Local StoriesJune 17, 2026

Inspiring Conversations with Khalilah Jackson of Fantastic Sams cut & color hair salon

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Khalilah Jackson.

Hi Khalilah , we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started my journey with very little and faced challenges that could have easily defined my future. I grew up in the New York City Housing Authority, where I experienced poverty, violence, and severe childhood verbal, emotional, and physical abuse. I was often told I was stupid, ugly, and would never amount to anything. Despite those circumstances, I found hope and direction through my faith at age 14 when my pastor and First Lady took me under their wing and showed me love, encouragement, and what it meant to believe in myself.

I became a teen mother, having my first son at 18 and my second at 21. As a single mother, I was determined to break generational cycles and create a better life for my children. Along the way, I survived domestic violence, left an abusive marriage, and rebuilt my life from the ground up.

Education became one of my greatest tools for change. While raising my children and later battling cancer—not once, but twice—I earned my Master’s degree and eventually my PhD. Professionally, I spent 11 years working in the federal prison system as both a correctional officer and substance abuse clinician before transitioning into government service as a Research Analyst.

Today, I am a business owner, property owner, author, nonprofit founder, and business coach. I own Fantastic Sams McDonough, founded My Sister’s Keeper Next Door, Inc. to support domestic violence survivors, and wrote Turn Those Lemons to Lemonade to inspire others to overcome adversity. My journey has taught me that your past does not determine your future. I am committed to using my experiences to empower others, create opportunities, and prove that resilience, faith, and determination can transform even the most difficult circumstances into a life of purpose and impact.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, it has not been a smooth road.

Like many small business owners, I have faced significant financial and operational challenges. One of the biggest struggles has been managing cash flow during slow seasons. There have been times when business slowed to the point where I had to use my personal savings to cover operating expenses, pay staff, and keep the doors open. As a business owner, ensuring my employees receive their paychecks has always been a priority, even when it meant making personal sacrifices.

Another challenge was the rising cost of rent. As expenses increased, I had to make the difficult decision to relocate in order to reduce overhead costs and position the business for long-term sustainability. While the transition was stressful, it was necessary to protect the future of the business and the jobs it provides.

Staffing has also been a challenge. Recruiting, training, and retaining talented employees requires constant effort, especially during economic uncertainty and labor shortages. Maintaining consistency in service while managing turnover has tested my leadership skills.

In addition to business challenges, I have balanced entrepreneurship with significant personal obstacles, including surviving cancer twice while continuing to pursue my education and professional goals.

Despite these struggles, every challenge has strengthened my resilience and determination. I have learned how to adapt, make difficult decisions, manage limited resources, and continue moving forward. Those experiences have made me a stronger leader and have reinforced my commitment to building a business that serves both my employees and my community.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Fantastic Sams cut & color hair salon?
Fantastic Sams McDonough is more than a salon it’s a business built on resilience, health, and community. As a Black-owned business operating within a national franchise, we have worked hard to create our own identity by focusing on what matters most: providing high-quality, affordable hair care in a safe, welcoming environment for the entire family.

We specialize in professional haircuts, color services, styling, silk presses, blowouts, deep conditioning treatments, and healthy hair care for all hair textures. What truly sets us apart is our commitment to using ammonia-free, vegan, and health-conscious products whenever possible. As a two-time cancer survivor, I understand firsthand the importance of reducing exposure to harsh chemicals and creating healthier alternatives for clients and stylists alike.

We are known for delivering fast, professional service while maintaining a family-friendly atmosphere where clients feel valued, respected, and cared for. Our experienced stylists serve everyone from children and seniors to working professionals and entire families. We believe beauty should never come at the expense of health.

What makes us different is our mission-driven approach. We are not simply focused on providing salon services; we are focused on building confidence, promoting wellness, and creating a positive experience for every person who walks through our doors. We actively support our community through toy drives, women’s empowerment initiatives, domestic violence advocacy, and partnerships with local leaders and organizations.

Brand-wise, I am most proud that we have built a reputation for resilience, authenticity, and care. Despite financial challenges, rising costs, staffing obstacles, and personal battles with cancer, we have continued to serve our community with excellence. We are proof that a small business can create meaningful impact while staying true to its values.

What I want readers to know is that Fantastic Sams McDonough is a place where health, beauty, family, and community come together. We are committed to helping people look their best, feel their best, and leave our salon with more confidence than when they arrived.

What makes you happy?
What makes me happiest is the life I have built despite the obstacles I faced growing up. My husband, my three children, and my three grandchildren bring me more joy than any title, degree, or accomplishment ever could. Watching my children grow into successful, responsible adults and seeing my grandchildren thrive reminds me that I broke generational cycles and created a different future for my family.

I also find happiness in building and maintaining lifelong connections. I value genuine relationships, loyalty, and creating a strong support system of people who encourage one another through life’s challenges and celebrations.

Helping others brings me tremendous fulfillment. Whether through my business, nonprofit work, coaching, community service, or simply sharing my story, I am happiest when I can inspire someone to keep going despite their circumstances. Having survived cancer twice, domestic violence, childhood abuse, and countless setbacks, I never take life for granted.

Today, my happiness comes from peace. It comes from knowing who I am, protecting my energy, refusing to let others limit my potential, and living life on my own terms. I have learned that success is not just about what you achieve it’s about the people you love, the lives you impact, and the legacy you leave behind.

Pricing:

💇‍♀️ Shampoo services starting at $30
🎨 Professional color services starting at $80
✨ Mondays: 20% off highlights
👵 Tuesdays & Wednesdays: Senior Day – 10% off all services
🚔 Police officers, corrections officers, firefighters, teachers, and nurses receive **$5 off all hairstyles

Contact Info:

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