In July, curly-hair specialty salon and barbershop Promethean Hair Lounge opened at 6245 E Burnside Street. The inclusive shop has style and accommodation at its core, featuring a private room for women who cover their hair in public or those with sensory considerations. The high-end finishes throughout the shop are representative of the owners’ long-term commitment to serving their clients from this location.
Rachel and DeNario Jenkins purchased the 1925 era storefront at the beginning of the year with a U.S. Small Business Administration 504 loan and spent months updating the former Portland Hair Shop location. DeNario Jenkins has over 20 years of experience as a barber, renting chair space at several well-known shops all over the city. Similarly, Rachel Jenkins has a career spanning 15 years working as an independent contractor in other salons. In searching with a friend for a new shop to work from, Jenkins observed an underserved business model in Portland, where curly-hair specialty met posh amenities. “We were looking and looking and looking and just didn’t find something that really fit our clientele. We thought Portland deserved a more luxurious space for people of color,” said Rachel Jenkins.
Rachel Jenkins and her husband decided to fill that void and invest in their own space. They intended to settle on a storefront within the inner Northeast someplace. However, an accidental search uncovered the location on E Burnside Street. “The truth is, I was searching in the wrong area on Loopnet. It’s a website for finding commercial real estate, and I zoomed in on the wrong spot, and it popped up,” explained Jenkins. The location turned out to meet all their needs. The storefront is centrally located with freeway access for the clients who drive in from all over Oregon and as far away as Seattle, WA. Additionally, the area residents are receptive to the new shop. “The neighborhood has been super kind, warm, and welcoming,” recalls Jenkins.
The Jenkins are both Portland natives with an attachment to the city. They are excited their decades of work allowed them to create this business and invest in their community. That was why they wanted to own the building where they work, establishing solid roots. Rachel Jenkins describes Promethean as a hybrid shop, offering space for independent professionals and an employment-based model for apprenticeship opportunities. Their supportive nature extends beyond the shop walls through services like a sensory-friendly free haircut event planned for November 12th.
Curly haircare has a complicated history that has created damaging practices. Rachel Jenkins explained that not all salon products support healthy follicles, and quality post-visit regiments are essential. That is why client education is a foundational part of Promethean’s approach, and they design those lessons to follow clients home after their appointments. Information can range from haircare product selection to hands-on classes. “We do one-on-one curl coaching, which means they can physically do their hair, and we’re helping them walk through how to style their hair,” explained Rachel Jenkins. Although focused on the hairstyling needs of the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) community, Jenkins is quick to assert they have the experience to work on all hair types and welcome everyone. In addition to styling, the salon provides makeup services and may expand esthetic offerings in the coming years. They also offer hair and makeup for bridal parties or special occasions.
Promethean Hair Lounge is open every day except Monday. People interested in booking an appointment with Rachel and DeNario Jenkins can schedule one online at the company website. Other stylists working at Promethean maintain their own schedules, call for details.
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