A Success Story

Chantel Francis  – The Business of Beauty

Winner of 2023

Growing up in the vibrant neighborhoods of the Bronx, Chantel Francis ’24 was accustomed to having essential products just a short walk away. However, upon arriving at SUNY Brockport during the COVID-19 pandemic, she faced a new challenge: limited access to beauty products, especially those catering to BIPOC students. This gap sparked an idea that would soon blossom into an entrepreneurial venture.

Chantel, a double major in International Business and Economics, turned her personal frustration into Hello Beauty, a beauty supply vending machine designed to meet the diverse needs of Brockport’s student population. Launched in the Seymour Union, Hello Beauty offers a curated selection of products from popular brands like CeraVe, KISS, and got2b, ensuring students have easy access to essential beauty items right on campus.

Realizing that funding would be critical to bringing her vision to life, Chantel entered the Pettis Business Idea Competition in Spring 2023. Her innovative pitch impressed the judges, earning her prize money that helped cover the costs of launching her LLC and securing inventory. This financial boost, combined with her determination and strategic support from the Brockport Small Business Development Center, student government, and campus leaders, allowed her to achieve her $10,000 startup goal.

Chantel’s journey is a testament to the power of identifying a need, believing in an idea, and turning it into reality. Through Hello Beauty, she not only filled a market gap but also contributed to Brockport’s diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. Today, Chantel is a proud entrepreneur, running a business she’s passionate about while inspiring fellow students to pursue their own ideas through the Pettis Business Idea Competition.