Conversations with Jeremey Johnson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeremey Johnson.

Hi Jeremey, 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?
I started doing hair when I was 13 years old. I tell people it all started from being nosey and all up in grown folks’ business. My mom and her best friend were hairstylists, and I’d sit there watching them, picking up how to do things just by seeing it. Eventually my mom started letting me part her hair, slick it into a bun, add a bundle for a ponytail, and before long I was doing her friends’ hair and, of course, my family.

Once I got to high school, I kinda hid the fact that I did hair because, the hood wasn’t always the most accepting of a boy doing hair. After I graduated, something tragic happened that completely derailed the plans I had for myself. I needed something to fall back on, and that’s when hair really showed me it could be more than just a hobby—it became my livelihood so I kinda dove in!

At 24, my homie and I opened Ambiance Hair & Nail Gallery in Pittsburgh, PA, and we owned and operated it for 10 years. During our ninth year, I was approached to do hair for the 1970s-set Amazon film I’m Your Woman. That was my introduction to the world of film and television, and I instantly knew it was something i wanted to try.

Then COVID hit, the world shut down, and I honestly thought my chance had come and gone. But out of nowhere, I got a phone call that changed everything. That opportunity led me to Atlanta to learn more about the film and TV side of hair, and things started moving for me pretty quickly. Before long, I realized I wasn’t going back to Pittsburgh.

I worked my way into the union, continued learning, moved up and down the ranks, and kept putting in the work. Looking back, every detour ended up leading me exactly where I was supposed to be. And I haven’t looked back since.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not at all! As I stated I moved to Atlanta after COVID (like immediately after), and “smooth” is probably the last word I’d use to describe it.

My business had been shut down for almost a year, but all my bills were still due. I was taking care of a lot of people, and companies weren’t offering much leniency. Like a lot of Americans, COVID drained both my checking and savings accounts. The last $8,000 I had, I used to bet on myself and move to Atlanta with 4 bins of clothes and 1 bin of shoes.

Once I got here, it didn’t get any easier. I couldn’t get an apartment because all of my income was from another state and I was self-employed, so they kept giving me the runaround. Then my car got totaled. I lost some incredibly meaningful relationships—both back home and here in Atlanta. I had some deaths and families matters that kinda floored me! Hell there were a lot of moments where it felt like life was testing me from every angle.

Then, just when things were starting to come together, the writers’ strike hit. For the film and television industry, it was basically another COVID. Production shut down, and many of us couldn’t work for a year and a half. Truthfully, there are still people who haven’t fully recovered from that.

The difference for me was that I had learned how to pivot at an early age. Owning a business and growing up in the hood taught me not to put all my eggs in one basket, so when one lane slowed down, I figured out another way to move. That ability to adapt kept me afloat.

So no… “smooth” definitely isn’t how I’d describe the journey. But every setback forced me to become more resourceful, more resilient, and more confident in my ability to figure it out.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a creative… and I’m sensitive ’bout my shit! 😂

I’ve been a hairstylist for over 20 years, owned a salon for 10, and have been working in the film and television production industry for about 7 years. Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to work with networks and studios like CW, STARZ, DC Comics, Hulu, Amazon, Essence, CBS, BET, and more on a variety of television shows, films, and editorial projects.

Specialty:
I’d like to say I can do it all, but if I had to choose a specialty, it’d definitely be editorial. That’s where you can really let loose, push the boundaries, and allow your creativity to roam. I love telling stories through hair and creating looks that people remember.

What sets me apart:
Mmm… I’d say my energy. I know a lot of incredibly talented people, but talent alone isn’t enough. Not everyone is easy to work with. I’d like to think my energy, professionalism, and the way I treat people are what’s gotten me this far and continue to attract the opportunities and relationships I’m grateful for.

What I’m most proud of:
This year has been one I’ll never forget. I was nominated for both an NAACP Image Award and an Emmy Award for my work. Those nominations were huge reminders that all the years of grinding, learning, and trusting the process have been worth it.

What else do I do?
Outside of hair, im a free lance creative director and stylist and I’m also a curator. I’m one half of a brand called FWB (Frens With Benefits). We create social experiences that bring people together through culture and community—from parties and dinner experiences to brand activations, fitness events, and more. What started in Atlanta has grown into something much bigger, and we’re now expanding our events into other major cities.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
•Keep practicing and keep learning!!! There is ALWAYS something to learn!! You are never bigger than education!

•Network! Shake hands and find out who people are! You never know who you’re standing next to!

•Invest! Invest in yourself. Clubs and nightlife will be there. Find the rooms you need to be in and put yourself in that space!!!

Pricing:

• Pricing is subjective to what the customer/company requests and needs

Contact Info:

• Website: https://frenswbenefits.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamjeremey?igsh=MWZub3dzYzQ4cmV4Yw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr