Today we’d like to introduce you to Rena Walker.
Hi Rena, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I moved to Atlanta at just 18 years old, straight out of high school, with plans that had nothing to do with the beauty industry. I enrolled at Clayton State University with the intention of becoming a registered nurse. At the time, cosmetology wasn’t even on my radar—even though I had been doing hair since I was 13 and came from a third-generation hairstyling family. I never imagined hair would be my life’s work.
But God clearly had other plans.
Not long after moving to Atlanta in 1996, my cousin asked me to come to her salon to finger wave her hair. While I was working on her, the salon owner noticed my technique and immediately stopped to watch. Afterward, he told both of us that my skill level was far beyond a hobby and that I needed to be doing hair professionally.
I explained that I was new to Atlanta, didn’t know anyone, had no professional tools or products, and wasn’t even licensed at the time. He didn’t see any of that as a barrier. Instead, he offered me an opportunity: I could apprentice under my cousin’s license for two years, then go before the State Board to obtain my own license. He also offered to place me on commission at the salon.
That first week changed everything.
I made more money in my first week behind the chair than I ever imagined was possible—and in that moment, I knew my path had shifted. I told the salon owner I’d changed my mind about commission. I would pay booth rent instead.
From there, everything took off. What started as an unexpected opportunity became the foundation of my career. That moment marked the beginning of a lifelong journey in hair, education, and entrepreneurship—one that continues to evolve and expand to this day.
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?
No, the journey has not been a smooth road at all. While I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had, none of it came without struggle, sacrifice, or hard lessons.
I’ve been blessed to work in some of the top salons in Atlanta—environments that didn’t just elevate my technical skill, but truly shaped me. Those salons groomed me, challenged me, and exposed me to a level of excellence that forced me to grow. They helped mold me into not only a strong salon owner, but also one of the most talented and disciplined stylists in the city.
With that said, growth often comes with discomfort. I faced the realities many hairstylist experience: long hours, burnout, inconsistent income in the early years, navigating salon politics, and learning how to advocate for myself in spaces where talent alone wasn’t always enough. There were moments of self-doubt, moments where I had to rebuild—financially, emotionally, and professionally—and moments where quitting would have been the easier choice.
As a woman, a hairstylist, and an entrepreneur, I also had to learn the business side of beauty the hard way. Understanding my worth, setting boundaries, mastering systems, and transitioning from just being “good behind the chair” to becoming a leader and educator took time, intention, and resilience.
Every challenge refined me. Every setback sharpened my vision. The struggles weren’t detours—they were training grounds. They prepared me for longevity, leadership, and the level of impact I have today.
Looking back, I wouldn’t change the road. The challenges are exactly what made me who I am.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My work is rooted in short hair and color. That has always been my lane. I’m the CEO and Founder of The Hair Paint Junkie Salon of Atlanta, a role I’ve proudly held for the past four years. Prior to that, I spent 11 years as a salon co-owner, giving me a total of 15 years of experience in salon ownership and management. I’m also a licensed cosmetology educator. Behind the chair and beyond it, my focus is the same: precision, creativity, and healthy, intentional hair.
I specialize in short styles and color, with a strong love for bold, vibrant fashion colors and luxury short quick-weave looks. Short hair gives me the ability to sculpt and customize each client’s look, while color allows me to bring personality, confidence, and individuality to life. For me, the two go hand in hand and that combination has become my signature.
That’s what I’m most known for. Clients come to me because they want short hair done right, with strong technique, clean detail, and color that makes a statement without compromising hair health. I don’t chase trends. I focus on what works for the client, their lifestyle, their hair integrity, and a look that feels elevated and timeless.
What I’m most proud of is longevity. I’m a 29-year veteran in the beauty industry, and at 47 years old, I’m still relevant, still evolving, and still in demand. Being one of the most sought-after hairstylists at this stage of my career means everything to me. It tells me I’ve done more than just stay in the game, I’ve grown with it.
What truly sets me apart is my foundation. I bring decades of experience, deep technical knowledge, and a genuine respect for the craft into everything I do. I don’t just create looks, I educate, I lead, and I pour back into the industry in a way that’s meant to last. My vision has always been bigger than hair. It’s about impact, excellence, and building a legacy.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
If there’s one thing I’d really love readers to know, it’s that I’m stepping into a very intentional new season. After more than 10 years as a licensed educator—2026 marks my return to teaching in a bigger way, especially when it comes to color.
Over the years, I’ve seen how fear around color can hold stylists back. That fear usually isn’t about the stylist—it’s about not having the right education. I truly believe healthy hair and color can absolutely coexist when you understand the science, the technique, and how to protect the integrity of the hair.
Moving forward, my heart is in helping stylists feel confident with color instead of intimidated by it. I want to teach precision cutting, strong foundations, and intentional color work so stylists can create boldly without causing unnecessary damage. When education is solid, fear disappears—and creativity and confidence take its place.
At this point in my career, legacy matters to me. I want to give back to the industry that gave me so much by sharing what I’ve learned over nearly three decades. If my journey encourages even one stylist to invest in their education, trust the process, and believe in their ability to grow, then I know I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thehairpaintjunkiesalon.glossgenius.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/renawalker_thehairpaintjunkie
- Facebook: https://www.fb.com/100063525130752
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@renawalkerthehairpaintjunkie
Image Credits
Photo credits in the main photo of myself goes to photographer, Damonee Walker.
