Six years ago, NY Beauty Suites opened its doors in Downtown Brooklyn with a clear mission: to provide flexible co-working spaces for independent beauty professionals. Today, founder and chief brand architect Johanne Brierre has transformed the business into something much more expansive; an entrepreneurial hub that’s reshaping how beauty professionals build their careers and give back to the community. 

More Than Just Suites 

What started as a solution to help beauty entrepreneurs during the pandemic has evolved into a comprehensive resource center. NY Beauty Suites, located at 81 Willoughby Street, continues to offer professional workspace for licensed beauty professionals in hair, nails, skincare, and makeup. But the real growth has been in their programming and community impact. 

“Before, it was about providing suites to beauty entrepreneurs,” Johanne explains. “Now we’re an entrepreneurial hub that provides business education programming and opportunities for the next generation.”

NY Beauty Suites has developed robust programs that extend far beyond their four walls: 

Beautypreneur Programming offers business education and skills training across all beauty disciplines, helping professionals navigate the resources available to grow their businesses. 

Content Creation Program teaches students interested in marketing how to build their brand in today’s digital landscape—a crucial skill for any modern entrepreneur. 

In-School Programming brings NY Beauty Suites members directly into classrooms during extended learning time (ELT), teaching students skills they wish they had learned when they were young. The program includes an on-site model with Clara Barton High School, focusing on pathway awareness and career exploration in the beauty industry. 

Small Biz Pop-Up is their flagship annual event, held the second week of November in partnership with Brooklyn Commons. This day-long event brings together 600 small businesses to learn about resources from government agencies like HRA and DYCD, and features a pitch competition that showcases emerging entrepreneurs. 

These teaching opportunities create a circular economy within the NY Beauty Suites community—experienced members give back while building their own credibility and networks. 

The Downtown Brooklyn Advantage 

For Johanne, Downtown Brooklyn’s central location remains one of the business’s greatest assets. “We have clients coming from New Jersey and Queens,” she notes. “Many members specifically want to join our Willoughby location because of how accessible it is.” 

But it’s more than just transportation. “There’s a buzzing energy here—exciting new restaurants, diverse small businesses, people contributing something of meaning and value to the world. That synergy inspires people to want to give back.” 

Flexible Options for Every Stage 

Understanding that beauty professionals work in varied ways, NY Beauty Suites now offers two workspace models: 

  • Monthly rentals for established professionals seeking a permanent home base 
  • Flex daily rentals for creatives juggling multiple jobs who want to pursue their beauty passions on their own schedule 

“We want to help people build their business, not be an obstacle to it,” Johanne emphasizes. 

The community extends beyond just renting a suite. Members can participate in mentorships and partnerships, including collaborations with organizations like the Natural Hair and Braiding Coalition (NHBC), which connects them with industry veterans—including stylists from the show “Living Single.” These partnerships cover everything from retirement planning to creating multiple income streams through product development and educational classes. 

Looking Ahead 

As NY Beauty Suites navigates an uncertain economic and political landscape, Johanne is focused on deepening their impact. Plans include developing incubator spaces that offer even more resources within their entrepreneurial hub, all focused on the business of beauty. Through intergenerational programming and sustained community outreach, NY Beauty Suites is building a sustainable model that ensures beauty professionals—especially women of color who built this billion-dollar industry—have the tools, space, and support to thrive. 

Ready to join the community? Visit NY Beauty Suites’ website to request a tour, attend an upcoming event, or learn more about their programs. You can also email them at hi@nybeautysuites.com. 

NY Beauty Suites is located at 81 Willoughby Street in Downtown Brooklyn.