Today we’d like to introduce you to Unique Johnson.
Hi Unique, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My career began many years ago, as far back as high school. I didn’t take my gift seriously until I was about 21/22 years old. I agreed to do my aunt’s hair for her wedding (yes, she trusted me with wedding hair at 21, lol) as well as style her wedding party. I was then introduced to her sorority sister Patience Moore, who is a master cosmetologist and later became my mentor. A brief meeting with her after the ceremony led me to leave my full-time job at a law firm and enroll in hair school in Nashville, TN a year later. I worked at a very high-end salon right after I graduated, it was such a fun time and I learned some of my core techniques there. The salon was filled with so many different textures of hair, I was drawn to how I saw black women wearing their natural curls and it was beautiful! I made the decision to fly to NYC to get a specialized training in how to cut, color and style natural curls. It was the best choice I ever made for my career, I felt like I had joined a community of acceptance and self-appreciation. Fast forward a year, I left the salon that I loved so much and decided to take a bet on myself and open my own private suite. Since then, my business grew incredibly, filled with the best clients ever. After living in Nashville for seven years, I relocated to ATL, and I’m extremely excited to be here and create new memories!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
This journey has taken me and down and everything in between. Being an entrepreneur is already challenging, and the added factor of being a black woman makes things even more complicated. I’ve had to wear so many different hats, marketing customer relations, the talent, the bookkeeper the social media manager, and the list goes on! A couple of struggles I’ve had to learn from are customer relations and really knowing who my ideal client is. Another ongoing struggle is keeping up with trends and how to incorporate them without losing my core beliefs and values as a stylist. A personal struggle I’ve had, is balancing work and life, and I feel as though everyone says this, but if you’ve ever felt the effects of an imbalanced life, you know how true it is, lol.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in natural hair care. I take care of hair whether it’s in a natural state or blown out straight. I am highly skilled in curly cuts (cutting hair in its naturally curly state), hair coloring and making/keeping hair healthy. I am most known for curly hair cuts, and hair color and microlink extensions. Something I’m most proud of is my ability to continue to grow and learn in my industry. I’m proud that I trusted myself and God to follow my dreams.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
The right mentor will find you once you are aligned with what your calling is. Mentors are special, they pour into you and see your potential before you do. They only want to see you win and crush your goals while also helping you grow personally. I am a little socially awkward sometimes, lol, so going to networking events was better for me if I went with a friend. The key to networking events is to record everyone’s name in your phone, along with where you met them, what you talked about and any contact info they give you. If you received a card, that’s even better, write where you met them and brief convo deets. Following up is what will get you noticed, most people throw cards away or talk to people with no real intention on going further. Even if what that person offers doesn’t work for you, having that contact will grow your social circle.
Pricing:
- Curl y Cuts: $180
- Hair coloring: $275 and up
- Microlinks: $550-650 and up
Contact Info:
- Email: poiseblu@gmail.com
- Website: https://l.instagram.com/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fpoise-blu-salon.square.site%2F&e=ATO_F4VwrbxZ2PcDFT3mK6Pd9n3EcVjpCEVtJpUH8ypsjargdGpF4SQr378GlW6b_7KTyJz-pEbxZtTrEyrCvTV3V8_e1L11xCj5&s=1
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poiseblusalon/
Image Credits:
Personal Image by DeWayne @iamdrbeauty
