In a visionary move, Brittni Clemons, a 26-year-old entrepreneur, has emerged as a trailblazer in the vending industry. Her company, B’s Essentials Vending, not only offers 24/7 access to essential products but also empowers Black-owned businesses through its consignment program. Founded in 2021, the company initially focused on providing beauty products but has since expanded its offerings to include auto care products, baby products, and school supplies.
The idea for B’s Essentials Vending was born out of necessity during the global events that led to the closure of beauty stores, leaving customers with limited access to diverse product offerings. As a CBS affiliate TV reporter based in Peoria, Illinois, Clemons experienced firsthand the challenges of accessing beauty essentials, especially during lockdowns. Inspired by this need for around-the-clock availability, she seized the opportunity to innovate and bring convenience to the forefront.
Clemons took the bold step of launching her vending venture within a Black-owned nail salon suite in 2021. However, the journey wasn’t without its hurdles, as low foot traffic and accessibility issues posed initial challenges. Nevertheless, her determination and strategic thinking prevailed. Clemons forged a groundbreaking partnership with Beauty & Company, Memphis’ largest beauty supplier, converting their location into a unique 24/7 beauty supply store with the help of her AI-powered touchscreen kiosks.
This transformation marked the beginning of Clemons’ “Smart Retail” initiative, where traditional vending machines gave way to interactive, AI-powered touchscreen kiosks capable of accommodating up to 900 different products. The customer experience drastically improved, leading to a remarkable increase in sales within just three months of the re-launch.
Beyond her commitment to providing easy access to products, Clemons is also dedicated to uplifting the Black community and supporting Black-owned businesses. In a bid to achieve this, she introduced a consignment program. This innovative program allows local entrepreneurs to place their products in B’s Essentials Vending machines, empowering them to retain 60% of the profits. This move enhances their visibility and extends their customer base as the company continues its nationwide expansion.
“The idea originated from a necessity,” Clemons explains, “but it has transformed into an empowering platform for the Black community. By offering 24/7 access to beauty products and aiding Black-owned businesses in gaining visibility, we are making a significant impact and eagerly anticipate extending our reach.”
B’s Essentials Vending has captured the attention of both consumers and potential franchise partners seeking exciting opportunities within the vending industry. As the company’s success continues to soar, Clemons remains passionate about empowering her community and uplifting Black entrepreneurs.
For those interested in learning more about the company’s franchising opportunities and the consignment program, visit BEsessentialsVending.com and become a part of this transformative movement led by Brittni Clemons, the visionary founder and CEO of B’s Essentials Vending.
