Leander Beauty Supply, the city’s only multicultural beauty supply store, provides products that people have historically had to leave the city for.

The shop puts an emphasis on education as well, helping people find what’s right for them.

“As a Black woman, I’m very familiar with the products. I’m familiar with how they work. I’m familiar with the need,” said co-owner Na’Cole Thompson, who is also Leander City Council’s mayor pro tem.

The gist

Thompson said the store carries trending items, but they also make sure to stock the basic staples of beauty supply stores: wigs, shampoo and conditioner for coily hair, barbershop and salon supplies, extensions and more.


In regard to trending items, the store carries contacts that change eye color, purses and more.

“Some Black-owned brands that you may not find in your big stores, you may find in our store, which is more of a boutique,” Thompson said.

What else?

Thompson said she aims to create a sense of community, carving out days for people who may be uncomfortable shopping publicly to shop privately and supporting local students with scholarships.


Both facets call back to Thompson’s mother, who experienced hair loss due to the medication she had to take and emphasized the importance of education for Thompson and her sisters.

“When she experienced that hair loss, it was tough for her,” Thompson said. “For most women, our hair is our crown. We love the creativity that is allowed when you have a lot of hair – you can change it, change your look, it’s pretty awesome. And she struggled with that.”

The idea to allow people to make appointments on Sundays to shop privately stemmed from wishing her mother had a place to comfortably fill her hair care needs, Thompson said.

One more thing


The store also supports a scholarship in honor of Thompson’s mother.

Eight students received a total of $2,000 from the Doris Faye Riley McDonald Scholarship in May, the scholarship’s second year. They will be able to use the money however they see fit to support their higher education.

Thompson said moving forward, she would like to continue to grow the scholarship and eventually expand the store to other localities with similar needs.