Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenae Johnson.
Hi Jenae, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My hair journey started as a teen I would do hair after school just to make extra money to help out my parents. I was raised by my grandparents Oliver and Loretta Johnson and they were a little older when me and my brother Terrell came into the picture. Our parents scarified so much for me and my brother and so I always did everything I could to try and lighten their load as well. The lessons and examples they set for me are a pivotal part of who I am today. In 2011 I decided to attend hair school where I obtained my cosmetology license. Already having went to college for pharmacy (my mom didn’t think doing hair was a real occupation) I was intrigued with the scientific part of it. After hair school I started out as a shampoo assistant. This position really taught me the ends and outs of how to properly care for your clients hair as well as how to properly run a salon while strengthing my skills behind the chair. I would always be grateful for my humble beginnings as it was the foundation for the stylist I am today. In 2017 after the passing of my mom I opened my very own salon JMJ Stylez. I wanted to create an environment where like minded stylist could come together in a team environment and grow their skills as well as their business. A safe space for women to be free of judgement, unwind, relax and leave looking and feeling beautiful. Today I have been a successful hairstylist for over 14 years. I am also caretaker to my dad.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been the smoothest of roads but like everything in my life I make it work. While obtaining my cosmetology license I lost one of my dearest friends to domestic violence. I worked in environments that were not always inviting and made it challenging to build a clientele. Business owners who were concerned more about the booth rent than you as a person. A few months before finally getting to open a salon myself I lost my biggest supporter. My mom. Leaving me stricken with grief yet still having to carry on for me and my family. However life can be a wonderful thing it just all depends on your perception. I have always had my little brother and my dad in my corner rather right or wrong along with individuals who have been placed in my life at the right time to help me get through. Like my mom use to always say “nothing worth having will be easy.”
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My niche is natural hair. Majority of my clientele is women who have suffered some sort of hair loss. I help them establish a hair journey that not only gives them back their confidence but provides results. That’s the part I love most. I think what sets me apart is my customer service. I pride myself in creating an experience for my clients not just another salon visit.
What are your plans for the future?
I hope to one day open a full service salon. Where women can get anything they desire for beauty in one spot. I would also like to start my own hair care line as well as become a platform artist. I would also like to create a foundation in honor of my mom helping young kids and elderly people in my community. Giving back has always been a big deal to me and my family.
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