We recently connected with Jennifer Washington and have shared our conversation below.

Jennifer, appreciate you joining us today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

When I moved to Kansas 4 years ago, I had no clientele and didn’t know anyone but my boyfriend here. It was a big risk because I had never had my own business or even rented a chair. I worked for a corporate salon and spa for most of my time as a hair stylist. I just remember praying about it and telling God that I was leaving it in his hands. Fast forward to me moving here, renting a chair at a salon in junction city and building my client base in 6 months in the mist of a pandemic. It was one of the best decisions because it gave me the confidence to go out fully on my own and open my own salon in Manhattan.

Jennifer, 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?

I am the owner of Jennifer Nicole hair design. It’s a boutique style salon in downtown Manhattan, Kansas. My salon specializes in bridal and textured hair but we really offer services to everyone. I really wanted my salon to be an all inclusive place, I wanted everyone to feel comfortable and loved no matter what their hair texture is we would be able to accommodate them.

I have always wanted to be a hair stylist from a very young age. I started with doing my family and friends and then eventually realized it was something I loved so I decided to go to school for it. Being someone who is mixed race I have curly hair and have struggled to find hair stylists who were comfortable with doing my hair. I never wanted anyone to feel like that in my salon so I became knowledgeable in all different textures.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

When I got to Kansas rented a chair at a salon for the first year and a half. The salon owner there encouraged me to get on facebook and post regularly. That was some of the best advice because I was able to grow my clientele just through staying consistent on social media. I don’t have a huge following but the followers I have are active on my page and they’re always recommending me. Most of the time when new clients come in they say “I found you on Facebook”

My advice is take lots pictures and videos. Also you don’t have to post everyday but you do need to stay consistent even if that means once a week

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

I use social media, text and email marketing to stay in touch with my clients. I also give out loyalty cards. These help to keep clients coming back. Once a year we do a customer appreciation party to thank all of our loyal customers.

Contact Info:

• Website: Jennifernicolehair.com
• Instagram: @jennifernicolehair
• Facebook: Jennifer Nicole Hair Design

Image Credits
Jean Brunson Photography