
02/08/2024
Born in 1892, Nobia A. Franklin was a Texas beautician and beauty entrepreneur. From a young age, Franklin was fascinated with the world of beauty, styling the hair of her friends and neighbors, which eventually grew into a successful business.
By 1915, she was running a salon in her home, and sold everything from hair tonics, creams and oils, to straightening combs, shampoos, and other cosmetics. Her business was centered around beauty products for black women, with cosmetics that were meant to flatter, rather than lighten darker skin tones.
In 1917, she opened the Franklin School of Beauty Culture in Houston to train more black women in her trade in what she called “the Franklin way.” The Franklin School of Beauty recently celebrated its’ centennial anniversary, and is recognized as a historical institute, garnering support and recognition from leaders like Oprah, Barack Obama.
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