Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ayana Johnson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Ayana, thanks for joining us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?
In the beginning I started my business because it kept me busy and kept my mind off of a lot of negative things going on around me. I slowly started to realize that my business was more than just a hobby and it was actually a form of ministry. It’s super important for me now that I’m on this walk getting to know God and how I can spread his Word in the best way I know how, and that’s through styling hair. During appointments it gives my clients a chance to relax and be vulnerable. So instead of judging them I take that as an opportunity to minister to them and plant that seed of positivity and wisdom. So my mission for my business is to let God have his way and his will.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I’m a 22 year old Hairstylist from Akron, OH. I’m the oldest of 8 siblings and I love to spend my time either braiding, studying God’s Word, or spending time with my friends. I got myself into this industry when I was 14. In school I experienced a lot of negative things so I decided to start practicing on my mothers old Cosmetology Mannequin Heads to keep me busy. I’m offer many different services, braids being the main thing I also offer, loc maintenance, wig installations, sew-ins, men’s styles, etc. A particular problem I have solved for my clients has been rapid hair growth. I’m most proud of how serious I take my business and the fact that I didn’t give up even when odds were against me. For any potential clients or followers I’d like you to know that I take a lot of pride in my work and I always strive to give my clients exactly what they ask for.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
It took me some years to build the audience I have now. Although I know I still have some work to put in for it to expand even more. Some advice I can give is to keep posting! Even if it isn’t your best work in the beginning still post pictures and videos of your work because there is always someone out there willing to help you get better and support you.
Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.
Yes, my side hustle most definitely turned into my full time business. So again I began this side hustle seriously once I graduated high school in 2019 and I just kept taking in clients even when I didn’t know half of what to do I still managed to give them something that’s kept them coming back. Some key milestones for me was when I got my LLC for my business not to long ago. Another one would be when I realized I could quit my 9-5 and be my own boss and still be able to take care of business.
Contact Info:
- Website: Yana-j-styles.square.site
- Instagram: Yana J Styles
- Facebook: Yana J Styles
- Youtube: Yana Johnson
- TikTok: Yana J Styles
Image Credits
Ayana Johnson