Meet Jaylah Johnson | Author, Hair Braider & Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jaylah Johnson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jaylah, what habits do you feel play an important role in your life?
The one habit I’ve learned over time that has really helped me succeed is discipline. And it didn’t just start with my work life, it began at home with my personal life. Creating a schedule and establishing a routine became essential, especially as a parent. My mornings, for instance, begin with what we call a “slow morning.” I wake up early enough to get things done before my daughter wakes up. I check my schedule, shower, prepare breakfast, and take any early calls, all before it’s time to wake her. This helps me get a head start on the day.

After I drop her off at school, I head to the gym. I’ve found that working out early gives me the energy I need to power through the rest of my day. It’s like a natural boost of dopamine that not only helps my mood but also keeps me positive, especially when working with clients. And on days when I don’t have client meetings, it helps me stay focused on tasks like writing.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I like to think of my profession as “art,” because, for me, everything I do is a form of expression. While I’m locally known as a hair braider, my journey goes beyond that. I’ve recently embarked on a new path as an author and overall entrepreneur. My entrepreneurial journey began while I was in college, studying for my bachelor’s degree in marketing management. During that time, I became a licensed manicurist.

The inspiration to start braiding hair came from a simple yet powerful need I noticed in my community: there weren’t many accessible braiders in the area. Honestly, I was already good at doing my own hair, so it felt like a natural next step. Once I picked up that comb, I never put it down. Even after earning my master’s degree, I knew this was the path I was meant to follow.

However, the road wasn’t easy. When I started as a hair braider, I faced challenges that went far beyond the technical skills. One of the hardest transitions was learning proper customer service and shifting my mindset from being a “hustler” to a professional. And there’s a big difference. In the beginning, I was focused on just getting by on the hustle, but over time, I learned how to truly connect with people. I had to learn how to be more than just a stylist performing a service; I had to become a listener, a problem solver, and at times, a friend behind the chair.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that every client has different needs. Some days, I need to sit in silence because that’s what my client needs, and other days, I’m putting on my therapist hat, listening and offering advice. The technical side of hair braiding was never the hardest part of my job, it was learning to adapt to my clients’ emotional needs. It’s about understanding people, connecting with them, and knowing when to shift your approach.

When I decided to become an author, a lot of my inspiration came from the conversations I have daily with my clients, as well as my own personal life experiences. Over time, I began to notice a pattern: many of my clients look forward to their hair appointments not just for the service, but because it’s a chance to unload. The moment they sit down in the chair, they start to release whatever they’ve been holding in, whether it’s stress, personal struggles, or just things they need to talk about.

It’s absolutely fulfilling to know that I’ve created a safe, confidential space where they can feel heard. In a way, it’s not just a hair appointment; it’s a therapy session, for them and for me. These deep, honest conversations made me realize that I’m doing more than just hair; I’m helping people process their emotions and navigate their lives.

That’s when the idea to write self-help books started to take shape. I wanted to help even more people than just those who sit in my chair. I believe that the lessons and insights I’ve gained from these conversations can reach a broader audience, and I want to continue to be a source of guidance and support, beyond the chair.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend came to visit for a week, the first thing I’d do is take them to Sugar Jam in Scottsdale. It’s a Black-owned spot and hands down one of the best brunch places in the area. The atmosphere is amazing, and the food is even better, it’s definitely a must visit.

For dinner, we’d head to Flavors of Louisiana in Avondale. It’s one of my favorite Creole spots and has that homey, soul-food feel that hits just right. Afterward, we’d probably hit up 11:11 nightclub. It’s got great vibes and always brings the energy, perfect for a fun night out.

Over the next few days, we’d definitely have to hit up Brunch House on W. Southern or Brunch Problems on N. Central. Both places have such a great atmosphere, and the food? Incredible. For lunch or dinner, I’m a huge food truck fan, so we’d make sure to stop by Duke’s Chicago Chicken or Randizzles Food Truck, both are local favorites and always satisfy.

As far as nightlife goes, Roosevelt Row is always a good time on the weekends. There’s a great mix of art, music, and bars, so we could easily spend a whole night exploring. I also love hunting for hidden speakeasies, and one of my absolute favorites is Little Rituals downtown in the Marriott. The vibe is chill, and the drinks are top-notch, it’s the perfect spot to wind down after a night of fun.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to take a moment to shout out my daughter. She is truly the driving force behind everything I do. Every morning when I wake up, I’m motivated by one simple goal: to give her the best childhood I possibly can. Every decision I make, every task I take on, is rooted in the desire to create a life full of love, opportunities, and stability for her.

Becoming a mother was the best thing that has ever happened to me. The experience of watching her grow, seeing the world through her eyes, and learning from her has been transformative. It’s shifted my perspective on life in ways I never could have imagined. It’s not just about success anymore, it’s about setting an example for her, teaching her resilience, love, and how to live with purpose. For that shift, and for everything she’s taught me, I am truly thankful.

Website: https://TheJaylahRose.com

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