Today we’d like to introduce you to Josie Jones.
Josie, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
The start was very abrupt, I was at a fork in the road. In 2016 I felt like every force in the universe was pushing me towards independence so independence is the path that I chose . I worked at a movie theatre when I was 17 and one day, I was approached by my manager. She told me that I’d get written up if I showed up to work again with hot pink braids… so I quit. I made a hard pivot and a bold statement to “The Man” and I’ve worked for myself ever since. A little backstory on how it all started; My passion for hair began young. As a kid, I was constantly giving my friends fun and funky hairstyles. I was always experimenting on myself and my sister. High school is when I really tapped into my creativity in regards to braiding. I became obsessed with the freedom and opportunity a pack of Rastafri gave me—I changed my hair once a week almost. Soon my friends started asking me to tie them up and next thing I knew friends of friends were inquiring. I was building a clientele without even realizing.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Nothing good EVER comes easy. I think the hardest part for me is the pressure of having to make all my own decisions. I don’t have a partner or a mentor so sometimes I have to admit to myself that I don’t know exactly what I’m doing. For example; After high school, while simultaneously working, I went to Musicians Institute in Hollywood for Vocal Performance. A lot of people don’t know this about me, but I studied music my entire life. Music is my first love. I was excited about pursuing a higher education, but it became difficult since I was financially putting myself threw school. Eventually, I dropped out to focus purely on building my business that was steadily gaining traction. This wasn’t an easy decision by any means, but it was the decision that I had to make.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Josie Hair & The Boutique Josie – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
First of all, Thank You! To think that people could look at my endeavors as something impressive gives me pause. In terms of what I’m most proud of… that would have to be my unsettled nature, which I apply to everything. Just being open to embrace the changing realities of this life. It all may sound very philosophical but, it all goes hand in hand when building a future for yourself. In 2017 this mentality got me a career in modeling. Long story short I was approached by a casting director to appear in an Herbal Essences campaign focusing on women empowerment through hair. She told me she’d been following me on my Instagram for a while because she personally loved my work and was impressed by how young I was. This was an opportunity I knew didn’t come around often, so it took it and that one decision welcomed bright latitude to my journey, in every way. But in extension to the question—what are you most proud of—I’m most proud if beautiful conversations, like this one, and the ones I have with my clients. The friendships and relationships I’ve formed over the years, and having taken loses but turning them into lessons. There’s beauty in the temporal accomplishments.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Absolutely! For quite a while I’ve been interested in suppling goods to my clientele or whoever’s interested honestly. So, a month ago I launched an online boutique. Providing easy access to the hair accessories that I use and love. This felt like a natural progression and I’m so happy I was able to make it all a reality. Once I have more of an idea about the state of the world, I plan to scale my inventory and get some products into stores. But for now everything’s available for purchase on my website. But greater than that I want to be a confidant to young boys and girls venturing out onto the road less traveled. I want the youth and anyone willing to listen to know and remember, that success can look a trillion beautiful ways.
Contact Info:
- Website: Josiejones.online
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: josie__who
Image Credit:
Jordan Knight Photography, KNC Beauty, Bala, Snaps Studios
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