AUSTIN, Texas — Experts say Black business owners have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.
On the brink of closing her own doors, one entrepreneur is pleading for Central Texans to support Black-owned businesses, especially right now.
When India Phillips opened ILY Nails & Beauty Bar, she faced many hurdles, beginning with February’s winter storm.
“So, we opened right before ‘SNOWVID’ and we had to close three days after we opened because ‘SNOWVID’ hit,” Phillips said.
Then she had to deal with supply shortages.
“We did not have some of our equipment for almost four to five months after we opened, just because of the pandemic,” Phillips said.
Now, her nail salon is at risk, but she hopes to garner the financial support she needs to keep her doors open.
“I’ve been putting out more money than we’ve actually been bringing in,” Phillips shared.
A study from H&R Block found more than half of Black-owned…
