Meet Jo Wilson

Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I grew up in Atlanta, originally from Alabama. But I moved here at 12 yrs old. I was always interested in art, makeup, hair. I was obsessed with barbies and I struggle with a bit of OCD at times and so those kinds of things I practice over and over again and they had to be perfect. When I latched onto something, I went full force even if it wasn’t like everyone else.

Anyway, it lead to hair and I freelanced for a long time until I put myself through school with help from some friends and I hustled Atlanta until I grew an amazing clientele. I’ve worked for myself, other people, out of my house, making house calls, giving babies first cuts while nannying to get through school. I’m lucky. I love connecting with people and reminding them to love themselves. I’ve worked here and New York, nothing fancy.

I recently went for a benefit to raise money for a friend who is going to teach women of the sex trafficking trade how to do hair. I believe in investing in people and I love my craft. It’s hard, and any hairdresser will tell you that, but I love it. I’ve gotten a chance to work around people that have just blown me away. Especially right here in Atlanta. So I’m super grateful for all the hard work I’ve put in and the opportunities that I’ve taken hold of and whatever the future has. I’m I really honored to be asked about my story. 

Please tell us about your art.
I do hair. I create connections. I try really hard to make people smile.

Why? Because it’s important. I hope people take away an experience when they see me. Sometimes after I have a regular, it’s nice. It’s comfortable, like sitting next to a friend while you both work or read. I’m grateful for that.

For a lot of people, it’s not that serious and I totally understand that. But I have a lot of people that end up coming back even if at first they didn’t think they would. People start getting haircuts two times a year instead of once every year and a half. That’s a compliment to me.

My art is what I pour into each client and their hair. I spend time on it. I appreciate it. I’ve built some amazing relationships out of it. I’m also lucky to be a part of an artist community of hair people to pull inspiration from, to challenge myself and hopefully inspire my clients.

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing artists today?
Staying true to your art and philosophies. Making a living and not compromising.

But I think Art is waking up a bit more regardless of the fame, hopefully.

How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
Come see me at Marie Marie Salon in Chandler Park.