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

Unique, appreciate you joining us today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

If it’s one thing I know how to do well is take a risk! When I first decided to open my own salon space, salon suites were fairly new ( not really but most people I knew were in a traditional salon) but I always knew that I wanted my own since deciding to pursue hairstyling. I was working at a very high-end salon straight out of hair school, I spent 3 years there, learning, studying, and taking classes to perfect my craft. I remember I had a dream that I was pregnant and at the time I was 27 and I was like ” oh uh uh not right now God!” but then I started doing research on dreams and it could mean that I was about to birth something new, a new journey or idea was being created inside me. I took that as my sign to plan my exit from the best and only salon I’ve ever worked for. I remember being SO nervous but so excited for my dreams to come true. I began looking and researching surrounding salon suites for weeks. I finally decided on which one I would work at, so it was time to plan my official departure. At the time the salon was experiencing so many stylists quitting, and I thought to myself ” Omg, am I ready for this?” I started to doubt my decision based on fear. I was soooo scared! Fast forward a few weeks, the salon had a mandatory class on a Sunday, and I felt in my gut that morning something was going to happen. I arrived at the salon and started prepping for the class to begin. I remember seeing my co-worker/mentor and I quietly pulled her aside to let her know my departing plans. She immediately was so happy for me and thought that I should let our manager know asap so that I would leave on good terms. During our lunch break, I sat down with our manager and I immediately started crying (I know I’m a big baby lol ) and I explained to her that I was leaving because I stopped growing and needed to pursue my dream, but I didn’t want to just leave without saying anything. She took me to a back room with the owner and they decided I would no longer need to stay the rest of the day since I was quitting and we would talk about my “2 week notice” on the following Tuesday. As I starting packing up my station, all the other stylists seen how upset I was and offered support and love. I went home in a shock! I was NOT planning on quitting my secure job that day! Once I told my family, we prayed about it and the we went to work on setting up my suite! I contacted all my clients to let them know my new location and no more than 3/4 months after opening I was BOOKED. I felt so good being in my own space, where I was the boss of me and in control of my own future. 5 years later, I have moved to a new state, temporarily retired from behind the chair to launch my holistic haircare line! Taking a risk is scary only because of the fear of the unknown, but the unknown can be whatever you want it to be. When im scared to jump off the cliff, I remember that there’s no reward without risk.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

The one thing I want my potential customers to know about me is that I care about you and the health of your hair. I would never ever compromise your health for the sake of it just looking good. Your hair will look good AND be healthy when you’re in my chair. I am an educator, I want my clients to be empowered to do their own hair at home using the same products that I use in the salon. I always tell new clients that if they are not open to learning their hair and how to care for it then we will not be a good match. As far as, what I specialize in; I am a master curl specialist with an emphasis on healthy growing hair. My business is professional and you can expect high quality work in a clean, comfortable environment. Im most proud of the impact that Ive made in the natural hair community! I genuinely connect with my clients and it shows through my interactions with them. I’ve been blessed to have a great clientele that was tailored for me. My focus now is creating a luxury hair care brand that is non-toxic and delivers exceptional results. Haircare products is one the most important factor in having healthy hair, and I cannot wait to launch my new baby this year!

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Honestly, the answer to this is so simple. Be genuine, honest, and personable. I really blew up after about my 2nd year into having my own suite. Educating my clients on how to care for their hair and giving them a step by step guide is what made me stand out. In addition to that, I delivered them realistic results. Being honest about where their hair was currently and what to expect after the appointment put them at ease and made them want to come back. Majority of natural hair people are really protective of their curls and choosy about who they let in their hair. My main and only goal for each client is healthy growing hair, and helping them reach their personal hair goals. That is how I was able to retain clients as well. Also be picky about who you allow to sit in your chair, if their goals don’t align with your business morals then its ok to turn them down and refer them to someone who could help them.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Ok, so honest moment. I am in the middle of pivoting my career. I was recently diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. When I received the diagnosis I was studying to be a cosmetology school educator. My plan was (still is) to pivot into educating other stylists. But since having to focus on healing and being cured; I have pivoted again to launching my haircare line which will give me a break from behind the chair. I had always had a goal of having a haircare line and tools etc for my brand but this just gave me the extra push and time to actually complete it. So check back with me later this year to see how successful my launch was!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @poiseblusalon
• Facebook: poise blu salon