Universal Beauty Supply and Salon was founded by John H. Sholes an African American born in New Orleans Louisiana. He came to California in 1960 to join his mother and other siblings. John worked as a barber in a small shop and saw an opportunity to own his own shop. In 1972 Universal Style Center was born. It was located in the Mac Arthur/Broadway Mall in Oakland Ca. it was an eight chair salon with lady barbers and men stylist.
After about three years into the business John has a vision to sell some retail to his customers. He started with one shelf it has hairspray two different kinds. Shortly it was three shelves with shampoo and hairspray and oil sheen. In 1980 John’s daughter became a licensed beautician and joined her father in the business.
