You've Got Curls vending machine helping Centre College students access personal care products
A new vending machine is offering Centre College students convenient access to personal care items designed to make their daily routines a little easier.
Through a partnership with Kentucky entrepreneur Melanie Day, a You've Got Curls College Beauty Supply vending machine has been installed in the Roush Campus Center. The vending machine offers affordable products for all textures of hair — curly, straight, afro or in between.
“We believe that providing accessible personal care products is vital for the well-being of all our students. The You've Got Curls vending machine helps ensure that students have convenient access to the products they need without leaving campus,” said Anthony Jones, Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion. “By addressing these specific needs, we not only support the daily lives of our students but also cultivate a larger sense of belonging where every individual feels seen and a valued member of our campus community.”
Day, who has more than 20 years of experience in the beauty industry, started her vending machine business after styling hair for students and hearing their stories of how products for textured hair can be difficult to find in area stores.
“The goal is to empower students at Centre College by making beauty and wellness products — especially for highly textured hair — easily accessible,” said Day. “Beyond providing convenience, our beauty and wellness machines foster community and inclusivity, encouraging conversations where all students can share their experiences and learn from one another. I also hope this inspires students to embrace their natural beauty and encourages them to create solutions that can impact the world around them.”
Products offered in the machine range from cold remedies and headache relievers, to toiletries, brushes and more specialized haircare products, many of which were selected with students of color in mind.
“As a Black girl who relies heavily on Black hair products, having easier access to daily essentials makes me feel seen and understood,” said Joyner Jikang, class of 2027. “I have so much gratitude and appreciation for those who saw the need for this resource and took action.”
Items in the machine are all priced below $20, reflecting Day’s commitment to helping ease access for needed products without the need to leave campus.
“I am excited that this resource is coming to our Centre campus community,” said Centre alumna Imani Smith ’23, who worked as Student Government Association president to help bring You’ve Got Curls to campus. “And I am grateful to the ODI, SGA and the shared work of all BIPOC affinity groups in uplifting our experiences and stories through projects like this to preserve the beauty and culture of our hair.”
