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

Alright, Micah thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear a story from back when you were an intern or apprentice. What’s a memorable story you can share with us?

During the developmental stages of my professional career, I had the opportunity to work as an intern when I was 18. This was right at the end of my senior year of high school, and I was completing the second year of my cosmetology program. I interned with a highly respected stylist in my hometown, who was renowned for her expertise in natural hair care just as it was gaining popularity. She was not only a master of her craft but also had an impressive handle on the business side of things, which I found incredibly inspiring. Many of my mentors had trained under her as well, and it became clear to me that if I wanted to build a successful career, I needed to follow in those same footsteps.

One of the most impactful lessons I learned during that time was about the power of systems in a salon setting. This stylist had an efficient system that allowed her to see 20 to 25 clients a day, and that blew my mind. She had three assistants, including myself, and we each played a specific role: one would shampoo, another would blow-dry, and the last would straighten the client’s hair. Once we finished, the client would sit in her chair for styling, a consultation, and aftercare advice.

What stood out to me was how well this system worked—not just in terms of speed, but also in delivering excellent results every single time. It showed me that with the right training, clear processes, and teamwork, you could achieve high-quality results efficiently. This experience fundamentally changed the way I thought about running a business, especially in terms of scalability and client satisfaction. Years later, I applied the same principles to my own beauty business, ensuring I had both front-end and back-end systems in place to maintain quality while growing.

That experience taught me that systems are key, whether you’re on the salon floor or managing the logistics behind the scenes. It’s something I’ve carried with me throughout my career, and it’s been a major factor in my success.

Micah, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Micah Jones, a Sew-In Extensions Specialist and Beauty Educator based in Phoenix, AZ. My journey in the beauty industry began 15 years ago when I became a licensed cosmetologist, and five years ago, I took my passion for education to the next level by becoming a licensed beauty educator. From a young age, I was fascinated with how hair can transform not only a person’s appearance but also their confidence, and that fascination turned into a full-blown career that I love.

I had the privilege of doing a paid internship under a well-renowned natural hair care stylist early on in my career. That experience exposed me to the power of salon systems and the importance of efficiency in delivering high-quality results. This foundation shaped the way I run my business today, focusing not only on perfecting my craft but also on delivering exceptional customer experiences through streamlined systems and a deep understanding of my clients’ needs.

I specialize in sew-in extensions, offering services that help women look and feel their best while embracing the convenience and versatility of high-quality extensions. But I’m not just here to provide services; I’m here to teach. Over the past few years, I’ve trained more than 100 beauty professionals to grow their businesses by mastering the art of sew-ins and becoming specialists in their craft. My goal is to equip active and aspiring beauty pros with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to take control of their careers—whether that means earning more by working smarter or developing their expertise to become industry leaders.

What sets me apart is my deep commitment to helping others specialize and thrive. Too many beauty professionals get stuck trying to do everything, but I believe that true success comes from honing in on a specialty and mastering it. My coaching programs and masterclasses are designed to help beauty pros streamline their business model, reduce burnout, and still achieve financial freedom by taking fewer clients at higher value.

Another key differentiator is my dedication to combining creative expertise with proven business strategies. I don’t just teach beauty pros how to be good at what they do—I teach them how to run a business that supports their lifestyle, goals, and dreams. I’m also proud of how my personal story of growth has influenced others to take bold steps in their careers, knowing that the right guidance and systems can lead to both personal and professional success.

Whether you’re a client looking for flawless sew-in extensions or a beauty professional eager to level up, my mission is to help you show up confidently in every aspect of your life. Through my services, masterclasses, and one-on-one coaching, I aim to give you the tools and support you need to transform your look, your business, and your future.

The main thing I want my clients, followers, and fans to know is that I’m deeply committed to their success. I believe that specializing in your craft can unlock opportunities you never thought possible, and I’m here to guide you on that journey. When you choose me, whether as your stylist or your coach, you’re choosing someone who genuinely cares about your growth and long-term success.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

In mid-2019, around May or June, I felt strongly that God was calling me to step into salon ownership. At the time, I was operating out of a salon suite, and my business was rapidly expanding. It had become clear that my growing clientele was more than I could handle within that space, and I knew it was time to take the leap into owning my own salon. In faith, my husband and I began purchasing salon essentials—chairs, sinks, bowls, and other equipment. We even rented a storage unit to hold everything, believing that my time to become a salon owner was near.

However, in October of 2019, my mother passed away, and everything shifted. I lost all desire to continue as a hairstylist, and every dream I had—including opening my own salon—seemed out of reach. I was ready to give up entirely. It was an incredibly challenging time, and I had to pivot on a personal level, taking a step back to process my grief.

After taking some time off and with the support and encouragement of my husband, family, and friends, I eventually picked myself back up. They knew—and I knew—that my mom would want me to keep going. So, in January of 2020, I decided to move forward with my salon ownership dream. By February, I had found the perfect space, and everything was falling into place. My grand opening was scheduled for March 15th, 2020, which also happened to be my birthday.

But as fate would have it, that same day, the world shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. After all the hard work, I was forced to close the doors of my business on the very day it was set to open.

At that moment, I had no choice but to pivot again. I had to come up with creative and unique ways to keep my business alive during the lockdown. Through a mix of marketing strategies and perseverance, I found ways to stay connected with my clients and keep the business afloat, even though we were unable to open physically. I wasn’t willing to give up—not after everything I’d been through. I had invested in this dream, and I was determined to make it work.

By the grace of God, I managed to keep the business alive, and I went on to successfully own my salon for three years. That experience taught me the power of resilience and adaptability, and it shaped the way I approach challenges in both business and life.

Do you have any stories of times when you almost missed payroll or any other near death experiences for your business?

There was a pivotal moment in my business when I faced a significant challenge regarding payroll. During a slower-than-usual period, I found myself in a position where I had to ensure my employees were paid, even though it meant I might not receive a paycheck myself.

As the business owner, it was my responsibility to cover payroll for my team. I knew that my employees were relying on their income from my salon to support themselves and their families. Being an integral businesswoman, I felt a deep commitment to them—not just as employees but as individuals who depended on my business for their livelihoods. It was crucial for me to maintain my reputation as a reliable and successful salon, and that meant prioritizing their needs above my own.

In that moment, I made the decision to forgo my own pay to ensure my employees received their salaries on time. It was a tough but necessary sacrifice, as I wanted to uphold my integrity and the trust my team had placed in me. Fortunately, after that challenging period, things turned around, and I haven’t faced that issue again since.

This experience taught me the importance of resilience and the value of being a responsible leader. It reinforced my belief that when you prioritize the well-being of your team, it ultimately contributes to the success of your business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.itsmicahj.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/micahj_
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MicahJones
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/MicahJones1
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/momentswithmicah

Image Credits

@theblumgallery
@_freethemuse