Bronx native Chantel Francis built her beauty supply vending machine business from the ground up to solve a problem she once experienced before graduating from State University of New York (SUNY) at Brockport in 2024, where she earned a bachelor of applied science degree.
While on campus, she did not have access to the beauty and personal care products she needed. “As a Black woman, it wasn’t just inconvenient, it was isolating,” she told Canvas Rebel. “From textured hair products to skincare essentials that actually worked for melanin-rich skin, none of it was easily available in the campus bookstore or local stores near my school. That lack of access affected how I showed up in my classes, at events, and even in my own confidence. I realized I wasn’t the only one and I knew someone had to change that.”
She became the person to fill that gap with Hello Beauty, a beauty supply vending machine making waves on New York campuses and bringing what she calls accessibility, representation, and confidence to students who are often left out of mainstream retail.
“Hello Beauty places culturally relevant beauty products inside vending machines directly on college campuses, where students already live, work, and study. We curate our inventory with intention: edge control, bonnets, lashes, setting spray, lip gloss, Durags, loc-gel, and even emergency self-care kits. These are the kinds of products that can’t be found in the average campus store, and they’re the ones our communities use daily,” the entrepreneur told Canvas Rebel.
“What sets Hello Beauty apart is that we are deeply rooted in purpose. We’re not just a vending company, we are a representation-driven brand, committed to helping students feel seen, celebrated, and supported.”
Francis kick-started her venture after winning a campus pitch competition that gave her the resources and confidence to secure her first location in January 2025 in partnership with SUNY Brockport, according to Afrotech.
By August 2025, Hello Beauty had expanded to the State University of New York College of Agriculture and Technology at Morrisville, the outlet added. Francis plans to bring her vending machine to all 62 locations within SUNY’s network.
But starting Hello Beauty wasn’t smooth sailing. “The two years leading up to securing my first vending machine were some of the toughest of my life. I was passionate about bringing Hello Beauty to my campus, but honestly, the campus wasn’t interested. I faced rejection after rejection it felt like every ‘no’ set me back, and every step forward was met with two steps backward.”
At the same time, she had almost no money to fund her project. She was working multiple jobs, taking out loans, and doing all she could to keep the dream alive. At a point, she felt like giving up but then she reminded herself why she started – to create what she describes as something meaningful for students like her who lacked access to the products that made them feel confident and represented.
“That struggle taught me resilience in its purest form. It showed me that entrepreneurship isn’t a straight line it’s full of setbacks, patience, sacrifice, and faith. And now, looking back at where I am with Hello Beauty, I know every ‘no’ and every challenge was a step toward a bigger yes.”
