Today we’d like to introduce you to Whitney Johnson.
Hi Whitney, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have always been obsessed with all things beauty related, but growing up hair became the recurring focal point where I considered a career. But like most people, after graduating high school I went to college to secure a career path that would be considered “recession-proof” once I graduated. While in college at Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, Florida, I considered cosmetology school as well aside from obtaining my Bachelor’s Degree, but the timing never aligned. However, the opportunity finally presented itself once I graduated and landed a corporate career in healthcare. I dived head first and found myself working my 9 to 5 job and going to cosmetology school part-time in the evenings. It was a time of sacrifice but I made it happen, I graduated from Paul Mitchell The School (Jacksonville), and became a licensed cosmetologist in the state of Florida in 2018. Since 2018 I have been navigating becoming an entrepreneur and a business owner. My salon is named WhitneyJ Hair, and it is located on the southside of Jacksonville.
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?
Not at all, but I have been blessed with experiences that allow me to refocus on better solutions. It is easy to fall into a complacent mindset when I have a corporate job to fall back on if my entrepreneurship journey waivers unexpectedly. But Corporate America is not a life sentence for me. My business is providing me with an opportunity to shape my life how I see fit. So there is no room to not give 100% in my business and show up for my clients. If not before, I think most would agree that 2020 rocked us in many ways, some businesses suffered, and some flourished. Business flourished for me in ways outside of being physically behind the salon chair due to the lockdown. Still, I was able to elevate my business structure, rebrand, and then capitalize once salons were able to reopen for business. Mindset is everything when you are responsible for making it happen daily; you must face the setbacks head-on because my name is on the salon door. People expect me to show up and deliver because I offer their desired services and present solutions to their beauty dilemmas.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I am a licensed hairstylist that will always put healthy hair care first. I do MORE than just complete the service. I specialize in natural hair services where clients can embrace their curls fully with a Protective Style or change their look instantly with my Signature Silk Press. I have an array of services that allow clients to feel good when they leave my salon. My passion for educating clients adds to the professional experience they receive from beginning to end. I love coaching clients on “how to” care for their hair. A home routine is essential to having healthy hair, while also providing confidence to clients outside the salon. My goal is to be my client’s go-to stylist based on their overall experience. It’s about how they feel when they look in the mirror once the service is complete. Hair stylists are known to be therapists when working, so I am grateful if I can provide a physical and mental outlet during our time together. My commitment to furthering my skill set, personality, and customer service makes that possible.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I am a TV girl! Nowadays, we always have our phones in our hands, so constant scrolling is easy. But old or new movies, tv shows, I am here for it! You can catch me watching cultural classics like “A Different World, Golden Girls,” Food Network, or any law enforcement show “Law & Order SVU” or “Chicago PD.”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://whitneyjhairbooking.as.me/schedule.php
- Instagram: @_whitneyj.hair
- Facebook: WhitneyJ Hair, LLC
