We recently connected with Joi Jackson and have shared our conversation below.

Joi, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. To kick things off, we’d love to hear about things you or your brand do that diverge from the industry standard

Hairizon is rooted in the belief that beauty is personal, cultural, and empowering. Unlike many corporate beauty supply stores that focus on mass production and one-size-fits-all solutions, Hairizon takes a personalized, community-driven approach. As the oldest Black-owned, women-owned beauty supply store in North Carolina, and one of the oldest in the U.S., we pride ourselves on offering handmade, natural, and eco-friendly products that celebrate individuality and cultural heritage.

What truly sets us apart is our focus on customization and community care. For instance, we offer custom-mixed products, such as shea butter infused with signature scents tailored to our customers’ preferences, creating a truly unique experience. We also prioritize sustainability through initiatives like our Recycle Program, where customers bring in empty containers to refill their favorite products, reducing waste while enjoying discounts.

Our commitment to community extends beyond our store. Through our partnership with the nonprofit Depressed While Black, we handmake personal care packages for patients, including youth currently hospitalized. These packages included high-quality, natural self-care items—products that are often difficult to access in such environments. This initiative brought much-needed comfort and dignity to those navigating challenging times, reinforcing our belief that beauty is about more than appearance—it’s about wellness, humanity, and connection.

By blending quality, culture, and community, Hairizon not only challenges the industry standard but also creates meaningful, lasting impacts for our customers and the broader community.

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?

Hairizon is a labor of love born from a deep connection to community, culture, and wellness. Established in 2010, Hairizon began as a dream shared between my mother and me, with the goal of creating a space where beauty, health, and individuality could intersect in meaningful ways. Our mission has always been to provide access to high-quality, natural products that celebrate and support the diverse beauty of our customers.

Our journey into this industry was inspired by the need for beauty products that are not only effective but also safe and nourishing. As women of color, we recognized the lack of options that cater to our specific hair and skincare needs without compromising on ingredients. This led us to develop a line of handmade, natural, and eco-friendly products, ranging from our best-selling Aloe Water to shea butters infused with unique, uplifting scents. Each product is carefully crafted to address the specific needs of our customers, whether it’s maintaining hydration, enhancing natural hair textures, or indulging in self-care.

Hairizon is not just about beauty; it’s about solving problems and offering solutions that matter. We address the frustration many customers feel when searching for effective, natural products that align with their values. By creating items that are both high-quality and accessible, we empower individuals to embrace their natural beauty and prioritize wellness.

What I’m most proud of is how Hairizon has grown into a trusted name in our community, known for celebrating diversity and promoting self-love. We’ve had the privilege of educating our customers on the importance of using natural ingredients while creating products that enhance their beauty routines. Through our work, we’ve built lasting relationships with clients who see Hairizon as more than a store—it’s a source of empowerment and connection.

For anyone new to Hairizon, I want them to know that our brand is deeply personal and built with care. We are a family-run business with a heart for the community and a commitment to providing products that make our customers look and feel their best. When you choose Hairizon, you’re supporting a vision that honors individuality, promotes health, and creates beauty that goes beyond the surface.

Can you open up about a time when you had a really close call with the business?

A few years ago, we were at a breaking point with Hairizon while located in downtown Durham. Financially, things were extremely tight—we couldn’t make ends meet, and I had just sat down with my team to share how dire the situation had become. One day, I faced an impossible choice: pay our rental insurance or a utility bill. I decided to pay the insurance, unsure how we would manage everything else.

At the time, we had just received a grant from the City of Durham. It was a 1:1 matching grant meant to help us build a front door to our business, which was critical because our space was confusing for customers. The window faced Main Street, but the actual entrance was down a long hallway, which left people uncertain about how to get in. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the funds to match the grant, so it felt like one more opportunity slipping away.

Then something unimaginable happened: a drunk driver going the wrong way on a one-way street crashed into our storefront. What initially seemed like a curse became a blessing in disguise. The insurance settlement from that accident allowed us to match the grant and finally build the front door we desperately needed. That moment of adversity turned into a pivotal turning point for our business, enabling us to create a more welcoming and accessible space for our customers.

It was a tough, uncertain time, but it reminded me of the importance of perseverance and having faith in the face of challenges. That experience saved our business, and we’ve been open ever since. It’s a story I carry with me as a reminder of how resilience and a little luck can turn even the most difficult situations into opportunities.

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

Building Hairizon’s social media audience has been a journey of consistency, authenticity, and community engagement. We started by focusing on what makes our brand unique: celebrating natural beauty, cultural heritage, and personalized care. By sharing our story, the people behind the business, and the values we stand for, we’ve been able to connect with our audience on a deeper level.

Here’s how we did it and some tips for those just starting out:

1. Know Your Audience: We took time to understand who our customers are—what they care about, what challenges they face, and what inspires them. This allowed us to create content that resonates with their needs and interests.

2. Stay Consistent: Posting regularly is key to staying top of mind. Whether it’s product promotions, behind-the-scenes peeks, or educational content, we made sure to show up consistently across platforms.

3. Engage and Respond: Social media isn’t a one-way street. We make a point to respond to comments, answer DMs, and engage with our audience by asking questions and encouraging feedback. Building relationships fosters trust and loyalty.

4. Highlight Customer Stories: Showcasing our customers and their experiences with Hairizon has been a great way to build community. User-generated content not only helps promote the brand but also shows our appreciation for the people who support us.

5. Leverage Visual Appeal: High-quality visuals are a must. We use vibrant photos, videos, and graphics to showcase our products in ways that grab attention and tell a story.

6. Collaborate: Partnering with local influencers and nonprofits has helped us tap into new audiences while aligning with our mission. For example, working with Depressed While Black brought awareness to both our brand and an important cause.

7. Promotions and Giveaways: Offering discounts, giveaways, and exclusive deals has been a powerful way to boost engagement and grow our following.

Tips for Beginners:

– Start Small: Focus on one or two platforms where your audience is most active. It’s better to do a great job on one platform than spread yourself thin across several.

– Be Authentic: People connect with real stories, not perfection. Share your journey, your challenges, and your wins.

– Use Analytics: Pay attention to what works and what doesn’t. Most social platforms offer free insights to help you understand what content your audience engages with most.

– Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment: Try new types of content—reels, live videos, polls, or Q&A sessions. Experimentation can help you discover what resonates with your audience.

– Stay Patient: Growth takes time. Focus on building genuine connections rather than chasing follower counts.

Contact Info:

• Website: Hairizonbeauty.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hairizon
• Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/hairizonbeauty