We recently connected with EBONEE JOHNSON and have shared our conversation below.

EBONEE, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?

The name “Twisted Fingers” came to me naturally, inspired by the constant twisting motion that’s a key part of my work. As someone who uses their hands daily to style and nurture natural hair, my fingers are always in motion—twisting, braiding, and shaping. This physical action became symbolic of something deeper: the way I help women reconnect with and embrace their natural beauty. Through every twist, I’m not just creating a hairstyle—I’m helping each woman see the power, uniqueness, and elegance in being her authentic self. “Twisted Fingers” is more than a name; it’s a reflection of my hands-on journey in celebrating natural beauty.

EBONEE, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My journey into the beauty industry started long before I ever considered it a career. I grew up in cosmetology school with my mother and spent nearly every day in her salon, soaking in the energy, the creativity, and the care she poured into every client. Even though I didn’t originally see myself following in her footsteps, doing hair came naturally to me—it’s in my blood. Today, I specialize in microloc services, helping women embrace and celebrate their natural beauty. My goal isn’t just to style hair; it’s to empower my clients to feel confident and beautiful in their own skin. Running a business takes discipline—especially when you’re working with hundreds of people. You learn to pick your battles, stay grounded, and give your all, even when you expect nothing in return except for your clients to take care of the crown you help them build. I take pride in the moments when clients tell me they wish they had started their microloc journey sooner. That’s when I know I’m doing something truly meaningful. “Twisted Fingers” is more than a business—it’s a reflection of passion, purpose, and the beauty of being natural

We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.

As a hairstylist, staying connected with my clients and building brand loyalty is just as important as the service I provide. I make it a point to check in after appointments, offering maintenance tips and making sure each client is happy with their hair. I also use appointment reminders and follow-ups to keep communication smooth and professional. Through social media, I share helpful content, client transformations, and styling advice to keep my clients engaged and educated. I love creating a personal experience—remembering birthdays, hair preferences, and offering exclusive access to new services. Whether it’s through a simple check-in, a loyalty program, or a personalized touch in the salon chair, I’m committed to creating lasting relationships that go beyond just doing hair. It’s about trust, consistency, and showing my clients they’re genuinely valued.

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’ve had to unlearn is the idea that I can—and should—try to please everyone. In the beginning, I felt like I needed to say yes to every client and opportunity, thinking that more business always meant more success. But over time, I learned that all money isn’t good money. I’ve had experiences where the energy clients brought into my space disrupted the peace I work hard to maintain. My suite is filled with love, intention, and positive energy, and I’ve realized how important it is to protect that. Not every client is meant for me, and that’s okay. I now understand that my peace and purpose are more valuable than any amount of money, and staying true to that has brought me the right kind of clients—those who appreciate my work and respect the energy I bring.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://twistedfingers2021.glossgenius.com/
• Instagram: @twisted_fingersby_ebonee
• Facebook: Twisted Fingers
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@twistedfingers_byebonee?_t=ZT-8vxAZLQCuGA&_r=1