Today we’d like to introduce you to Rhiana Atkins.
Rhiana, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I have always had a love and admiration for the beauty industry, following in the footsteps of my grandmother, who was also a hairstylist. I started cosmetology school when I was 19 and my passion for hairstyling grew. When I graduated, I was given the amazing opportunity to move to Boston and attended an Aveda institute for licensed stylists, where I focused my further education on blondes and color corrections. After returning to Georgia, I started working full time, behind the chair with clients. My love for the industry kept growing as I was able to help clients reach their hair goals and leave them feeling confident, but I started realizing the competitive culture and drama that came with working in a salon. This started my interest in opening my own salon where every stylist works for themselves and runs their own business but builds each other up as a team. I also have a huge passion for art and interior design and building a beautiful space for other people to be creative in brought me so much excitement.
In the summer of 2020, I decided to take the leap and build a salon in the middle of the pandemic. I knew that a lot of issues I had been aware of in previous salons stemmed from finances, so I decided that I would do it all without debt. I felt absolutely crazy opening a business at 26 years old with no financial help in the middle of a worldwide pandemic but positive things kept happening that gave me the confidence to keep going. I met an amazing group of stylists that decided to join the salon before it was even open and we were able to start our teamwork by working together to create a beautiful and positive space. I opened the doors to the salon on September 21st, 2020. We now have eight stylists and an apprentice and we keep growing! Every stylist is self-employed and runs their own business but we all work together and encourage each other as a team in our open salon. Starting Ana Joi Salon was one of the best decisions I have made and I am so grateful for our team and the space we have created.
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?
When we first opened our doors, we were unsure of a second lockdown because of the pandemic and our industry took a big hit the first time around. The unknown was scary but we were able to keep our doors open and business going!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
At Ana Joi Salon, we are a team of licensed professionals who are passionate about helping every client feel refreshed and beautiful. Our stylists are educated and specialize in balayage, blonding, customized color, hair extensions, treatments and bridal hair & makeup. We value using clean products and hair color that is ammonia, sulfate and paraben-free, which is why we use Kevin Murphy. Our mission is to give you the best hair experience in our relaxed, beautiful and creative space.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
In the next 5-10 years, I would love to expand Ana Joi Salon into a larger space where we can have additional spa services, creating a full-service salon and spa. I want to continue growing our space to give more stylists a place to feel comfortable and encouraged to own their own business and work for themselves.
Contact Info:
- Email: Anajoisalon@gmail.com
- Website: www.anajoisalon.com
- Instagram: @anajoisalon
Image Credits
Marlee Gentry Photography
