Pass Her Avon: A South Carolina Beauty Brand with Deep Roots
What Pass Her Avon is and where to find it
Pass Her Avon is a Black-owned beauty supply store in Columbia, South Carolina, located on Blanding Street in the heart of the city's historic business district. The shop carries Avon products—cosmetics, skincare, fragrances, and personal care items—alongside other beauty brands and supplies. It operates as an independent retailer, not as an Avon representative's direct sales hub, which means you can walk in and purchase products off the shelf rather than ordering through a catalog or waiting for delivery.
The store's name reflects its mission: to pass along quality beauty products and the legacy of Black entrepreneurship to the next generation. Pass Her Avon has become a fixture in Columbia's East Side community, serving customers who value both the products themselves and the story behind the business. The shop is open during standard retail hours, though hours can vary seasonally, so calling ahead is wise if you're making a special trip.
Key Takeaways
- Pass Her Avon is a Black-owned beauty supply store in Columbia that stocks Avon cosmetics, skincare, and fragrances alongside other beauty brands.
- You can purchase products directly in-store without placing an order or going through a sales representative.
- The store is located on Blanding Street in Columbia's East Side neighborhood, a historically significant area for Black-owned businesses.
- The business reflects a commitment to community investment and passing entrepreneurial opportunity to future generations.
Avon products available at the store
Avon's product line includes color cosmetics (foundation, lipstick, eyeshadow, mascara), skincare serums and moisturizers, fragrance collections for men and women, and body care items like lotions and shower gels. Pass Her Avon stocks rotating inventory, so availability of specific shades or products can vary. The store also carries complementary beauty brands beyond Avon, giving you options if you're looking for something outside Avon's range.
Avon products are generally priced lower than department store cosmetics but higher than drugstore brands, positioning them in the mid-range of the beauty market. Staff at Pass Her Avon can answer questions about product ingredients, undertones for foundation matches, and how to use specific items. If the store doesn't have something in stock, they may be able to order it for you through Avon's distribution network.
Why Pass Her Avon matters to Columbia's business community
Pass Her Avon represents a deliberate choice to invest in Black-owned retail in Columbia. The East Side of Columbia has a long history as a center of African American commerce, culture, and community life—a legacy that faced decades of disinvestment and urban renewal projects that displaced residents and businesses. Choosing to shop at Pass Her Avon means your money stays within the community and supports an owner who is reinvesting in the neighborhood.
The store's name itself—"Pass Her"—signals an intergenerational commitment. It's not just about selling beauty products; it's about modeling what Black business ownership looks like and creating a space where the next generation can see entrepreneurship in action. This kind of visible, rooted business is part of what makes a neighborhood feel like a place where people belong.
How to visit Pass Her Avon
Pass Her Avon is located on Blanding Street in Columbia, in the East Side neighborhood. If you're driving, street parking is available along Blanding and nearby residential streets. The store is accessible by car from downtown Columbia (about 10 minutes depending on traffic) and from other parts of the city via local roads. Public transit options are limited in this area, so having a car makes visiting easier.
Before making the trip, call ahead to confirm current hours and check whether the specific product you're looking for is in stock. This is especially helpful if you're searching for a particular shade or fragrance, since inventory can shift. The staff can also tell you about any new products that have arrived or upcoming promotions.
Other beauty supply options in Columbia
Columbia has several other beauty supply stores, including larger chain locations and independent shops scattered across the city. Chain stores like Sally Beauty Supply carry a wider range of professional-grade products and hair care supplies, while smaller independent shops often focus on specific communities or product lines. Pass Her Avon's strength is its combination of Avon's established product line, community ownership, and personalized service in a neighborhood-based setting.
If you're looking for Avon products specifically, Pass Her Avon is your most direct option for in-store shopping in Columbia. Online ordering through Avon's website is another route if you prefer to browse from home, though that doesn't offer the same community connection or immediate availability.
Supporting Black-owned beauty businesses in South Carolina
South Carolina has a growing network of Black-owned beauty supply stores, salons, and cosmetics brands. Shopping at these businesses—whether for everyday products or specialized services—strengthens the economic foundation of Black communities across the state. Many of these owners are also active in their neighborhoods, sponsoring youth programs, supporting local schools, or hosting community events.
Pass Her Avon is one example of how beauty retail can be more than transactional. It's a gathering place, a statement about who belongs in commerce, and a practical investment in a neighborhood's future. When you shop there, you're participating in that larger story.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order Avon products online and pick them up at Pass Her Avon?
That depends on the store's current policies and Avon's distribution agreements. Call Pass Her Avon directly to ask whether they offer online ordering with in-store pickup, or whether you need to purchase in person. Some independent retailers do offer this service, while others only sell what's physically in the store.
Does Pass Her Avon offer beauty consultations or makeovers?
The store primarily operates as a retail shop where you can purchase products. However, staff can answer questions about product use and help you find the right shade or product type. For full beauty consultations or professional makeup services, you may need to visit a salon or makeup artist separately.
What payment methods does Pass Her Avon accept?
Most retail stores accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards, though specific payment options can vary. Call ahead if you want to confirm whether they accept a particular payment method or if they have a minimum purchase requirement for card payments.
Is Pass Her Avon open on weekends?
Many independent retail shops have limited weekend hours or are closed on Sundays. Call the store to confirm their weekend schedule before planning your visit, especially if you're trying to shop outside typical weekday hours.