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visionary Founder of Beauty 2 The Streetz, Shirley Raines, Dies at 58
Table of Contents
- 1. visionary Founder of Beauty 2 The Streetz, Shirley Raines, Dies at 58
- 2. A Legacy of Dignity and Support
- 3. From Personal Tragedy to Community Empowerment
- 4. Balancing Acts: Family, Work, and Unwavering Service
- 5. Recognized for Her Impact
- 6. Who was Shirley Raines and what was her impact on the beauty industry?
- 7. Shirley Raines, Visionary Founder of Beauty 2 The Streetz, dies at 58
- 8. From Local Roots to National Recognition
- 9. The Beauty 2 The Streetz expansion
- 10. A Champion for Black Entrepreneurship
- 11. Impact on the Beauty Industry
- 12. Beyond Retail: The Beauty 2 The streetz Brand
- 13. A Lasting Legacy
Long Beach, California – Shirley Raines, the driving force behind the nonprofit organization Beauty 2 The Streetz, has died at the age of 58. The impactful leader, known for her tireless dedication to serving unhoused communities, was found unresponsive at her Henderson, Nevada home on Tuesday night during a routine wellness check.
A Legacy of Dignity and Support
Beauty 2 The Streetz confirmed the passing of Ms. Raines in a recent statement, praising her immeasurable contributions to those experiencing homelessness in both Los Angeles and Nevada. She consistently worked to amplify the voices of vulnerable populations and provide them with essential resources and a renewed sense of hope.
“ms. Shirley dedicated her life to serving others,” the organization stated. “She brought dignity, resources, and hope to some of the most underserved populations.” The organization has requested prayers for Ms. Raines’ family, loved ones, and the entire Beauty 2 The Streetz community during this difficult time.
From Personal Tragedy to Community Empowerment
Raines’ commitment to service was born from personal loss. Following the death of her child, she began providing meals to individuals experiencing homelessness. This act of kindness blossomed into the creation of Beauty 2 The streetz, providing much more than just nourishment.
She understood the power of restoring self-worth. “The reality of Skid Row is that it took a long time to earn that trust,” Raines explained in a 2019 interview with ABC7. “Makeup is not going to take them off the streets, but it’s a small escape from this terrible reality they’re living in.They look in the mirror and see something other than homelessness.”
Balancing Acts: Family, Work, and Unwavering Service
Despite holding a full-time job and raising six children, Raines consistently prepared and served meals to between 400 and 600 people each week from her one-bedroom apartment. Her dedication highlighted the power of one person to effect transformative change.
Her philosophy was simple yet profound: provide a moment of recognition and respect. “Monday through Friday, someone is saying ‘get out of the way, you bum,’” she stated. “On Saturday, someone is saying, ‘You’re important. you’re special.’”
Recognized for Her Impact
Raines’ tireless efforts did not go unnoticed. She was honored as the 2021 CNN Hero of the Year, acknowledging her exceptional commitment to serving others. In 2025,she received the NAACP Social Media Personality award,underscoring her ability to connect with and inspire a wider audience. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), over 653,000 people experienced homelessness on a single night in January 2023. HUD data shows a more than 12% increase since 2022.
| Award | Year |
|---|---|
| CNN Hero of the Year | 2021 |
| NAACP Social Media Personality | 2025 |
The cause of Ms. Raines’ death has not yet been released. Her legacy, though, is firmly etched in the hearts of those she served and the countless individuals she inspired.
How can we all emulate Ms. Raines’ dedication to serving vulnerable populations in our own communities? What role do small acts of kindness play in addressing larger societal issues like homelessness?
Share this story to honor Shirley Raines’ legacy and inspire others to make a difference.leave
Who was Shirley Raines and what was her impact on the beauty industry?
Shirley Raines, Visionary Founder of Beauty 2 The Streetz, dies at 58
Shirley Raines, the dynamic entrepreneur and founder of the groundbreaking beauty supply chain, Beauty 2 The Streetz, passed away on January 27, 2026, at the age of 58. Her death marks a significant loss for the beauty industry and the communities she tirelessly served. Raines’ impact extended far beyond retail; she was a champion for Black-owned businesses and a pioneer in making quality beauty products accessible to underserved markets.
From Local Roots to National Recognition
raines began her journey in 1998, recognizing a gap in the market for affordable and diverse beauty supplies in urban areas. She initially operated a small storefront in Atlanta, Georgia, catering to a clientele frequently enough overlooked by larger retailers. This initial venture wasn’t just about selling products; it was about building relationships and understanding the specific needs of her customers.
* Early Challenges: Raines faced initial hurdles securing funding and navigating the competitive landscape dominated by established brands.
* community Focus: Her commitment to providing personalized service and carrying products specifically for textured hair and diverse skin tones quickly garnered a loyal following.
The Beauty 2 The Streetz expansion
Driven by her success and a clear vision, Raines strategically expanded Beauty 2 The Streetz throughout the Southeast, and eventually nationwide. The company’s unique approach focused on locating stores in areas with limited access to customary beauty retailers – frequently enough within inner-city neighborhoods.
This wasn’t simply a business strategy; it was a deliberate effort to empower communities. Beauty 2 The Streetz became known for:
- Product diversity: Offering a wide range of products catering to Black women, including hair extensions, weaves, wigs, skincare, and cosmetics.
- Competitive Pricing: Providing affordable options without compromising on quality.
- Employment Opportunities: Creating jobs within the communities they served.
A Champion for Black Entrepreneurship
Shirley Raines wasn’t just building a business; she was building a legacy. She actively mentored aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly women of colour, sharing her knowledge and experience. She frequently spoke at business conferences and workshops, advocating for increased access to capital and resources for minority-owned businesses.
* The Raines Foundation: In 2015,Raines established the Raines Foundation,a non-profit organization dedicated to providing scholarships and mentorship programs for young women pursuing careers in business and cosmetology.
* Industry Recognition: Raines received numerous awards and accolades for her entrepreneurial achievements and community service, including the National Urban League’s Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2022.
Impact on the Beauty Industry
Beauty 2 The Streetz disrupted the traditional beauty supply model. Before Raines, access to specialized beauty products for Black women was ofen limited and expensive. Her company democratized access, empowering individuals to embrace their natural beauty and express their personal style.
The company’s success also forced larger retailers to re-evaluate their offerings and cater to a more diverse customer base.This ripple effect has had a lasting impact on the entire beauty industry,leading to greater inclusivity and representation.
Beyond Retail: The Beauty 2 The streetz Brand
Raines understood the power of branding and extended the beauty 2 The Streetz name beyond brick-and-mortar stores. The company launched a successful online store, expanded its product line to include private label brands, and partnered with influential beauty bloggers and stylists.
* Social Media Engagement: Beauty 2 The Streetz cultivated a strong social media presence, engaging with customers and building a vibrant online community.
* Collaborations: Strategic collaborations with celebrity stylists and beauty influencers further elevated the brand’s profile and reach.
A Lasting Legacy
Shirley Raines’ death leaves a void in the beauty industry and the hearts of those who knew her.Her vision, determination, and unwavering commitment to empowering communities will continue to inspire generations of entrepreneurs. Beauty 2 The Streetz remains a testament to her legacy – a thriving business built on a foundation of inclusivity, accessibility, and a deep understanding of the power of beauty. Details regarding memorial services will be released by the Raines family in the coming days.
