Meet Cassandra “Dawn” Johnson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cassandra “Dawn” Johnson.

Hi Cassandra “Dawn”, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Between summer with my grandma and my mom being a kitchen beautician is what curated my heart for fashion and hair. My grandmother taught me how to sew and my mom taught me how to press hair. Growing up, I was also into ripping, bleaching and adding safety pins to anything. My taste in clothing has always been different. I also loved styling hair. And at every place in my life, I’ve always done the two.

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?
Heck no, it wasn’t easy! I wanted to attend cosmetology school after high school but I was a teen mom and my dad thought it would be best to go the “traditional” college route. I had no interest what so ever in going to college. I wanted to go to Contempo or Marinello’s Beauty school. I would remember seeing the hair students in all black walking across Manchester in Inglewood and would be in awwww of them. I ended up getting my degree in Fashion Design and Marketing and braided hair in my living room. I then went on to get a Master’s Degree in Education and held various positions in education for over ten years. Trying to keep a roof over my head for my family and myself pulled me further from living my dream. Until the year I turned 40 and refused to live in this box that I stayed in due to fear. After one of the hardest years of teaching, I walked away and opened my clothing boutique. I had no clue what I was getting myself into but I knew it would work it had to work as going back to the classroom wasn’t an option.

Five months after my doors opened, I dropped out of grad school where I was getting a second Master’s in school psychology and enrolled in cosmetology school the same day. I just kept thinking this is my time I can finally go to cosmetology school. The boutique had some ups and downs but with prayer, I kept pushing. Nine months in and then the pandemic. I closed my doors regrouped, refocused and made a plan. Still in school (online) I just kept telling myself don’t quit keep going the goal is getting closer. Definitely wasn’t easy and I made a lot of mistakes. Some of the struggles was the battle in my mind the what if I fail? The hard days when no one walked through the door to buy anything or people would come and there wasn’t a good selection to pick from. Money started to run out and my creativity was stifled. I needed a seamstress and the few I tried just didn’t work out. I was frustrated and felt defeated. Then I went back to the basics of my ideas. I made a few things and they sold. I never wanted to wholesale items as my entire vision was to have a side by side boutique filled with all the things I love and created next to my hair salon that offered a range of services. Now I have completed cosmetology school and styling hair at For the Culture Beauty Supply and Salon which is also the home to my boutique. Still moving forward as there are some more things in the works!

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I create from my heart. From designing clothes, creating a one of a kind boutique that offers clothes, accessories, mugs, to beard oil and more all while changing lives from the outside in. I provide the best shampoo service you’ve ever had all while offering a complete experience issa whole vibe at the salontique! I specialize in healthy hair. While my hair journey started with being a braider. I am transitioning to cut and color styles as that’s what I’ve always wanted to do. I am known for tailoring a style to you, your hair and lifestyle. Everyone isn’t capable of wearing every style and if your hair isn’t in the best condition for a style, I will politely tell you let’s try something else. I’ve been told I have growing hands I honestly think it’s just I love doing what I do. I am most proud of going after my dream. It’s one thing to want something but to do the work and go after it to get it is another thing. I am proud of myself for no longer living in a box no longer allowing fear to dictate my next move or moving at all. What sets me apart is knowing my purpose I know it’s bigger than hair and fashion. God has placed something super unique on the inside of me that allows me to connect, encourage and love on people in ways that are divine.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
For anyone just starting out, DO IT ALL until you find what works for you. Make a plan that includes prayer. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Find a mentor, educate yourself, scared money don’t make money so don’t be scared, charge your worth, have a good work-life balance, listen to your heart, stay focused, restart as many times as you need to, partner if you have to and pace yourself. Get your business together (taxes, legal paper, etc.) know your why? Also, don’t give up when it gets hard JUST KEEP GOING! Starting out, I wish I knew that all the things I thought mattered don’t.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: Breakofdawnboutique.com
• Instagram: Break_of_dawn_salontique