We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Crystle Jones-Bond. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Crystle below.
Hi Crystle, thanks for joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
Since I was nine years old, I imagined myself as a hairstylist. I didn’t just dream it—I saw it. I’d picture myself styling, creating, running my own salon and spa. Back then, I didn’t know what a vision board was—but I was making them anyway, cutting out images, drawing sketches, and piecing together the life I saw for myself.
That dream was bigger than a salon chair. I wanted to create a place where people felt transformed—not just in looks, but in spirit. That’s what led me to the University of Chattanooga, where I pursued a business degree with a concentration in entrepreneurship. I knew I needed more than talent—I needed strategy. And I wasn’t just chasing a passion; I was building a foundation.
After college, I enrolled in cosmetology school and that’s where I stumbled upon my love for avant-garde hairstyling. There was this one contest—I’ll never forget it. We were challenged to create the most innovative, head-turning wig. I poured my heart into a short pixie wig that bloomed into a vibrant blue rose. Each piece of hair was sculpted to mimic petals, creating a masterpiece that looked like it belonged on a runway in Paris.
I didn’t win.
But the moment still felt like a win. Everyone came up to me, amazed by the creativity and detail. Their excitement lit a spark in me, even though I tucked that experience away, unsure if I’d ever use that kind of artistry again.
Years passed—until a friend asked me to create a custom hairpiece for her birthday photo shoot. I said yes. That one “yes” cracked the door wide open. From there, word spread. People began requesting custom avant-garde pieces for runways, photoshoots, special events. I wasn’t just doing hair anymore—I was designing wearable art.
I realized then that my childhood dreams, my degree, my creativity—it was all leading here. To a space where natural hair care, beauty, and bold expression could exist together. I was solving a problem I didn’t even know needed solving: combining healthy hair practices with artistic expression and a wellness-first atmosphere.
That’s how my business was born. Not from a formula—but from a feeling. From a little girl with big dreams, a college student with purpose, and a stylist with a fire to create what others hadn’t dared to imagine.
And honestly? That’s what still gets me most excited—the chance to bring someone’s inner beauty to the surface, to make them feel seen, and to remind them they’re art, too.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
For those just learning about me, I’m a natural hairstylist, salon owner, chemist, educator, and creative who is deeply passionate about healthy hair care, wellness, and helping people feel good in their own skin. With over 15 years in the beauty industry, I’ve built my brand around intentional service, education, and a love for natural textures.
I’m the proud owner of Assuage Hair & Body, a wellness-first salon located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. At Assuage, we offer more than just hair services—we offer a retreat. Clients receive one-on-one care in relaxing private suites, complete with virtual consultations to personalize every experience. We specialize in natural hair services including twist-outs, locs, braids, protective styles, and custom updos, all while focusing on long-term hair health.
What truly sets us apart is our whole-person approach to beauty. We pair haircare with wellness by offering a curated collection of Black-owned products—from organic shampoos and conditioners to detox teas, hair vitamins, aromatherapy candles, and wellness journals. My goal is to help our clients relax, feel seen, and be empowered through both their hair and their healing.
Over the years, I’ve been honored to receive several recognitions and awards:
Top 25 Natural Hairstylists in the World – Behind the Chair
Masters Pioneer Award Winner
Texture Style Awards Winner for Coily Hair (Recognized for creativity, skill, and excellence in natural texture styling)
LUXlife Global Excellence Award 2023 & 2024
Corporate Vision Award 2024 – Healthy Hair Care Company of the Year (Southern USA)
Global Business Awards
Featured in Ebony and People Magazine
Television feature on Talk of the Town (Channel 5)
Upcoming feature in Nashville Voyager Magazine
First African American hairstylist inducted into the Country Music Association
As much as I love healthy hair care, I also have a deep love for creativity. I’ve submitted and showcased my avant-garde hairstyles in national competitions and fashion platforms—where I’ve had the chance to really push the boundaries of hair as wearable art. My pieces are bold, sculptural, and inspired by nature, texture, and emotion. It’s one of the ways I get to express myself beyond everyday salon work, and it’s been a blessing to be recognized for that artistry as well.
What I’m most proud of isn’t just the awards or features—it’s the trust my clients place in me. I know what it’s like to feel overwhelmed with your hair, to not know what’s best for your texture, or to simply need a moment of peace in your day. That’s what Assuage was built for: to meet people where they are, offer solutions, and create beauty in every sense of the word.
If you’re looking for a place that values your time, your health, and your hair—Assuage Hair & Body is here for you. It’s not just a salon. It’s a sanctuary.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was that fear means stop. For a long time, I believed that if I felt afraid, it was a sign I wasn’t ready—or that something wasn’t meant for me. But over time, I realized that fear is actually natural. It shows up when you’re doing something meaningful, something that stretches you. The truth is, fear doesn’t have to be a stop sign—it can be a signal that you’re on the right path.
I had to learn to do it scared.
Whether it was launching my salon, submitting my work to major competitions, or stepping into rooms where I was the only one who looked like me—fear was there. But I did it anyway. And every time I pushed through, something beautiful came from it.
What helped me most was surrounding myself with the right people. People who inspired me, encouraged me, and reminded me of who I was even when I forgot. Having that support system gave me the courage to walk in my purpose—even when I was trembling.
So now, when fear shows up, I don’t run from it. I recognize it, I breathe through it, and I move forward anyway—because destiny doesn’t wait for comfort. And neither do I.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
Like many others, I had to make a major pivot during COVID. At the time, I was working as a solopreneur in a salon suite, and when the world shut down, so did my ability to see clients. It was a moment that could’ve broken my business—but thankfully, I had built it with a level of intention that helped me stay afloat.
Because of my background in business, I had already structured things in a way that allowed me to pay myself as an employee. That decision turned out to be a game-changer. It gave my business stability and allowed me to access support that helped sustain things while everything else felt uncertain.
With no clients in my chair, I leaned into my product line. I began promoting it more consistently, creating educational videos, and teaching clients how to care for their natural hair at home. My goal was to help them stay connected to their hair journeys—even while the salon was closed.
And honestly, that time also gave me space to birth something I had been holding onto for a while—my very first book. I finally had the time to write “I Want to Go Natural… Now What?”, which is now available on Amazon. It was a way for me to answer the questions I heard most often from clients and to provide guidance for anyone feeling unsure or overwhelmed at the start of their natural hair journey.
That season of pivoting taught me so much about resilience, purpose, and using what you already have in your hands. It reminded me that sometimes the hardest times create the most powerful opportunities.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Crystlejonesbond.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crystlejonesbond?igsh=MWp0ZzB5YTVzaHZsdg==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crystle.jonesbond?mibextid=ZbWKwL
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystle-jones-bond-9bba54150?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app
- Other: https://www.Assuagehair.com
Image Credits
Tonya Osborne photography
Warren Collins makeup artist The blend
Cassandra makeup Ziggy Transformations
Tim West Photography