Life and Work with Ruth Joseph

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ruth Joseph.

Ruth , let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Growing up, I watched my mother run a full service beauty salon; She did it all and by the age of 12, I was her assistant. When I graduated from high school, I really didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life so I went into corporate with whatever position I could apply for with a high school degree. I worked a regular 9-5. In 2011, after years of being unhappy with the career path I chose; I decided to walk by faith. I left my job, my apartment & family and took my daughter who was 7 at the time and moved to Atlanta, GA. I had a friend who owned a salon and wanted to hire me as a manager so I went for it, I had nothing to lose. After a year of working there, I realized that my morals and values weren’t in alignment with the salon and I decided to walk away. I again went back into the corporate world for stability.

In 2013, I had completely given up on everything. I was ready to throw in the towel. Everything was going wrong in my life. I struggled hard, I worked hard but still couldn’t make ends meet. I felt like I was becoming “a statistic “single mom” needing government assistance. One day, I was talking on the phone with my sister Carlyne just explaining my struggles to her and she said, why don’t you do hair from your home? It’s not like you’re not good at it… I stopped… and all of sudden, it clicked… duh, I could do that, couldn’t I? So, begin reaching out to people I knew and Xpress Your Kinks was birthed. Xpress Your Kinks is a private natural hair braiding salon that specifically focuses on a healthier braiding technique to promote hair growth all while wearing your protective style. 6 months into starting my business, I met and serviced Nicole A Parker and after that my business took off from there. I’ve been blessed to service some amazing people around the world such as Denise Boutte, Tina Chism, Melissa Hibbert just to name a few. I’d say, 90% of my clientele are from out of town.

In 2017, I quit my corporate job to focus on growing my business. In between working corporate, operating a thriving business and taking care of a newborn, a 1yrs. old, 12 yr. old and a 16yr. old, I knew it was time to let corporate go and Although I was afraid, I went for it. It was the best decision ever. With the support of my lovely husband, Renaldo, it allowed me to rebrand myself as a Mompreneur influencer. I rebranded myself because I felt like I had much more to offer than just being a hair stylist. There are so many struggling mothers out there who may have gone through similar paths as me but just can’t seem to find their way; I want to be that outlet for them. Through sharing my life experiences, trials and errors I know it will touch so many women and inspire them to find that inner talent and put it to use and make a living. I’m currently working on launching my blog called mamaunited, where I’ll be sharing my life as a Stay at home, businesswoman and everything the things I love.

Has it been a smooth road?
Starting a business is hard. Starting a business while being a mother and wife is even harder but it doesn’t mean it can’t be done. For me, it was extremely hard because I didn’t know how to prioritize and so my family suffered. I didn’t want to hire because I feared not being able to be in control of my business. Here’s what I learned: (1) In order to even start a business, you must first need to be sure you want to be all three (business owner, mother & wife) in order for it to work. (2) Then, prioritize because they all require time (3) get a support system (tribe), you can’t do it all on your own.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Xpress Your Kinks LLC – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I’m a natural hair braider that specifically focuses on a healthier braiding technique to promote hair growth all while wearing your protective style. I am known for my signature twisting methods and style. I’m most proud of my accomplishments with only a high school diploma. A single mom at 24 who struggled but was willing to take all the blows life had to offer in order to find her purpose 13 yrs later. I believe what sets me apart from others is the compassion and appreciation I have for the people I serve. I come across different types of women every single day; single mommas, married but single mommas, married mommas & singles. I get to be an ear for many, a counselor for some and a friend to a few. It’s more than just hair, it’s an experience.

Were there people and/or experiences you had in your childhood that you feel laid the foundation for your success?
Absolutely! My mom was a stylist & owner of her salon. I did everything; swept, shampooed hair, assisted with styling, answered phone calls, cashier, reasoning with irate clients, etc… I hated it, I would always say, I could never do what my mom did because she worked so hard.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.xpressyourkinks.com /www.mamaunited.com
• Phone: 678-678-7858
• Email: [email protected]/ [email protected]
• Instagram: iamruth_joseph__; @xpressyourkinkshair
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ephinae

Image Credit:
Rochelle Gram; Kyra Porter, Nika Patterson, Melissa Hibbert

Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.