Yelp has released its list of best Black-owned businesses across the country. The beauty businesses highlighted as “Ones to Watch” include standouts such as Lady Clipper Barber Shop, a barbershop run entirely by a team of women of color located in Washington DC., where Yelp’s community raves about the easy booking process and precise cuts. It also calls out Elemint Skin Health & Wellness Studio in Austin, Texas, where Yelp’s community praises the spa’s welcoming environment and next level facials.

Since launching the list in June 2020, more than 45,000 businesses have self-identified as Black-owned. To determine the list of Black-owned businesses to watch, Yelp’s data science team first finds businesses that have self-identified with the Black-owned attribute on Yelp.  From the candidate businesses in each category, Yelp limited the list to three businesses per state, and narrowed it down by weighing a variety of factors, including national online presence, average rating, and review counts. See below for a selection of Yelp’s 2022 beauty list; for a complete list of businesses to watch, visit Yelp’s list on Black-Owned Businesses in Beauty, Food and Home Décor.

Elemint Skin Health & Wellness Studio: Based in Austin, TX, Elemint was founded by Shauntavia Ward, a nurse practitioner and entrepreneur whose work is grounded in centering culture and wellbeing. Through health and wellness initiatives spanning, physical, emotional, and social wellbeing, Shauntavia founded Elemint Skin, a clean beauty oasis in East Austin that believes in the power of plants to harness beauty. The spa’s mission is to redefine the spa experience with services that highlight overall wellbeing and make skin care inclusive, accessible and affordable.

Katura Day Spa: Founded by Kim Lassiter, an entrepreneur and esthetician, Katura Day Spa is based in Charlotte, NC and features her skin care line, Kanéi Skincare by Katura. Kim entered the professional beauty industry more than 20 years ago as a hair stylist, and followed  her dream to own a spa in 2016.  In 2020, she partnered with Dr. Ben to offer med spa services, including laser body sculpting, laser hair removal, and laser skin rejuvenation services. Katura is of African origin meaning, “take a burden off my mind.”

Lady Clipper Barber Shop: Established in 2017, Lady Clipper Barber Shop is billed as Washington D.C.’s premier, full-service, woman-owned barbershop. The shop features all-women barbers performing trendy cuts in an inclusive environment.

Stylebox Salon: Operating out of Brooklyn, NY Stylebox Salon is a full-service space that staffs friendly, super-skilled stylists and aims to pamper guests with refreshments, a movie lounge, and playlists. All hair types are serviced with a focus on textured locks.

Zen and the City: Founded in 2014 by Gary Davenport, Zen and the City is a collective of artists that use the beautification, manipulation, and vibrations of the body as a medium to create balance, inspiration, and focus. Zen and the City is rated one of Baltimore’s best massage and bodywork centers.