Latest news with #St.LouisBusinessJournal
Business Journals
15-05-2025
- Business
- Business Journals
Seven to be recognized for their work in St. Louis region as part of Business of Pride program
The St. Louis Business Journal is recognizing six individuals and one nonprofit organization for their work in the St. Louis region for the 2025 Business of Pride program, now in its fifth year.
Business Journals
28-04-2025
- Business
- Business Journals
Owner of Beauty Supply Refresh in Florissant feels the impact of tariffs
From the St. Louis Business Journal. Many industries are grappling with the recently imposed tariffs on Chinese goods, and a few, like the beauty supply industry, are feeling it more directly. Trinita Rhodes, the co-owner of Beauty Supply Refresh in Florissant, has seen firsthand how quickly global policy shifts can impact small businesses. UNLOCK EVERY ARTICLE Get Started For Only $9 GAIN ACCESS TO EVERY LOCAL INSIGHT, LEAD AND MORE! Become A Member She recently expanded to a larger location that has only been open for about four months and is already bracing for impact. 'It's been amazing to see the shift in our customer traffic and flow from the old location to the new location," Rhodes said. 'It's been amazing just welcoming new customers.' With the reality that roughly 80% of her inventory comes from China, she is trying to remain optimistic and prepared. 'Your wigs. Your human hair. Your braiding hair. Think about your blow dryers. Even the little duck bills you may use to clip down your hair. Your combs, your brushes. Wave caps. Bonnets,' she listed off. Earlier this month, the United States increased tariffs on Chinese imports to 145%, prompting a retaliatory 125% tariff from China on U.S. goods. For business owners like Rhodes, it's a gut punch to the supply chain — and the bottom line. 'The reduction in discounts that we receive from our suppliers (and) also the reduction in supply because now people are overbuying to be able to compensate for what's to come next. That uncertainty,' she explained. Rhodes expressed that she would be working with financial experts and reaching out to lawmakers, including Rep. Wesley Bell, who represents St. Louis and most of St. Louis County. She was told Bell would be spearheading a new initiative to partner with small businesses to better understand their needs. Financial adviser Cathey Williamson, who owns Williamson Financial Management Group, has been in the business for 25 years and said now is the time for beauty supply businesses — and others impacted by the tariffs — to rethink their models. 'Are there places here in the United States that I can go a little deeper?' Williamson asked. 'We know China may have been your first layer. Are there other layers? Are there other countries that you can look to?' Williamson encouraged business owners to build cash reserves, secure lines of credit and stay informed about trade agreements. She also stressed the importance of tapping into local and national networks for support and innovation. 'Look and see what you have, what are some opportunities that exist,' Williamson said. 'And even if you're not utilizing your local community, don't be afraid to reach out to someone across the country.' Go here for KSDK's full report and video.
Business Journals
25-04-2025
- Business
- Business Journals
Announcing the 2025 Corporate Counsel Awards honorees
The winners of the St. Louis Business Journal's Corporate Counsel Awards, now in their 12th year, come from a variety of industries, including retail, technology and construction.
