We recently connected with Tiara Johnson and have shared our conversation below.

Tiara, appreciate you joining us today. Crazy stuff happening is almost as certain as death and taxes – it’s technically “unexpected” but something unexpected happening is to be expected and so can you share a crazy story with our readers

Craziest Thing That’s Ever Happened in My Business? Whew, this one takes the cake.

One day, I had a client in my chair, and everything was going well as usual… until she told me that she found money that another woman had dropped in the salon suites hallway. Instead of returning it immediately, she said she wanted the woman to tell her how much it was first, as if honesty had to be earned. I was stunned. I calmly told her, “Since we’re in suites, the right thing to do would be to give it to the office manager. They can make sure it gets back to the rightful owner.”

She didn’t take that well. She got upset and said, “Nobody is going to tell me what to do,” and abruptly walked out in the middle of our appointment. Shortly after, she canceled her appointment and blocked me.

Then came the twist, she called back asking why she was charged when she didn’t receive the full service. I explained that walking out mid-appointment, without following proper cancellation protocol, meant my time still had to be compensated. She then contacted the booking software company to dispute the charge, and when they asked what happened, I told them everything: she took money that wasn’t hers, refused to return it, and chose to leave instead of doing the right thing. I still offered a refund, but made it clear she would not be welcomed back to my business.

After all that, she got her money back…and then messaged me to say that she respected my integrity and good character. She even asked if I could be her Lash artist for the summer.

I politely declined, wished her well, and left it at that.

It was a rollercoaster of emotions, shock, frustration, disbelief—but also a moment of clarity. It reminded me of why boundaries and integrity are non-negotiables in my business. I don’t just offer beauty services. I create a space where respect and values matter.

Tiara, 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?

For those who may not have heard of me before, hi, I’m Tiara J. I’m a woman on a mission to help other women win. Everything I do is rooted in empowerment, encouragement, and excellence. Whether I’m behind the mic, in the beauty suite, designing a creative vision, or out in the community, my goal is the same: to create spaces where women feel seen, supported, and unstoppable.

I wear many crowns, and each one has its own purpose.

I’m the host of The Queens Table Show, a podcast that offers real advice, heartfelt encouragement, and authentic conversations. It’s where we talk about life, business, healing, confidence, and what it really takes to rise up and walk boldly in your purpose. It’s not just a show—it’s a movement for women who are ready to reclaim their power.

I’m also the proud owner of Crowned Glamour Beauty, a luxury beauty business that provides more than just lashes or glam—it’s a safe space for women to feel beautiful, heard, and restored. I specialize in enhancing natural beauty, but I also create an atmosphere where women can breathe, relax, and be poured into. Every appointment is an experience, not just a service.

As a Creative Director, I bring visions to life with intention, style, and strategy. I help shape and tell stories that resonate visually, emotionally, and powerfully.

I also founded The Tiara J Brand, which began as an accessory line designed to help women feel bold, fly, and confident in every room they walk into. The brand was more than just fashion—it was about adding a touch of royalty to everyday life.

In addition to that, I provide notary services, offering convenience and professionalism to individuals and businesses who need important documents handled with care.

And one of the things I’m most passionate about is leading a women’s encouragement group. It’s a sisterhood where women can support one another, be vulnerable without judgment, and grow through life’s highs and lows together. It’s healing. It’s empowering. It’s necessary.

What sets me apart? My heart. I don’t just “do” business—I serve. Everything I touch is purpose-driven. Whether it’s glam, guidance, or giving someone hope on a tough day, I operate with integrity and intention. I’m not here to compete, I’m here to build community.

What I’m most proud of is the way I’ve been able to show up authentically in every space, whether I’m serving one woman or a crowd. My brand is rooted in faith, integrity, and the belief that every woman deserves to feel like royalty, even on her worst day.

So if you’re looking for a safe place to feel empowered, a glam experience that goes deeper than makeup, or a podcast that feels like a warm hug and a push forward, welcome to my world. I’m here for you.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Absolutely. One of the biggest pivots I’ve had to make, both in life and business was deciding to press pause on my businesses to fully commit to my education. As someone who has always been driven and entrepreneurial, stepping away from my growing brands was not easy. I built Crowned Glamour Beauty and The Tiara J Brand with love and intention, and they both served as platforms where I empowered women and helped them feel confident and seen.

But deep down, I began to feel a shift. I realized there was a greater calling tugging at my heart, advocacy. I wanted to do more than just help women feel beautiful on the outside, I wanted to fight for their voices, their rights, and their well-being in deeper ways. That’s when I made the decision to go back to school. I’m currently in college pursuing a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources, and I have my sights set on law school.

This pivot wasn’t just about getting a degree, it was about aligning with my purpose. I knew that in order to serve my community more powerfully, especially those who often feel unheard or overlooked, I needed the education and tools to back up my passion. It’s not easy juggling school, life, and all the dreams I still carry, but it’s worth it. I know that the pause was preparation for something even bigger.

What keeps me going is knowing that I’m planting seeds now that will blossom into real change later. I’m proud of myself for being brave enough to pivot, even when it meant walking away from things I loved temporarily. Purpose over popularity. Purpose over comfort.

This chapter is about foundation, growth, and impact, and I’m just getting started.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Building my audience on social media was a journey that took consistency, creativity, and genuine connection. I didn’t wake up with followers overnight, it took time and intentional effort. I focused on showing up regularly with content that was both engaging and valuable. Whether it was beauty tips, motivational gems, behind-the-scenes content, or just real-life moments, I made sure my audience could see me, the person behind the brand.

One thing that really helped was engaging directly with my community. I didn’t just post and disappear, I responded to comments, joined conversations in my DMs, asked questions, and made people feel seen and appreciated. I hosted contests and giveaways, and even offered monthly freebies to show my gratitude and keep people excited about what I was doing. That built trust and created a deeper connection beyond just the likes and follows.

My biggest advice for anyone just starting out is: be consistent, be YOU, and be intentional. Don’t focus so much on going viral, focus on showing up. Your audience will find you when your message is clear and your heart is in it. Use your platform to serve, inspire, or educate in some way, and make your followers feel like they’re part of something. That’s how you build community, not just numbers.

And don’t be afraid to experiment! Try different types of content, videos, stories, polls, behind-the-scenes, testimonials, see what resonates. Social media is a tool, but your voice is the brand.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @thetiarajbrand, @crownedglamourbeauty, @thequeenstablepodcast
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tiara.johnson.56
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thetiarajbrand

Image Credits

Richard Williams