Today we’d like to introduce you to Monique Johnson.
Hi Monique, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always love to do hair. I started braiding my own hair since I was nine years old. I’m 27 now. I went to Albany State University to major in nursing, then changed to business management. After the first semester, I realized that I just wanted to do hair. So I dropped out and went to Aveda Institute of Atlanta. After six years of roadblocks, obstacles, and struggles, I finally got the chance to graduate and become a licensed Master Cosmetologist.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road definitely wasn’t smooth. I went a whole year in school from 2013-2014 and didn’t get the chance to graduate because of financial struggles. I started working, hoping that I would be able to save some cash to pay for school but ended up meeting a guy, having kids and being a stay-at-home mom for six years. Finally, when COVID hit and IRS sent out stimulus checks, I was able to pay for school and GRADUATE! But check this when I went to the testing facility to take my practical test in Atlanta, they were being really difficult on letting me take my exam because I’m married going through a divorce, so my last name doesn’t match. That’s was the most heartbreaking moment for me because being a hairstylist is my dream job and to have someone say no because of the last name that I’m getting rid of was so unsettling. After a few calls, I was able to go to another facility in Macon, and they were able to let me test and I PASSED! One of the most Grateful moments of my life!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a hairstylist at Salon Moraee in Buckhead. I specialize in silk press, braids, color/highlights, trims/long layers & I also make custom-made wigs. I am known for braids & silk press. I am most proud that I finally made it to be a Licensed Professional. I really do love what I do, and I find comfort in making my clients feel confident in themselves and their hair. I am very gentle when it comes to hair because caring for my client’s hair will result in HEALTHY hair.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
When you really want to achieve and be successful in life, you have to take risks. I took a big risk to achieve one of my biggest goals in life because I know it will open doors for other achievements and testimonials.
Pricing:
- Shampoo and Style starts at $80
- Custom Made Wigs starts at $250 (byob)
- Box Braids starts at $300
- Double Process color starts at $150
- One on one braid class starts at $50 for 1 hour
Contact Info:
- Email: info.stylistmonique@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.vagaro.com/salonmoraee1/services
- Instagram: @stylist.monique
