Small Business Month is recognized nationwide in May to honor the contributions of small businesses to communities and economies across the U.S. According to a report by Utah-based remote business service Davinci, Miami boasts a $219 billion GDP and is ranked No. 1 in the nation for small business growth in 2025.
In Overtown, small businesses not only provide employment but also preserve history. Just Right Barber Shop & Beauty Salon, located on Northwest Third Avenue, has been able to withstand the test of time. Having served the neighborhood for more than 76 years, its legacy and impact extend beyond a professional haircut. The family-owned business, now managed by the second generation, exemplifies unity, mentorship and the conservation of the Black community’s thriving spirit in Overtown.
Just Right opened its doors in 1950 as Broadway Barber Shop, a name derived from the famous thoroughfare in Manhattan, New York. Founder Mary Ethel Smith, commonly known as Aunt Mae, established the business as the first female barber in Overtown. Her nephew, the Rev. Willie Williams Sr., now owns the shop, as well as the church property to the left and the smoothie shop to the right. “Hair, Body and Soul” is the Williams family ethos and the foundation of their mission.
The Rev. Willie Williams Sr. gives a client a shave.
(Elisabeth Campbell for The Miami Times)
Mentorship and education
As a child, Williams’ first stop after school would be to his aunt’s barber shop, where he spent time with her and the members of the community who came to get their hair cut in the afternoons.
Williams’ mother greatly valued education, and he was at the top of his class in his youth. Today, he keeps a bookcase near the entrance of his store full of titles for children of all ages to take and read, offering discounts if they can tell him the story in their own words. For Williams, it’s not just about encouraging kids to read well; it’s also about giving them perspective.
The Rev. Willie Williams Sr. grew up visiting his Aunt Mae at the family barber shop.
(Elisabeth Campbell for The Miami Times)
“We gave honor to our elders and respected them highly,” said Williams. “That’s what I’m trying to do to this next generation, making sure they honor their elders.”
Two of Williams’ children, Brandi Williams and Willie Williams Jr., have joined him at the barber shop as part of the team. Brandi, a beautician, and Willie, a barber, grew up in the shop like their father. They consider Williams Sr. a role model, not only to themselves but to the kids in the community. Williams Sr. mentored many young men, often as the main male figure in their lives. He gave them jobs and opportunities to advance while providing a safe space for them to spend their time.
Brandi Williams washes a client’s hair.
(Elisabeth Campbell for The Miami Times)
Williams Jr. carries this legacy as a mentor and community leader by coaching football in Overtown.
“There’s a lot you can teach through football,” said Williams Jr. “It’s my favorite way of giving back.”
A changing neighborhood
The younger Williams is concerned about the gentrification happening in the neighborhood and prays that Black businesses, including Just Right, can continue to thrive. His sister, Brandi, also struggles with the rise of gentrification.
“We try to stay on one accord together and not shoot each other in the foot, run away, and then try to come back and say, ‘Oh, I didn’t mean to do that,’” said Brandi. “We just want more unity.”
Creola Williams, the Rev. Williams’ wife, grew up in the neighborhood. For her, Overtown is more than the result of redlining; it’s a tight-knit community of Black Miamians. Recently, however, that’s been changing.
“Black people are moving out of the neighborhood because it’s becoming way too expensive,” said Creola. “They can’t afford to stay here. We as a people need to step up to try and get our community back, to try and build this community back up the way it once was. This was once a thriving community, and I would love to see that happen again.”
Naquia Williams, the elder Williams’ niece, has a unique perspective as both a family member and a customer. She has a close relationship with Brandi, who has done her hair for many years. She credits Aunt Mae for being a family pioneer and a community legend, setting the stage for generations to come.
Like the rest of her family, Overtown is Naquia’s home.
“I would love to change the narrative around Historic Overtown,” said Naquia. “When folks think about this neighborhood, they have a lot of different preconceived notions of what it is. Once you get here, what you see is a community that is really, really dedicated — a community that is strong in its belief in Historic Overtown.”
She believes that the movers and shakers of the city need to understand that Overtown isn’t going anywhere.
“Let’s build up over time so that Overtown can be what it’s supposed to be, consistently pouring back into the community and celebrating the richness of our people,” said Naquia. “I think one way to do that is to circulate the Black dollar, supporting small businesses that are here.”
For Naquia, community means family. It goes beyond mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers to include neighbors, business owners and classmates.
To survive and thrive, Overtown needs the support of Black Miami.
“We’re inspired as the next generation to be able to take on the responsibilities and see where our legacy will take us, based upon the legacy that’s already been in place,” said Naquia. “It’s important to be able to see real-time heroes and real-time community leaders here in Historic Overtown… Next gen, next up.”