Today we’d like to introduce you to Angela Joy Ricks.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Angela. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I was born and raised in Albuquerque, NM. I always knew I wanted own and operate a hair salon. I saw hair as an expression of oneself. I loved to help re-define a person through their hair. I have six siblings and I come from a family of hairstylists and barbers. My eldest sister is a Master cosmetologist in Denver, CO. My eldest brother and younger sister are master barbers, practicing in Albuquerque, NM.
Growing up, my grandfather, George Jackson, was a pioneer in the barber industry. He was one of the first African-American men to own a barbershop, which had an A&B soul kitchen attached (named after my mother and father). Through this journey, he touched many lives. He aided in the homeless community and dabbled in the political arena. My grandfather was my hero. He truly had a heart of gold. He was known for his master barber skills, good food, and down-to-earth barbershop talk. His barber shop had a welcoming atmosphere that invited individuals of all backgrounds to come enjoy the Jackson’s Barbershop experience.
The barbershop operated for many years in the 1970-1980s; but, an electrical fire caused the shop to go up in flames. While my grandfather never rebuilt his shop, he remained true to his craft and continued to cut hair in his home until his passing in the early 1990s.
The name Jackson George pays homage to my grandfather. My salon speaks to my legacy, who I am and where I come from.
Jackson George Salon opened in 2014. We are located in Salon Lofts Perimeter Village in Dunwoody, Georgia. We specialize in a variety of services, including hair extensions, silk presses, makeup and hair transformations for special occasions, customized wigs, and much more. Additionally, I have a special place in my heart for the work I do with chemotherapy patients and those who suffers from loss of hair.
My salon is an environment that I have created for everyone. My clients are truly family and my motto is: “the customer is always right.” I utilize all of my expertise to bring the client’s vision to life. I offer many options to achieve the client’s definition of beautiful, healthy hair.
Has it been a smooth road?
The only place where success comes before hard is the dictionary. I would say that practice makes perfect and that one must understand that you may never achieve perfection. Know your craft, always pursue further education and create relationships with like-minded individuals.
Know who you are and always continue to re-define you and your craft. Always have humility and be positive. Be open to constructive criticism. Listen to your clients, find out their needs, and execute to the best of your ability.
The journey is not easy, but it’s worth it.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Jackson George Salon story. Tell us more about it.
I specialize in flawless extension installations. Currently, micro-link extensions are very popular. This type of extension is a great solution to adding length, volume or both.
I also love to customize hair wigs for both chemotherapy patients or and everyday clients. A quick cut, color, and style — I can change clients look just like that!
Global Keratin treatments are also wonderful. They’re great for all hair textures. If a client wants to eliminate frizz, cut down on blow drying time and have a silky mane, this treatment may be for you.
I offer free 20 minute consultations and always enjoy meeting new clients.
The salon environment is very private thanks to the prioritization of one-on-one time with the stylist. Clients can expect to feel comfortable in an environment free of any distractions.
Who do you look up to? How have they inspired you?
My mother is my inspiration. She is a selfless person who raised five children while working a full-time job. She is an active member of her church and, overall, an extremely strong person. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her cry.
She showed me through perseverance that anything can be accomplished. When my father was diagnosed with cancer in 2001, my mother decided to change her career path and enrolled at the University of New Mexico, where she studied to be a nurse.
Four years later, working as a full time as a waitress and keeping her faith strong in Christ, she graduated Sum Cum Lade and became the Administrative Supervisor Nurse for the University of New Mexico Hospital.
In 2017, she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, but she has never used that as a crutch. She still continues to pursue her dreams and I can truly say she is, and always will be, my inspiration.
Contact Info:
- Address: Salon Lofts/Jackson George Salon
4705 Ashford Dunwoody Rd Suite A Loft 2
Dunwoody, GA 30338 - Website: Jacksongsalon.com
- Phone: 770-695-1491
- Email: jacksongsalon@gmail.com
- Instagram: jacksong_salon
- Facebook: jackson george salon
Image Credit:
Ashley Watson
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