Today we’d like to introduce you to Saniah Johnson
Hi Saniah, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
At just 12 years old, I discovered my passion for braiding hair. It all began when I decided to braid my own hair, which led me to practice on my mom and my sister-cousin. For my 13th birthday, my mom surprised me with a mannequin, sparking my daily practice of braiding. My sister-cousin became my first official client, and I will honestly say, I still needed a little practice. Then, I did box braids on my mom’s hair and posted it on Instagram. Family members, classmates, and others were so impressed by my skills that they began calling me to do their hair. After that, the word of my work spread quickly through referrals.
As I began sharing photos of their hairstyles on Instagram, Crowned by Saniah was born. Over the years, my clientele has expanded significantly, and I feel incredibly blessed to share my gift with so many wonderful people. Entering high school granted me the opportunity to enroll in cosmetology classes, and come May, I will be taking my state exam. This journey has enriched my understanding of hair care and the beauty industry, and I look forward to what lies ahead.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
While my journey has been mostly smooth, it hasn’t been without its challenges. As a young Christian business owner, I am incredibly grateful for my village, especially my mother, whose unwavering support has been great. Operating as a home-based business means that my work impacts my family directly, and I want to take a moment to thank them for their encouragement and understanding throughout this venture.
The challenges I’ve faced have taught me resilience and the importance of community. From managing my time effectively to balancing school, my business, and my personal and social life, any struggles I may face have only strengthened my determination. Thankfully, my support system has made all the difference, allowing me to navigate any challenges I have faced with confidence and grace.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
In my work as a Stylist, I specialize in knotless braids, which have become a signature style for me. However, my passion for hair extends beyond just one technique; I love experimenting with various styles and continuously learning new methods to enhance my skills. This creativity allows me to offer my clients unique and personalized looks.
What I am most proud of is my ability to succeed as both a student and an entrepreneur. Balancing my education with running my business has been a rewarding challenge, and it has taught me invaluable time management and organizational skills.
What sets me apart from others is my commitment to innovation and my genuine desire to uplift those I work with. I strive to create a welcoming and positive experience for my clients, ensuring that they leave feeling confident and beautiful as they display their crowns. My dedication to continuous improvement, combined with my passion for hair, makes my work truly fulfilling.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I have learned that having a mentor and building a strong network can be incredibly valuable in any career, and I’ve found that reaching out to individuals who are in the industry and who have known me throughout my life has worked well for me. I’ve connected with several ladies in the same business who have been supportive and encouraging. Their insights into the trials and rewards of our industry have been helpful, providing me with practical advice and motivation.
Knowing that I have successful business owners I can call on for guidance brings me joy and reassurance as I continue on this journey. Their experiences remind me that I’m not alone in this path, and their support helps me navigate the challenges I face.
I have learned that networking is about building relationships, being genuine, staying open to learning, and being willing to give back to others.
Pricing:
- Please contact me for affordable pricing
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Crowned_by_saniah
Image Credits
For the photo of me, please credit Studio1121 Images
