We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Juana Lewis a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Juana thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

As a black woman, there is a struggle when it comes to finding someone to help you take care and understand your naturally curly hair. Growing up I never knew how magical my curls were, or knew how to take care of my hair. I would go to the hair salon with my mom every two weeks to get my hair straightened and then a relaxer every 6-8 weeks. That’s what hair care looked like for me. As black people we have to be taught how to care of our curls, and if your parent/guardian don’t know then it’s likely you won’t either. So fast forward to December 2012, I got my last relaxer the day before my college graduation. I decided from that point forward I would learn to figure out my curls, what I should do and how I care for my hair. I was constantly on YouTube watching other women give details on what products to use, how to wash, deep condition and style natural hair. By August 2013, I decided to “Big Chop” and fully embrace my natural curls. I was in love!!! It took some time but I was finally able to see my curls, and starting to understand what my curls meant. Styling and growing my hair out to this big curly fro was my hobby! Eventually I decided to go to cosmetology school to help other women like myself learn, understand and love their curls as much as I do!

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers?

So it started with my amazing husband. He saw every time we would be out in public, women would always compliment my hair and ask me all the questions, from how do I get my curls like that, or what products do I use etc. And I could be talking to a stranger for 10-15 minutes because I truly wanted to help and encourage. So one day he asked me why don’t I go to cosmetology school and then do natural hair. Like most wives, my husbands idea went into one ear and out the other. I had never imagined or dreamed of being a hairstylist. But after some time (a couple of days) I said you know what, that’s a great idea!!! So March 2021 I gave my resignation to my job at the time, and went to cosmetology school! I embraced my new adventure with all that I had! It was such an amazing time, I learned so much about myself and who I wanted to become.

Straight out of cosmetology school (April 2022), I opened Curls By JLewis. The best decision I made was to open my own salon to do all the things for my clients. I focus only on naturally curly hair; curly cuts, wash and go’s, twist outs, flexi/perm rod sets. I want my clients to know that I am here to truly help them embrace and see their curls. Like I said previously, black girls and women have to be taught how to care for their curls and that’s exactly what Curls By JLewis does.

I am constantly in search for continued education when it comes to educating myself and my clients. Aside from being a licensed cosmetologist, I have taken classes with brands like Cut It Kinky, Innersense and other amazing curly specialists that are providing education. When clients come to my salon they can be sure to leave with beautiful curls, some educational tips on how to care for their curls at home, natural/botanical based products that I use on their hair in the salon and they can purchase for home as well.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele is simply word of mouth. I learned in cosmetology school that for every good service that client will tell one person. But for every bad service that client will tell three people. So I strive to be my best, give my best and do my best for every client that walks through my door. I want each client to feel that positive energy that I have to offer.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

So I try to provide the best service to every client; whether its their first time or a returning client. I am educating them on what products I will be using and why I am using that certain product. Also, educating them on why I’m not using a certain product. I like to give my clients a handheld mirror while at the shampoo bowl so they can see and feel their curls. Yes my clients are free to relax and enjoy the service, but I also want them to know what good hair care looks and feels like. I encourage my clients to reach out to me when styling at home if they have any questions. And ask them to subscribe to my website as I send out monthly newsletters for when new appointments are available.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.curlsbyjlewis.com
• Instagram: @Curlsbyjlewis
• Twitter: @jjjshaunte