Big Changes Ahead: A Special Announcement

Moment of transparency: Being vulnerable is hard. Change is hard. Yet, both are necessary in navigating life, building relationships and maintaining trust. Did I mention: owning and operating a business is tough work! With that said, I won't bury the lede – especially since you've stuck beside me this year as we rebranded and introduced you to Eighth+Kin. Ahead of the season's transition from Fall to Winter, Eighth+Kin will transition back to its roots as an online marketplace. I will be closing the doors to our physical store December 30, 2023. For nearly 7 years, I've had the privilege of introducing the world to phenomenal Black+Brown founded beauty brands who have gone to have placements in stores such as Sephora, Ulta and Target, and helping beautiful humans, such as yourself, redefine standards of beauty. While it is my hope that this is a temporary roadblock rather than a dead end, I move forward trusting the path shown to me through much prayer and thoughtful consideration. I truly value your continued support of Eighth+Kin and would like to provide insight into the location closure.

Since opening the physical location 5 years ago, I have dealt with numerous incidents with a neighboring tenant. From informal complaints to the building’s landlord to reports to law enforcement for hosting meet-and-greets, pop-ups and other events to serve you and deliver on our mission to cultivate a community that celebrates and connects beauty enthusiasts, founders and creators of color. Yet, I remained. However, in early November these incidents escalated to a formal complaint. As a result of this reprimand, it is a requirement that Eighth+Kin no longer sell hair care products or host any events relating to hair, citing competition. This is happening despite a carve out in the lease and being transparent from inception that we were a beauty boutique catering to women of color, curating products and events around Black+Brown owned beauty brands in skin, hair and bath & body. Complying with this demand is an affront to the mission of Eighth+Kin, and most importantly, directly impacts the revenue of this small business. It is my hope we will be able to re-open in a new location where we will resume our in-store shopping experience and experiential learning workshops & services in an environment that is community-driven, inclusive, safe and affirming. 

 
WHAT TO EXPECT AS WE TRANSITION:

While we won't have a physical space to host events in the interim, we will continue to bring you beauty in full dimension and color through various pop-up activations and workshops, and our online home where you can take our skincare quiz, find your perfect match through our Buy It, Try It™ Foundation Match program and schedule virtual one-on-one consultations and beauty sessions. Through our online experience, we will continue to provide hidden gems, cult favorites and popular indie brands, alike.

This reset also means retaining partners that align with the future goals of Eighth+Kin. We will remain mission-driven and provide a collection that is hand-picked, owner tested and selected with specific the beauty needs of Black and Brown women first.

Thank you SO much for all of your support over the years! Whether you've hosted or attended an event, made a purchase or supported us online, your love has been felt and embraced. It is my hope that you continue the journey with me and Eighth+Kin remains your destination for all things beauty in bold color. While this signals the end of an era – for now – I am excited for the future of Eighth+Kin and what's to come! I welcome your questions, concerns and feedback. Please respond in the comments and I will respond accordingly.

Yours in beauty, 

Kimberly J. Smith
Chief Curator & Disruptor, Eighth+Kin