Today we’d like to introduce you to Juanda Roberts.
Hi Juanda, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am a native of Atlanta, Georgia and attended Spelman College earning a degree in Computer Science. With over 20 years of Corporate America experience, my roles have included global alliance leader and portfolio and project management (PPM) expert. In these roles, I led multi-million dollar marketplace opportunities at the world’s largest consulting firm.
I recently retired at the age of 45 and decided to trade in my office chair for many stylist chairs at Princess Hair Pizzazz. I started the luxury kid’s hair salon four years ago. I merged my business expertise with my love for interacting with people to create a warm and welcoming, but still professional, hair sanctuary.
I am a true believer that too much whom is given much is required, so community service is important. One of my biggest achievements on this front was serving as Board Chair of United Way’s Young Professional Leaders (YPL) Advisory Board. I am married, have two beautiful daughters, and a bonus son. In my free time, I enjoy listening to live music, shopping, traveling, home design, crafting, and exploring new things.
Personal Mission Statement: As a sincere, caring woman of higher faith, Juanda boldly encourages, supports and serves others.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
No, it has not been a smooth road. I started the salon as my exist strategy from Corporate America, which meant double hatting for 3+ years. My career job served as my financial contribution to my family, while the salon profits were re-invested back into the salon to allow for growth and expansion. This meant being up at late hours during the week and working the weekend to get salon tasks done after my day job commitments. I basically had to work my side hustle when most were enjoying leisure time until my side hustle could become my main hustle. Almost four years in and I am just now starting to draw a salary from the salon.
As you know, we’re big fans of Princess Hair Pizzazz. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Princess Hair Pizzazz is a luxury kid’s salon that provides a beautiful and safe environment, supreme customer service, and quality hair products. The salon offers everything from designer scalp braids to box braids to silk presses from top stylists and braiding artists. Kid’s Haircare is the service we provide, but it is more than that to us. It is also about having a beautiful place where our brown girls and all girls can be celebrated and know they are royalty! We have three locations: Cascade, Cumberland, and Stonecrest.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
I believe listening and flexibility are most important to achieve success. My husband and I identified a need in the hair care industry, but we were both new to the industry. So, we begin with a solid plan and I also sought mentorship. I listened to my mentor before opening the doors and I continued to listen to our clients and team for ongoing improvement cues. We also were flexible in tweaking our prices and stylist’s compensation packages to guarantee becoming a successful, profitable brand. We have had to pivot along the way but have always been intentional in learning from our mistakes and creating a company and culture we are can be proud of.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://princesshairpizzazz.com/
- Instagram: @princesshairpizzazz
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/princesshairpizzazz/
Image Credits
Crys Cage Productions, One King Media, Captured by Jojo
