CARE FOR YOUR HAIR. Legacy Hair & Beauty Supplies, a new store in Eau Claire, is a place where all can go to learn about their hair and how to best take care of it, thanks to owner TaNevia Johnson (pictured).

In November 2022, TaNevia Johnson had to be rushed into emergency surgery. Though she has often contemplated owning her own business, it wasn’t until then that she realized she wanted to create something she could leave behind for her son: her legacy.

Thus, Legacy Hair & Beauty Supplies was born. Located in a strip mall on Menomonie Street in Eau Claire, Johnson held a grand opening for Legacy on Jan. 21. Legacy sells wigs, extensions, crochet hair, braiding hair, body oils, and hair products such as shampoos, conditioners, and curl creams. Along with the wide range of products, Johnson also has extensive knowledge in hair care and is passionate about educating everyone about their own.

“In the Black community, hair is such a powerful thing to us,” Johnson said. “It means a lot to us. It’s more than just hair; it’s a culture. It’s a lot, and so I want to provide education to people who might not have been exposed to Black hair care and just show them that their hair is beautiful too, even though it’s different than maybe the norm up here.”

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in the black community hair is such a powerful thing to us. It means a lot to us. It’s more than just hair; it’s a culture.

TaNevia johnson

owner of legacy hair & beauty supplies

Living in the Chippewa Valley since 2014, Johnson realized there was a lack of Black beauty supply stores in the area, and she knew that had to change. Previously, she would have to travel to Minneapolis or Illinois to get products she needed. And while larger chains in the area are carrying more shampoos and conditioners meant for Black hair, things like braiding hair and wigs still aren’t readily available in the Valley.

“My plan is to just create a safe environment for people to come and learn,” Johnson explained. “You know, the initial vision came because there isn't a place for people of color to get hair products, but my ultimate goal is for it to be a place where everyone can shop."

Still, her son never leaves her mind when working on her own legacy, and the Legacy store. “I wanted Legacy to be a place where a child that might not have the most confidence in their hair can go into a store and be like, ‘Wow, I see people like me,’ or ‘I see products that will work.’ ”

You can visit Legacy Hair & Beauty Supply at 1235 Menomonie St., Suite H, Eau Claire, and check them out online at legacyhairandbeautysupply.com.