the story.
Copyright © 2023 Bay City News, Inc. All rights reserved. Republication, rebroadcast or redistribution without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. Bay City News is a 24/7 news service covering the greater Bay Area.
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