Collective takes over running of hair care store

A group has taken on the running of a shop in Leicester following the retirement of its owners after 30 years in business.

Stabana Cultural Products in Charles Street was opened in by Randy and Jenny Stabana in 1996 to sell hair and beauty products specifically aimed at the African-Caribbean community.

However, in late 2025 the pair announced they would be retiring.

Now a group known as The Management Team - one of several projects under the umbrella of the African Heritage Alliance - is taking over the running of the business with five managers and a handful of workers.

Naomi Cowell, from the group, said: "We heard [the couple] was retiring and we thought 'we can't let that 30 year history just die, or be turned into something else'."

"We're very aware there's no other black-owned hair shop in the city centre."

She and the rest of the team joined together to keep the business with a start-up loan.

"We had to decide are we willing to take this risk and try? And we chose yes. We jumped with both feet, eyes closed," she said.

As well as selling products, the team is aiming to host workshops on braiding, wigs and hair care.

There are also plans to showcase other businesses from the store.

"The big window will showcase small businesses, artists, advertisements," said Cowell. "People can hire the space to put their products in on rotation. There's so much talent in Leicester."

As well as selling products, the team are aiming to host workshops on braiding, wigs and hair care.

There are also plans to showcase other businesses from the store.

"The big window will showcase small businesses, artists, advertisements," said Cowell.

"People can hire the space to put their products in on rotation. There's so much talent in Leicester."

George Cole, a former lord mayor of Leicester and his wife Denise, are also on the the management team.

He said: "The business, which is a limited company at the moment, will form a trust, profits will be shared between the workers and the volunteers.

"That is the long-term plan."

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