Salon a hub for community engagement: Choya Woods
March 19, 2024
| By La Crosse Community Foundation |
Community engagement, inclusivity at core of business model
As the founder of Melanin Beauty Bar, Choya Woods has created a space not just for beauty services but also as a hub for community engagement and support. Woods’s approachable personality and background in performance arts make her a natural at connecting with people.
And she does it well, frequently hosting and organizing free events that uplift others and bring them together. With inclusivity as a core value, she wants everyone to feel they belong in the community, saying Melanin Beauty Bar is a space built for all people.
After operating the salon for five years, Woods has demonstrated that local businesses can be about providing great services while also serving as a platform for building relationships and fostering a sense of community.
Why is it important to you to create social capital in our community?
Melanin Beauty Bar owner Choya Woods has made her salon a third place for many in the community, particularly young people. The mother of four frequently hosts free gatherings in her space.
Moving to La Crosse nearly 25 years ago was initially about being close to my mom during her health struggles, but it’s become so much more. I believe in the power of conversations, particularly with the younger people who come into my salon. It’s important to involve them in dialogue about our community’s future. We need to understand how to keep the movement growing and engage them in these discussions. In my salon, I try to create a space for these conversations. It’s not just about hair; it’s about mentoring and guiding, especially the younger generation, helping them see their role in shaping our community. This engagement is key to sustaining and building our community’s social capital, ensuring its growth and continuity.”
How does your business serve as a third place for others?
Melanin Beauty Bar goes beyond providing exceptional hair services — we strive to create a haven of positivity where people can develop healthy habits through self-care education while fostering their inner beauty. By empowering these young minds with confidence built upon genuine affection within our walls — we arm them against seeking validation elsewhere!
Building resilience in the next generation by showing them that no matter what life throws their way, especially during challenging times like adolescence, they have value and are capable of achieving greatness.
I have clients from all walks of life. As they sit in the waiting area, sipping on complimentary beverages and flipping through magazines, conversations naturally unfold. Topics range from personal struggles and triumphs to recommendations for local hotspots and shared interests. It becomes clear that this seemingly ordinary location actually serves as an epicenter for fostering relationships among strangers united by their desire for self-care and pursuit of physical and mental wellness.
I love being the neighborhood “beauty shop.”
What “third places” have you found in La Crosse that are open and welcoming to all community members?
In La Crosse, third places like local restaurants and coffee shops, especially the Charmant and The Damn Tasty, hold a special place for me. Different people come together in these spots, making me feel connected to the larger community. As a hairstylist, it’s easy for me to strike up conversations and make connections. I’m not shy about walking up to anyone to start a chat, which helps create a sense of community in our small town. These places allow people from diverse backgrounds to interact, share experiences, and grow together. My husband, who’s like my walking business card, and I often meet new people in these spaces. We find that engaging with others in these third places enriches our community experience, making La Crosse a more connected and welcoming place for everyone.
Reprinted with permission from the La Crosse Tribune.