Washington University Student Introduces Vending Machine for Textured Hair Care Products

Zariah Taylor, a senior at Washington University in St. Louis, has launched TheHairVault, a vending machine that offers over 50 products specifically for textured hair. The machine is located in the Village House dining area and includes items such as combs, gels, shampoos, conditioners, and a miniature flat iron.

Taylor conceived the idea after her first year at the university when she found it challenging to access appropriate hair-care products on campus, especially without a car to reach off-campus beauty supply stores. To gauge interest, she conducted a survey among students and tested market demand by selling limited quantities of products at temporary tables.

To support her venture, Taylor received assistance from WashU's Skandalaris Center for Interdisciplinary Innovation and Entrepreneurship and its Entrepreneurship Law Clinic. She formally registered TheHairVault as a limited liability company and launched it through the university's Student Enterprise Program, aimed at providing students with business experience. The vending machine officially opened on September 5.