Home / Lifestyle / Little Jamaica Loses a Matriarch: Miss Monica Dies at 86
Little Jamaica Loses a Matriarch: Miss Monica Dies at 86
6 Jun
Summary
- Beloved beauty and records store owner, Monica Lewis, has died at 86.
- Her store was a vital hub for Toronto's Jamaican community.
- The business was significantly impacted by Eglinton LRT construction.
Monica Lewis, a guiding force behind Toronto's Little Jamaica and owner of Monica's Beauty Supply Ltd., passed away at the age of 86. She and her husband George immigrated to Toronto in the late 1960s, initially establishing a record store that later evolved into a vital beauty and cosmetics hub.
Her store became a significant cultural landmark, attracting customers from across Southern Ontario and serving as one of the few Black hair supply stores in the region. Monica's Beauty Supply also played a role in the early Canadian hip-hop scene, with her husband credited for producing Canada's first hip-hop record.
The business, like many in the Little Jamaica area, faced considerable challenges due to the prolonged construction of the Eglinton-Crosstown LRT. This, compounded by the pandemic, led to its eventual closure. Despite these hardships, Miss Monica is lauded by the Little Jamaica Business Improvement Area for her resilience, mentorship, and for setting a precedent for local entrepreneurs.
