An Inspired Chat with Ronika Ward of Downtown Jonesboro

Ronika Ward shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi Ronika, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
I feel so proud of myself for believing in my vision and being obedient to follow my dream as an entrepreneur.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Meet Ronika Ward: Visionary, Master Cosmetologist, Mother, Empowerment Advocate and Author.

I’m Ronika Ward, the proud owner of Pretty Girls Wax Parlor in Jonesboro, Georgia, and Author of Something To Make A bird Sing. This raw and poetic memoir traces the journey of a young woman navigating the unforgiving streets of Baltimore- where survival often feels like silence, hope is a fragile song waiting to be heard. Through heartbreak, hustle, and healing she discovers that even in the darkest corners, there’s always something- faith, rhythm, sisterhood, or self-worth that can make a bird sing.

With over 20 years in the beauty and wellness industry, I’ve built a brand that’s more than skin-deep. At Pretty Girls Wax Parlor, we specialize in expert waxing services delivered with warmth, professionalism, and personalized care. But what truly sets us apart is the experience—every visit is a moment of empowerment, confidence, and self-love.

Beyond the salon, my passion lies in mentoring and community leadership. I design programs that help women and girls rediscover their worth, build resilience, and step boldly into their purpose. Right now, I’m launching a 6–8 week workshop series focused on self-esteem and character development—blending urban authenticity with transformative energy.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
I remember being about ten years old, standing in front of a group of younger girls in my group home , braiding hair and giving advice like I was running a mini salon and life coaching session all at once. I didn’t have a title, a business, or even a plan—but I had influence. They listened. They laughed. They left feeling better than when they came.

That moment stuck with me because it wasn’t about money or recognition—it was about impact. I realized I had a gift for making people feel seen, beautiful, and strong. That was my first taste of power: not control, but connection. And even now, whether I’m waxing a client or leading a workshop, that same energy drives me. Power, to me, is the ability to uplift others while standing firmly in your own truth.

When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
I stopped hiding my pain the moment I realized it was keeping me small. For years, I wore strength like armor—smiling through struggle, showing up for everyone else, but never fully honoring my own story. The turning point came during a season when everything felt heavy: business challenges, personal loss, and the quiet ache of feeling unseen despite doing so much.

Instead of burying it, I started speaking it. I shared pieces of my journey with clients, with young women in my programs, and with myself—through journaling, prayer, and reflection. And what I found was this: pain, when processed and spoken with purpose, becomes power. It becomes a bridge. It becomes a light.

That shift didn’t just change me—it transformed how I lead, how I love, and how I build. Today, my story isn’t just mine—it’s a tool. And every time I help another woman own her truth, I’m reminded that healing isn’t weakness—it’s legacy.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
They’d say I care deeply about people—like, really care. Not just in the “check on you” kind of way, but in the “see your potential and won’t let you settle” kind of way. They’d tell you I’m passionate about helping women feel powerful, beautiful, and whole—whether it’s through a wax appointment, a late-night pep talk, or a workshop that shifts their mindset.

They’d say I value authenticity, loyalty, and legacy. That I’m driven by purpose, not just profit. That I light up when I’m mentoring young girls, building something meaningful, or watching someone I’ve poured into finally believe in themselves.

And they’d probably laugh and say, “Ronika don’t play about her vision.” Because when something matters to me—my clients, my community, my calling—I show up with everything I’ve got.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. When do you feel most at peace?
feel most at peace when I’m in flow—when I am with my daughter’s , my heart is open, and I’m creating something that uplifts others. Sometimes that’s in the quiet hum of the salon, preparing a yoni steam while a client shares her truth. Other times, it’s in the stillness after a workshop, when I know a woman walked in heavy and left lighter.

Peace finds me when I’m aligned—when my work, my words, and my intentions are all moving in the same direction. It’s in those moments when I’m not chasing, not proving, just being. Fully present. Fully me.

And honestly? I feel it most when I see transformation. When someone I’ve poured into starts walking taller, speaking louder, loving herself more—that’s when I exhale. That’s when I know I’m doing exactly what I was called to do.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.prettygirlswaxparlor.com
• Instagram: prettygirlswaxparlor
• Facebook: prettygirlswaxparlor
• Yelp: prettygirlswaxparlor
• Youtube: ronika speaks