Today we’d like to introduce you to Josh Johnson.
Hi Josh, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started my journey in real estate back in 2015 when I became a licensed agent in Atlanta. I’ve always been a natural when it comes to sales, and I knew early on that I had a gift for helping people find homes and apartments. But while I was studying for my real estate exams, I discovered another unexpected passion—hair care. I found myself drawn to trying new products, learning what really worked, and documenting my own hair journey on YouTube.
By day, I was attending open houses and networking with new clients; by night, I was filming videos and building a growing community around hair care. Everything really kicked off with a YouTube channel where I created “how-to” videos focused on hair care for men. My goal was simple: to show guys that taking care of their hair doesn’t have to be complicated. I shared tips on maintaining moisture and taking care of Black hair, starting with a focus on 360 waves and eventually shifting to 180 waves. That transition inspired the launch of my brand, 180waves, and helped me build a strong personal brand along the way.
As I continued posting, my interest expanded to different hair types and porosities. That’s when I realized it was time to create a formula to help my audience achieve great hair days—no matter the weather. To my surprise, my content also attracted real estate clients who connected with me through YouTube. I never expected both worlds to come together so seamlessly, but the ongoing support from my online community has shown me how much they truly appreciate what I do—and that means everything.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
In the beginning, it was definitely a challenge—I was a one-man show. From showing houses and meeting clients to growing my real estate business, all while creating content and building my hair care line, I had my hands full. What kept me grounded through it all was putting God first in everything I was passionate about. One lesson I quickly learned in business is that people buy people first. Your personality, values, and how you show up as an individual often matter more than what you’re actually selling.
Another key lesson was the importance of being able to pivot. When COVID hit, the real estate market was flipped upside down. Everything that used to be done in person suddenly had to be handled virtually. That shift forced me to adapt quickly and stay creative.
What really kept me going through all the highs and lows was my family. We’ve always been close and deeply committed to supporting each other—whether we were driving to South Carolina, North Carolina, or right here in Atlanta, we got the job done. Through them, I’ve learned the value of perseverance and humility. Life doesn’t always go according to plan, but every day is a new opportunity to walk by faith and trust the journey.
As you know, we’re big fans of 180waves . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
My brand, 180waves, is a haircare line dedicated to celebrating and caring for Black hair. It’s designed to help men and boys embrace their natural hair and explore the many ways African American men can style, maintain, and transform their look with confidence. At its core, 180waves is about more than just products—it’s about empowerment. I want people to walk away knowing that their hair is a crown, a symbol of individuality and pride, whether it’s worn short, long, wavy, or curly.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
I’m also a Georgia Realtor, and one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to always put God first, then stay ready to pivot. Life and business can be unpredictable, and during COVID, that became more real than ever. It showed me that having a career is important, but having a loving and supportive community is just as essential. My YouTube audience and the amazing 180waves family became a source of strength during that time, reminding me how powerful connection and purpose truly are.
Helping my community—whether it’s finding the perfect property or assisting first-time homebuyers—gives me a deep sense of fulfillment. There’s nothing like seeing someone light up when they find a place they can finally call home. It’s in those moments that I realize this is bigger than just business—it’s about service, impact, and walking in purpose.
Pricing:
- Curling Custard 24.99
- Durags 15.00
- Hair shine oil 20.00
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.180waves.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/largecup/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100014338627850
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-johnson-2ba17892/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@180waves
