Janelle Black of city center on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We recently had the chance to connect with Janelle Black and have shared our conversation below.

Janelle , really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
For a long time photography has been something that has interest me. I was just afraid to start. Not sure of the reason I was an afraid to start. Maybe it was getting the equipment or learning a new skill. As of the last month I have been buying all of the tools I would need to start practicing photography. I hate the I have waited so long to start as this will be an awesome way to transition form behind the chair.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am Janelle Black (wright) own and stylist at the Southern Swag House located in Abbeville Sc. The Southern Swag House is a boutique salon space with a southern charm feel with a city chic vibe. This unique space holds two stylist chairs a full make up station and content creation area. As a master stylist I wanted to provide a uniquely curated space to dazzle clients with my skill and charm, Now that the salon is completely done yet ever evolving we are now preparing to offer photography services. Providing photography services will expand the brand greatly allowing it to be a one stop shop for all your glam needs.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
The relationship that most shaped me to see my true power was my adopted Granny Lavern Johnson aka LJ. She was the grandmother of my best friend Roni Cleveland. It was an instant connection which she was know not to like any of my bestie friends. Somehow I broke into her heart. we related on all things beauty really thing that was our bonding glue that made our relationship so awesome. She was able to show me independent and a leadership in a way no-one had ever did. She taught me how to be resilient in moment that I wanted to give up. She corrected me in ways that would stick would me for the rest of may days. The Biggest thing she taught me was self love. Now I see I am greater thank I ever thought all because of her love for me and a willingness to show me a better path

Do you remember a time someone truly listened to you?
recently I had a Clinet who’s hair was just in bad shape. I did an initial appointment with her to set her on a good path to gain health and length retention, Needless to say she did not follow my recommendation as her stylist. This left her in my chair heart broken and needing to cut her hair completely off. It’s now a year later and I am happy to report her hair has fully grown back and is beyond healthy. From the moment we cut her hair she has fully committed to listing to my recommendation.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
The biggest lie my industry tells itself is that you have to have the latest the greatest thing that man make everyday. That is so far from the truth. It’s really simple if it’s not broke then don’t fix it. Prime example is the technique of word of mouth. This method had been used for years upon years. Now we are in the age of social media. Social media is an awesome tool, but it is not the be all end all. Knowing how to keep a balance of both had been doing me a great service

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What will you regret not doing? 
one thing I will never regret is have boundary around what services I offer and do not offer. Some services just take a lot which sometime I just don’t have the capacity to do it

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.southernswaghouse.com
• Instagram: Southernswaghouse
• Facebook: Janelle black