Meet Howard S. Baker Jr. of Joi’Byon Salon in Tucker

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Howard S. Baker Jr., master cosmetologist.

Philanthropist, entrepreneur, innovator and educator, Howard is the owner of Joi’Byon Salon in Tucker, Georgia and his been in the hair business for 33 years. Dedicated to his craft, profession, and relationships with his clients and peers, Howard continues to expand his career horizons and professional offerings to meet the demands and ever-evolving trends and innovations of the industry.

In keeping with this philosophy, Howard recently took over the reins of The Male Cosmetologist Association currently serves as its CEO. He accepted the role with the mission and vision to empower, advance, and strengthen the bond between male professional cosmetologists. A membership organization, Howard is currently in the process of growing its membership, building its programming and service offerings, to include advanced education and resources opportunities, mentorships, and scholarships. 

Howard’s desire to give back to the community that shaped his professional career runs deep, as well as his drive for entrepreneurship and a career in the industry. Engrained in his DNA early on, Howard did not know about his grandmother’s legacy until he graduated from Beauty School. Afterward. his mother presented him with his grandmother’s shears, her beauty school diploma, and her license. At that moment, he realized that his chosen career truly was his destiny.

Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Howard joined the US Marine Corps in 1981 after graduating from high school. After a few years of dedicated service, he moved to Atlanta, Georgia in 1984 with a one-way bus ticket and $49 to his name. To get on his feet, Howard took a job at the landmark Sun Dial Restaurant at the Westin Peachtree Plaza Hotel. After a brief stint, he applied for admission to Arnold’s International University of Cosmetology in 1984.

There he received an education from the renowned Pivot Point School where he graduated with honors in 1986. He then began his career as a licensed cosmetologist in a barber salon in downtown Atlanta. There he mastered barbering and was able to build a diverse clientele including men, women and children. It was the experience garnered from the barber salon in the burgeoning city of Atlanta that laid the foundation for his hairstyling career.

With a career spanning more than three decades, his resume includes work at Hair-n-Such in Avondale Mall in Decatur, Georgia; Arte’jon Hair Designs in Tucker, Georgia; and his current his current operation, JoiB’yon Salon in Tucker, Georgia, where he is proprietor and owner.

More recently, Howard received his Master Cosmetology Instructors training from Piedmont Technical College where he matriculated with a 4.0 GPA.

His platform artistry has reached the stages of Soft Sheen, Carson Products, Design Essentials, Avlon Industries, and H2Pro.

His continued innovation has created an extension of services which provide education, philanthropy, fashion styling, bridal consultation, makeovers and more. Howard S. Baker Jr. encompasses all things empowering creativity and beauty. Stay tuned as the best is yet to be come.

So, let’s dig a little deeper into the story. Has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

It has not been a smooth road. Life’s ups and downs, like divorce. I have found the need for balance with family and created a scenario that I was totally ready for. However, with time, I have managed to master the obstacles with grace and pride.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Joi’Byon Salon – what should we know?
Joi’Byon was established in 2000 in an effort to recreate an experience beyond the expectation of my guests. I take pride in my craft and it brings me joy to bring them joy. So far, so good. My clients experience the joy of beautiful, healthy, stylish hair when they leave my chair. That makes us both happy.

I specialize in precision cuts and custom coloring. Haircare is a bonus because how can you style hair and not care about what you do? My finishing technique is the dessert to the deliberate entree.

I am proud to say that 33 years later, I am still in love with what I do.

My clients allow me to be me while I am expressing my creativity and my expertise.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
My ability to listen to what the client’s needs are prior to my performing is essential to a great finish. I know my success partnered with a listening ear is a huge part of my development into a premier hairstylist.

Contact Info:

• Address: 2176 Henderson Mill Rd. Loft 1
  Atlanta GA 30345
• Website: JoiByonSalon.com
• Phone: 5075642966
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: Joibyonsalon
• Facebook: Joibyonsalonservices
• Twitter: Joibyonsalon
• Yelp: Joibyonsalon

Image Credit:
Deshaun Cockroft, DC Photography Images

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