Remembering Mattice Hoyt: A Light Extinguished Too Soon, But A Legacy Lived On In Strength, Service and Spirit
By Staff Reports
The news hit us at Converge Media like a gut punch: Mattice Hoyt, the resilient and utterly inspiring "unofficial mayor of Tacoma," has left us. At just 39 years old, Mattice’s passing leaves a hole in the heart of Tacoma and in the hearts of all of us who had the privilege of knowing her. We are heartbroken, but we also find ourselves reflecting on the profound impact she had, not just on her community, but on each of us at Converge Media, Besa Gordon, and the entire Back2Besa family. (Read more here)
Mattice wasn't just a business owner; she was a force of nature. Her journey was one of incredible challenges and even more incredible triumphs. A two-time cancer survivor and double amputee, she navigated life with a motorized wheelchair and an indomitable spirit. It was this energy, coupled with a deep personal experience of struggling to find compassionate service for her unique beauty supply needs, that fueled her decision to open Mattice Beauty Supply in 2020. This wasn't just a store; it was a sanctuary, a haven, and a testament to her belief that everyone deserves to feel beautiful and seen.
Our relationship with Mattice began through our Support Black Business campaign, an initiative close to our hearts at Converge Media. We aimed to shine a light on Black-owned enterprises, and Mattice Beauty Supply quickly became the epitome of the type of establishment we look for. We remember the first time the Back2Besa team, led by Besa Gordon, connected with Mattice while shooting our Buy Black Card commercial last year. From that moment, her infectious energy, candid honesty, and unwavering drive captivated us.
Besa Gordon, in particular, formed a strong bond with Mattice. On Back2Besa, we showcased Mattice’s incredible journey, not just as a business owner, but as a woman who refused to be defined by her struggles. She spoke openly about creating safe spaces for Black women to "just be," a concept that perfectly embodied the ethos of her store. The back room of Mattice Beauty Supply transformed into a vibrant community hub, hosting workshops, cooking classes, and pop-ups that celebrated local entrepreneurs and fostered connection. Mattice instinctively understood the power of community, and she built it, brick by beautiful brick, within her own four walls.
Mattice was a true community pillar. She wasn't content with just running her business; she was deeply engaged in civic life. She attended Tacoma City Council meetings, diligently sharing insights on her social media to empower her community to vote and understand local governance. She was a fierce advocate for Tacoma's most vulnerable, always lending her voice and her resources to those in need. Her generosity extended to regular donations of hair care products, especially for textured hair, to organizations serving the homeless and foster youth. She served on the board of the YWCA of Pierce County, and her accolades were well-deserved: the 2024 Washington State Volunteer Service Award and the 2025 Women's Business Center Washington Client of the Year Award. These were not just awards; they were acknowledgments of a life lived in service, a life dedicated to lifting others up.
Besa Gordon is devoting this week’s episode of Back2Besa to honoring Mattice Hoyt and her incredible legacy. In recording the episode earlier this week, Besa said the team is revisiting their powerful story about Mattice, produced earlier this year by Mead Gill. It is a moment of collective reflection, a chance to honor the heart behind Mattice Beauty Supply and the indelible mark she left. We encourage our community to visit Mattice Beauty Supply, to not just buy products, but to give back as much as Mattice put into her mission.
Mattice Hoyt embodied strength, compassion, and an unshakeable belief in the power of community. She showed us all what it means to face adversity with grace and to turn personal struggle into a platform for collective good. She was more than an unofficial mayor,” but a guiding star, reminding us all of our shared humanity and our responsibility to one another.
We at Converge Media will miss her laughter, her wisdom, her fierce advocacy, and her unwavering spirit. But her legacy will continue to inspire us, reminding us that even though a light may be extinguished, its warmth and brilliance can illuminate paths for generations to come.
Rest in power, Mattice. Your impact will be felt in Tacoma and far beyond, forever.
To celebrate and remember Mattice Hoyt, tune in to this week's episode of Back2Besa on Saturday, November 22 at 10:30 p.m. on FOX 13 Seattle, and Sunday at 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. on FOX 13+. Viewers can also watch on the FOX Local app.
