We were lucky to catch up with Cortney Wilson recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Cortney , thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
Practice! Watching! Practice!!!… because my mom did hair, the gift was passed down. So I always had what they say a “knack for hair”. Now , was a master stylist? No way. I jumped into the pool of hair by taking clients at a low rate so that I could practice and get a lil bit of money. There were ladies at my mother’s salon that had it going on! I mean skillful, and full appointment books ! Whenever I wasn’t assisting, I was by their sides getting tips and learning!
Knowing what I know now, the only thing that I’d change to speed up my learning process would be starting while in High school!
The most essential skill I learned from my apprenticeship program was sanitation, and customer service! What good is it to be amazingly skillful ,if no one likes you because you’re mean or self entitled?.. It would be no good!
No obstacles stood in my way of learning more! At that time and still, I was confident in who I was. If someone was better than me in any area , i had no problem asking for help or watching so that I could get it! I think that’s why I’m as good as I am now!
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?
Hello, my name is Cortney Joi! I am a second generation Salon owner and Stylist. I was born into the hair industry! From the moment I knew what hair was I was obsessed with it. I always wanted to play in it, comb it, everything! I loved it! But from an early age my mother advised me to go to college because the job of a hairstylist was demanding! After she noticed how much love/skill I genuinely had, she then pulled me back in! That’s when I started an apprentice program with her!
In order to be a great Stylist, it’s important to have discipline. Discipline is a crucial factor in running a successful business for several reasons: Consistency, financial management ,goal achievement, employee management , it helps with adaptability and growth, reputation and ethics, and lastly personal discipline.
Now that I have been well on my own as a stylist/salon owner the way I run my business is second nature because I have these factors ingrained in me, I attract clients that are kindred.
I love solving my clients hair woes. I love making them see themselves through a different lens. I love putting the building blocks back together so they can feel confident! I am most proud to have my clients that have been with me for years still trusting in me and my craft! It’s such an intimate relationship having someone touching your crown. I’m also proud when I get new clients that find me from a hashtag! lol it still makes me say wow!
I want the type of potential clients that are looking for me to keep them tight in all the ways I can! I’m never gonna have my clients bold! Never! Come sit in me chair, and get your joy filled!
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
Purpose has always been important to me. It’s drives me, encourages me, and guides me in most areas of my life. It has always be my upmost honor to service the men and women of my community, to provide an oasis, and a refuge for my community one haircut and hairstyle at a time. It is my purpose to do what I do.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect of being a creative/artist is doing what I love with no effort or thought! It’s such a blessing to have a skill that’s needed!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.Cortneyjoihair.com
- Instagram: @Cortneyjoihair
