Today we’d like to introduce you to Josephine Karpeh.
Hi Josephine, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Absolutely. My journey into the beauty industry actually started as a hobby. I’ve always done hair on the side—mostly for extra income and because I genuinely enjoyed it. But at the time, my main career was in the medical field. I’m a trained medical assistant and worked in healthcare for over ten years.
Eventually, I made a major move to Georgia in hopes of creating a better and more sustainable life for my three children—Talia, Anissa, and Jayde. After relocating, I realized that what I viewed as a side hustle could really become something more. I started working in an established salon to sharpen my skills and learn how the business side of the beauty industry worked. That experience opened my eyes to the possibilities and gave me the confidence I needed to launch my own salon.
About five years ago, I stepped out on faith and opened TAJ Beauty, LLC. The name TAJ is actually an acronym for my children’s initials—Talia, Anissa, and Jayde—because everything I do is for them and the legacy I want to leave behind. What started as hairstyling turned into something bigger for me. I realized I wasn’t just doing hair; I was building confidence, pouring into people, and educating my clients about hair health and maintenance.
I truly believe God has gifted my hands—not just to style hair, but to heal and nourish it. Over the years, TAJ Beauty has grown into a space where clients feel cared for, seen, and empowered. And while my journey didn’t begin in the beauty industry, I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be today, doing what I love and building a legacy for my children at the same time.
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, it hasn’t been a smooth road, but it has certainly been a faith-filled one. There were seasons where I questioned whether I was doing the right thing, or whether the sacrifices I was making would really pay off. As a mother, every decision carries weight, and there’s always that pressure to make choices that secure stability for your children.
There were financial challenges, moments of self-doubt, and times when I felt stretched thin trying to balance motherhood, work, and building something from the ground up. Entrepreneurship can feel lonely—especially when you’re creating from a place of purpose rather than just profit. There were days when bookings were slow, or when life felt heavy, and I had to remind myself why I started and Who called me to it.
What carried me through was my faith. I knew God didn’t put this passion in my hands by accident. I believe He equipped me to create, to serve, and to minister in ways that don’t always look “church-like” but still touch people. Even when it was tough, there was always provision—whether it was a new client, a breakthrough opportunity, or simply the strength to keep going.
So no, it wasn’t always smooth. But every struggle produced something—faith, resilience, and a deeper understanding that purpose isn’t about ease; it’s about obedience and legacy. And looking back, I wouldn’t trade the journey, because it shaped both me and the business into what it is today.
As you know, we’re big fans of TAJ Beauty LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
TAJ Beauty is a hair care brand rooted in both artistry and wellness. We specialize in natural hair, locs, silk press, color, and healthy hair maintenance. But beyond the services, what I really focus on is hair health. I’m passionate about making sure that my clients not only look good when they leave, but that their hair continues to thrive between appointments. Education is a big part of that—teaching people how to care for their hair, understanding their texture, and embracing it instead of fighting against it.
What sets TAJ Beauty apart is the heart behind it. My clients always tell me that I don’t just do their hair I pour into them. The salon has become a space where women come to breathe, to decompress, to be loved on, and to feel seen. I’ve always believed that beauty is holistic. When you nurture a person’s confidence and well-being, it shows in their hair, their posture, and the way they carry themselves.
I’m most proud that TAJ Beauty has become a place where women feel safe and valued. It’s not loud, chaotic, or rushed. It’s intentional. I want people to walk away feeling refreshed, cared for, and more connected to themselves.
For readers who may not know the brand, TAJ Beauty is more than just styling—it’s healthy hair care, confidence building, and legacy. My children are tied into the name, and I want them to see that what you build can serve others, honor God, and still sustain your family.
Brand-wise, I want women to know that they don’t have to sacrifice hair health for trends, and they don’t have to abandon their natural beauty to feel beautiful. At TAJ Beauty, the goal is to enhance what God already gave you, not cover it up.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
There are so many people who deserve credit for helping shape both my journey and TAJ Beauty. I have deep gratitude for my first salon home, Hi-Texture, owned by India. I graduated beauty school in 2015, and by 2016 I knew it was time to step into a salon environment. Hi-Texture gave me my break. At that time, I was still rough around the edges, but India was patient, loving, gentle, and intentional in how she poured into me both personally and professionally. The education and foundation I received there gave me the confidence to step out and start TAJ Beauty in 2020.
Another person who deserves credit is Tiffany Barnes, the first person I connected with at Hi-Texture. From the beginning, she took me under her wing—guiding me through salon expectations, protocols, and everything I needed to know to grow. She did it all with patience, love, and wisdom. To this day, we are still friends, and she continues to support and guide me when needed. I am forever grateful for her friendship.
Words can’t fully express how much Stephanie Paraíso means to me. From the moment we met, the connection was instant. I truly thank God for her, because she took me under her wing long before I ever considered starting a business. She guided me step-by-step helping me obtain my business license, complete my Secretary of State filing, connect with an amazing tax accountant and bookkeeper, and navigate things I didn’t even know I would need. She has been more than help she has been a sister, a friend, my rock, my encourager, and my partner. I genuinely love, cherish, and appreciate her. From the bottom of my heart, I thank her, and I pray God continues to cover and bless her in all she does.
And of course, my three babies—Talia, Anissa, and Jayde are my motivation, my inspiration, and my “why.” TAJ Beauty carries their legacy in its name. They helped me study, encouraged me when I was tired, and reminded me, “Mommy, you can do it.” Their belief in me carried me through moments of doubt. Above all, I give God thanks—for using my children to push me into purpose. TAJ Beauty is more than a salon; it is a testimony of love, faith, and the power of encouragement.
Pricing:
- Flexi-rod set $125 (w/shampoo & deep conditioning)
- Silk Press starting at $95 (w/shampoo & deep conditioning)
- Traditional Locs with palm rolling starting at $115
- Interlocking Locs starting at $170
- TAJ Curls starting $105 (w/shampoo & deep conditioning)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.vagaro.com/tajbeauty
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/t.a.jbeauty?igsh=MWcxNHlpNmxhZjJkdA==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/14QQ6KAyXGX/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Other: https://www.facebook.com/share/1GXGPocB9E/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Image Credits
Professional pictures – Photos by Byangka
