Beverly Mascoll made a remarkable impact on the beauty industry. As the founder of one of Canada’s largest distributors of hair care products, her hard work and determination led to significant success. Learn more about how Beverly built her company and achieved her dreams on torontoski.info.
From Nova Scotia to Toronto
Beverly Mascoll was born on October 29, 1941, in Fall River, Nova Scotia, as the only child in her family. She spent most of her childhood with her grandmother, often accompanying her to work. In 1959, when Beverly was 13, her family moved to Toronto.
In Toronto, Beverly attended Central Technical School. After graduating, she worked as a secretary at the cosmetics company Toronto Barber and Beauty Supply. Her diligence earned her a promotion to assistant to the company’s president, Nat Kaufman.
During her tenure, Beverly became a role model for many Black women, frequently offering advice on hair care.
First Steps in Business
Beverly began her journey into the beauty business after noticing the limited availability of quality hair care products for Black women in the market.
In 1964, Beverly married Emerson Mascoll, a childhood friend and chemist at McGuinness Distillers. Together, they recognized the significant gap in the Canadian market for ethnic hair care products and decided to address this unmet need.
By 1970, following the birth of their son, Beverly and Emerson founded Mascoll Beauty Supply Ltd. Despite initial setbacks, including being denied bank loans for their venture, they invested $700 of their own money to launch their business. Early years were challenging, but through persistence, Beverly built relationships with local salons and cultivated a loyal client base.
Rapid Growth
Beverly’s business grew rapidly. As demand increased, the supply stock outgrew the basement of her home. To expand further, Beverly traveled to Chicago, where she successfully secured a distribution deal with Johnson Products, the first U.S. company to manufacture hair care products specifically for Black consumers.
This partnership positioned Mascoll Beauty Supply as Johnson Products’ official distributor in Canada.
In 1973, Beverly opened her first retail store at 870 Bathurst Street, near the family’s original Toronto residence. The store quickly became a hub for Black women seeking both hair care products and advice.
By 1982, Mascoll Beauty Ltd. had transformed into a multimillion-dollar enterprise, supplying over 350 salons and retailers nationwide. By 1985, the company was Canada’s largest supplier of ethnic cosmetics, with clients including Eaton’s, Simpson’s, and Shoppers Drug Mart.
Awards and Recognition
Beyond her business ventures, Beverly actively supported women and youth. In 1996, she founded the Beverly Mascoll Community Foundation, dedicated to fostering growth and opportunities for young people and women.
In recognition of her contributions, Beverly was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada in 1998. She also received an honorary doctorate of laws from Ryerson Polytechnic University in 2000.
Beverly passed away from breast cancer in 2001. She left behind a legacy of love and community care. Her life and achievements continue to inspire Black Canadians, demonstrating that even the most challenging beginnings can lead to extraordinary success with the right work ethic and determination.