Growing up in a busy neighborhood in the Bronx, Chantel Francis ’24 was used to having everything she needed a short walk away. When she arrived on the SUNY Brockport campus in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, she realized that was no longer the case, particularly regarding beauty products for BIPOC students.
As a double major in international business and economics, Francis saw this as an opportunity and launched her own solution – Hello Beauty, a beauty supply vending machine – in the Seymour Union.
“In NYC, everything’s a short walk away, and since I didn’t have a car, I’d ask friends for rides to Rochester’s nearest beauty supply store, about 30 minutes away,” said Francis. “I thought, why not have something right in Seymour Union, where everyone goes? I see vending machines with products like Kylie Cosmetics and phone accessories at airports.”
The Hello Beauty machine launched during the Fall 2024 semester and is located just outside the Gallery on the first floor of the Union. Students can find a variety of cosmetic products from top brands such as CeraVe, KISS, and got2b. When deciding on the products she would sell, Francis took the time to assess the needs of Brockport’s students. She distributed a survey through Instagram, collaborated with Brockport Student Government members, and reached out to multiple student clubs.
“Hello Beauty allows BIPOC students to feel seen and heard. I can’t provide everything, but with this, it gives the basics to feel a sense of comfortability.”
Chantel Francis
“Hello Beauty allows BIPOC students to feel seen and heard,” Francis said. “Since launching the machine, I’ve received so many texts from current students saying things like, ‘This is what I really needed.’ ‘Thank you!’ ‘I’m so grateful for this.’ I can’t provide everything, but with this, it gives the basics to feel a sense of comfortability.”
In the Spring of 2023, Francis knew that she would need funding to help get her business started, so she turned to the Pettis Business Idea Competition. The competition is inspired by the television show “Shark Tank” and offers students the chance to win up to $2,500 to support their business ventures. Francis’ idea for Hello Beauty was selected as one of the winners of the competition and she used the prize money to cover part of the expense for starting her LLC.
“I was extremely grateful,” said Francis. “This prize money meant I could finally get this process moving.”
To reach her launch goal of $10,000, Francis had to balance completing two academic degrees, working multiple full- and part-time jobs, finishing a paid internship, and freelancing — all in the short span of two-years.
“I had to lock in. I worked directly with Gina Mangiamele from the Small Business Development Center to crank out the numbers of what I needed to not only fund my business, but also to live my life,” Francis said. “Beyond the LLC, I needed inventory, the physical vending machine, and a way for the campus to host this resource.”
Francis also received invaluable support from a team of campus leaders. Karen Podsiadly, Director of the Student Union, Leadership, and Activities, alongside Steven Vedder, Assistant Director for Student Union Facilities, walked Francis through the logistics of setting up her machine in the Union. Meanwhile, the Brockport Auxiliary Service Corporation, Pam Powell (Assistant Director of Procurement and Payment Services), and Crystal Hallenbeck-McPhall (Assistant Vice President for Finance and Management), supplied information regarding existing contract agreements and other financial aspects.
“Every school has a diversity, equity, and inclusion initiative, and I wanted to contribute to it.”
Chantel Francis
“Every school has a diversity, equity, and inclusion initiative, and I wanted to contribute to it,” Francis said. “Brockport gave me valuable lessons that I’ve been able to bring back to the Bronx. Now, I’m running a business that I’m excited about every day.”