We were lucky to catch up with Janice Brown recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Janice, thanks for joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

At the age of 15 my sparks were ignited for the fashion and art industry. By the time I was 15 was starting to see my own clothes. I drew constantly for hours at a time. It a was my solace and therapy. I knew I wanted to either attend FIT or Parsons Achool of Design.

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?

I began the creative process of artistic expression at the age of 9. Styling my sister’s Barbie mannequin head to eventually styling my friend mother’s hair by the age of 12. I guess you can say i was born to do art and hair. I craved every thing art. I enlisted myself in a Saturday art program while in High school, furthering my desire for art. After graduation, I enrolled in Tracey Warner School of Fashion Desin. I recieved multiple awards for fashion design at commencement. My desire to pursue the art of fashion grew in me expedentially. I next enrolled in F.I.T. where I majored in Leather Accessories. While in college I still continued to draw, sew and style hair. After finishing F.I.T., I did a brief and unhappy stint in the Isurance industry. I was trying to follow the safe and expected path that my mother laid out before me. Six years and tons of coffee later, i woke up and said to myself, ” I can’t do this anymore.” So I returned to my first love. I decided to pursue my dreams. It wasn’t a clear nor easy path but I couldn’t see myself giving up. Styling hair, creating clothes and doing art bought me so much joy. I never considered myself to be an entrepreneur, I just seen myself as someone who wanted to pursue her dreams, create art and see the world. As time went on I decided I needed a change of scenery. An opportunity presented itself for a move to Hawaii and I took it. That’s when the world opened up to me. Believe me, that’s when the adventures began. I was hired to work in two separate salons on the island of Oah’u. I worked on a diverse array of clientele which began to broaden my experience in hair textures. After two years in Hawai’i, I recieved an offer to work in Japan. Upon arrival to Japan, I was highered by Beverley Hills Salon in Harajaku. While in Japan I was blessed to be featured on television and also in magazines. I styled multiple singers, dancers, wrestlers and artist. After two years in Japan, I returned to New York and began working with Khamit Kinks salon in Manhattan. From Khamit Kinks I recieved my next offer to be creative direct the first natural hair salon to be featured in a mall in London. I returned to the United States two years later to set my roots down in Brooklyn. I began working with B.E.T., styling hair for music videos and magazines. I needed brick and mortar space to call my own. So I purchased a building in Philadelphia. Tarbaby Hair Design Salon is an exclusive space where clients can relax, enjoy a glass of wine, purchase natural products and can rest assured that their styling needs will be met. The salon/work studio is a space where I not only create but also give back to the community which gave me my start. I’m super happy and humbly thankful for all the ups and downs of my amazing journey. Just having the opportunity to express my art in so many ways has truly been a blessing.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

This is what I shared in the beginning, when i decided to leave the insurance business and jump in feet first into hairstyling and art.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

That I determine my value and I answer to myself. I have the freedom to learn and create whatever art I want everyday. I have amazing conversation with some of the most interesting clients. I am truly grateful and blessed.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.tarbabyhairdesign.com
• Instagram: Tarbabyhairdesign
• Facebook: Tarbabyhairdesign

Image Credits
All images owned by Tarbaby Hair Design