Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Armani Johnson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Armani, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

How did I become the Crown & Complexion Specialist? Let’s start with the crown. I was 12 years old when I found my craft in hair braiding. For myself, it wasn’t much of a calling at the moment but instead an opportunity to make money. I also had a scalp sensitivity due to having eczema so the only way I could get my hair done was if I did it myself. Fast forward over the years, I continued to perfect that craft but I still wasn’t completely in love with it. It wasn’t until my grandma was diagnosed with cancer causing her to lose her hair that I really started to focus. One of the promises I made her before she died was that I would go to beauty school and obtain my license. During my time in cosmetology school, I learned so much about hair health and the science behind it and from there is where I fell in love. I have now been doing hair for 20 years.

Now let’s get into the complexion piece. After going to cosmetology school and learning what products/procedures worked best for me being someone living with eczema. I figured out a way to cure the outbreaks I was having with my scalp. That sparked my interest in learning more about my skin and the care it really needed. I begin to learn about using natural products and the benefits and effect food I was putting into my body, had on my skin. As I was educating myself and seeing real results, I knew that I wanted to share those findings with my clients and help other individuals as well. Since then, I have hardly had issues with my eczema. Also, I leaned more into the self care component of this industry. I saw what my services were doing for my self esteem, as well as others. I got joy and helping to bring out the beauty in individuals and I knew from there that this is the work I was called to do. I have been a licensed cosmetologist since 2019 and esthetician since 2023

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

For those who may not know me yet, my name is Armani Johnson. I reside in Indianapolis, Indiana. I am a Licensed Cosmetologist and Esthetician, and the proud founder of Lauve Locs, Styles & Esthetics, which I officially launched in 2019. My journey into this industry actually started much earlier. I began braiding hair at just 12 years old and continued to perfect my craft over the years. Before my grandmother passed, I made her a promise that I would pursue my passion seriously, obtain my license, and turn my gift into a career. In 2019, I made a bold decision to leave my job and step fully into my purpose as a full-time entrepreneur.

At Lauve Locs, Styles & Esthetics, I offer a wide range of services that cater to my clients’ diverse beauty and self-care needs — from braids, natural hair styling, coloring, and extension installations to body waxing, facials, and more. What truly sets me apart is not just the services I offer, but the experience I create for each person who sits in my chair. Over time, I’ve realized that I’m not only a beautician but I’m also a safe space, a listening ear, and a source of positivity for my clients. Many of my clients have been with me since the very beginning, and I am so proud of the lasting relationships we’ve built.

What brings me the most joy is knowing that I’ve helped my clients not only look their best but also feel their best. I take great pride in being a part of their self-care journeys and creating an environment where they feel seen, heard, and loved. My mission is to continue being that outlet of peace, confidence, and joy for every person who trusts me with their beauty and wellness needs.

What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?

Yes, what started as a side hustle absolutely grew into my full-time career and calling. I began braiding hair at just 12 years old, and over time, it became more than just a skill; it became a source of healing, expression, and empowerment.

My journey took a very personal turn when my grandmother was diagnosed with cancer. Watching her lose her hair was incredibly emotional, and it showed me just how deeply tied our hair is to our identity and confidence. Before she passed, she asked me to promise her that I would pursue my craft seriously and get licensed — and I did.

Around that same time, I was also battling severe eczema, which caused painful flare-ups and hair loss of my own. It took a serious toll on my self-esteem. I struggled to feel beautiful or confident until I started learning how to care for my sensitive skin and scalp using natural, healing methods. That experience was life-changing and not only did I restore my own confidence, but it made me passionate about helping others do the same.

In 2019, I quit my job and launched Lauve Locs, Styles & Esthetics full-time. What began with braiding evolved into a full suite of services including natural hairstyles, coloring, extension installations, facials, body waxing, and more. A major milestone for me has been building and maintaining strong relationships with my clients, many of whom have been with me since the very beginning.

What sets my business apart is the experience I provide. I’ve come to understand that I’m not just a stylist but also a safe space, a source of healing, and a reminder to others that beauty and self-care are deeply personal journeys. My clients trust me not only with their look, but with their stories, and I don’t take that lightly. That trust, that connection and that’s the real success for me.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

One story that truly illustrates my resilience is when I made the decision to relocate from Michigan to Indiana in July of 2020. At the time, I had built a solid foundation back home. I had loyal clients, a steady flow of business, and strong community ties. Moving to a new state meant starting completely over, and that reality hit hard.

When I first arrived, it was extremely challenging to gain traction. I didn’t know anyone, and no one knew me or my work. I found myself offering steep discounts just to get potential clients in the door; just to get a chance to show what I could do. It was discouraging at times, and I questioned if I had made the right move. But I kept showing up, kept promoting my services, and continued pouring love and care into every client I did get.

By November of that same year, just a few months later, I found a salon home. That move changed everything. I began to consistently build my clientele, and slowly but surely, people started to recognize my name and trust my brand. The clients who gave me a chance became repeat clients, and from there, the momentum grew.

Looking back, that season taught me that sometimes growth requires being uncomfortable. I had to rebuild my business from the ground up, but I never gave up on myself or my craft. I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and that experience continues to remind me that even when things feel uncertain, resilience and consistency will always carry you through.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lauvelocsandstyles.as.me/
• Instagram: Lauvelocsandstyles_2.0
• Facebook: Lauve Locs, Styles & Esthetics
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/armani-johnson-897a592b3?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app