Today we’d like to introduce you to Johanna Faruq.
Hi Johanna, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am Certified Trichologist Johanna Faruq/ Certified Hair Loss Practitioner and my story as a Certified Trichologist and Hair Loss Practitioner began when I enrolled in the cosmetology depart of Riverside Community College in 1991.
So, let me take you back. You see as a young teen; I was one that would braid and style a few family and friend’s hair while sitting on the steps or in the kitchen. I was a teen mom growing up in South Central LA and this was my way to make a few dollars. I always appreciated looking good because I know no matter what it made me feel good. It wasn’t till my early 20s that a couple of family members encouragement me to enroll in beauty school. I did and my journey began. It wasn’t easy. At the time I had my first two sons Iman and Rashad with no car nor job but the strength, motivation from my mom and my determination. I accepted the mission. I completed my 1600 cosmetology hours in June 1992. I worked in a solon however at the time clientele was slow. I got a little discourage and needed a stronger income to provide for myself and sons. In 1994, I became an early education assistant with San Bernardino County Head Start program. I worked as an assistant for 4 years, went back to RCC and completed the needed courses to become a head start instructor running my own class and completing 20 years with the company.
By this time, I was the mother of four sons (addition Yusuf and Elijahwah). I didn’t mention that I never went to take my state board exam for my cosmetology license, did I? Well, putting 20 years into one company I went back to the world of beauty. I dibbed and dabbed a bit working on family and a small group of friends’ hair however, I knew that if I was truly going to grow, I needed to get my license as required. In 2013, I enrolled back in RCC cosmetology thinking I was going to have to complete the full one-year program again however, after speaking to one of my instructors at the time Ms. Mary weathers, she, informed me to contact state beard and find out what I needed to do. I followed her instructions and after speaking with a rep I was informed that there was no need for me to complete the program all over. That once I had completed my hours, I did not lose them and all I needed was to refresh for the State board exam. Now, mind you it had been 20 years that I had graduated from RCC Cosmetology Department. So, I attended classes completing the first two semesters of the program, applied for the exam, studied as I rode the bus to work, during my lunch breaks (was teaching preschool through a teaching staff agency), on the bus to school and late nights back home.
I was determined to pass the exam on my first attempt. I was 43 years of age and felt I did not have time to be going back and forth trying to pass the exam. I took the exam (theory and practical) one time only and passed. That same day I was handed my cosmetology license. You talking about excited. That day I saw my brighter future. Just writing this makes me smile and tear up all over again because I know my journey, my struggle at that time. I knew there was so much more out there for me, and it was up to me to do what I needed to for me to see it. With my license, I was able to work in a salon and get the hands-on experience all while doing what I love which is putting smiles on others’ faces by making them look good and feel good. I have gained friendships and family with my clients. As I moved on forward in my life, I now hold 3 degrees. One associate degree in cosmetology, one associate degree in early education and a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice.
How did the criminal justice come about many have asked. The BS degree came about by starting a security guard company with my sons and their dad. After all that I felt the desire to be an educator of cosmology and what did I do? You guessed it. Lol! I enrolled back in RCC but this time in the instructor’s training program. I completed two semesters and received an Instructor Training Certificate. I am currently a cosmetology instructor at Riverside City College. Yup! I am right back there however, this time instead of receiving quality education from the program I am giving it and I LOVE EVERY BIT OF IT.
Now, here is where Trichology stepped in my life. During Covid 2020 is when I was introduced to Trichology.
I meet the founder/ CEO Ms. Beaurena of Trichology School of Business; I believe through social media. We spoke over the phone regarding her class (mind you she’s located in Augusta, Georgia, and me California). I have always been a healthy hair care stylist so when I heard what her school was offering, I was interested. I was not sure how I was going to fly back and forth out there especially since I have always been afraid of flying lol and at this time the world was to be closed but, it happened, and I know it was all because of the Grace of God. It was like I said yes without even thinking about it. Like Almighty pushed me right into it. Every 3 months I flew back and forth from Los Angeles, Ca to Augusta Georgia for 16 to 18 months and now I hang my Diploma in Trichology Health and Wellness on my Clinic Salon wall. Yes, my wall for I am also the owner of Rooted by Nature Hair Loss Clinic Salon and Hair Care Product Line located at 10351 Century City CA 90025 Suit 100 Studio 19.
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?
Not a smooth road at all.
At the age of 14 (1985), I became a teen mom to my 1st son. I grew up on 51st and Central, South Central LA. Thank God for my mother Ms. Altha Faruq and my mother-In-Law Ms. Hattie Scott for guiding and believing in me. For during those times is where I feel I needed them the most, I struggled in school and at one point dropped out of school, but these two women stuck by my side. My mother showed me that to get what you want one must continue striving no matter what. She’s always set a great example of strength, power, and consistency.
I caught buses to and from and sometimes hours at a time just to get to school or work. I learned to utilize the bus time to pray in silence, read, study, and build the courage to stay focused and believe in the outcome.
At times I did not have enough bus fare to get my sons and niece to daycare and would place them in a grocery basket or stroller and walk miles to daycare in the heat, cold or rain. I would drop the children off and then catch the bus from there to school or work with the change I had and the same heading back home. I must say, I stayed slim and trim during these days. LOL!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I am a certified trichologist, Trichology Health and Wellness and certified hair loss practitioner. I am the owner of Rooted by Nature Hair Loss Clinic Salon and Hair care products.
I specialize in maintaining healthy hair follicles of men, women, and children by getting to the ROOT cause of alopecia (hair loss), scalp and hair concerns by using a holistic approach. I am a nonsurgical hair replacement provider and a cosmetology instructor at Riverside City College.
I am an achiever.
Perseverance!
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I volunteer some of my time giving back to the community by feeding and clothing the less fortunate with my son Yusuf’s non-profit The People 4 The People and my mom’s nonprofit Deliberate Acts of Kindness.
Also, November 2021, I became a member of Theta Upsilon Sigma Alumnae Inglewood Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. assisting in the betterment of women and their families, our youth, and our community.
I am proud of who I am, and I have always been.
Love on yourself.
Something I always tell my 4 sons I will tell the readers…Have faith in God and yourself for your journey is for you and non-other. You were placed on this earth for a reason.
Know your purpose, claim it, and cherish it and watch how God smiles down on you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rootedbynaturehairlossclinicsalon.com
- Instagram: rooted_by_nature_
hair_loss_ - Facebook: Johanna Faruq
- Linkedin: Johanna Faruq
