Today we’d like to introduce you to Celia Johnson Sampson.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I am a mother of 2 beautiful daughters, a Louisiana native, and a beauty professional. I was born into a family of cosmetologist.
I am a licensed cosmetologist, instructor and former beauty school director. While in the beauty schools which are vocational / trade focused, I realized there was a need for students who struggled to pass their state exam to become licensed – The Ultimate Goal!
I also serve clients behind the chair, focusing on healthy hair and extensions as a growth method. My heart is in education and seeing individuals who invested in a cosmetology school full complete the process of becoming licensed. 60% of program graduates do not work in the industry due to FEAR of failing the exam or actually failing the exam. I dedicate evenings to tutoring 1:1 or group to give in depth review of hair, skin, nails and the practical skills of cosmetology.
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?
Not at all. I’ve owned a salon in Louisiana, worked for a well known brand and beauty school, went through life challenges (Divorce, Health, Grief, Relocation) while staying resilient in action, faith and optimism. What’s a success without failure and nothing beats failure but a try!
Not a struggle but a continuous adaptation to maintaining while trying to be a woman, a parent, and a servant to life’s assignment.
As you know, we’re big fans of Ceestrength Haircare & The Beauty Professional. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
CeeStrength was established in 2012 while I was in beauty school. I began selling hair extensions and transition into professional haircare once I completed cosmetology school. I’d say my expertise is hair growth and specialties of pressing, cutting, and extensions. What sets my hair care experience apart is my professionalism and willingness to actually care for the strands. Style will not last if the scalp and/or strands lack integrity, moisture, hydration and consistent care. Health of hair stems from internal body systems – organ deficiencies, nerve stimulant, blood flow (All of that and some). These are the conversations I have with clients who entrust me to serve them. I teach these things through thorough consultations and even when teaching students so they can learn to do the same with their clients.
Which leads me to my educational and consulting business, The Beauty Professional. I tutor new and old beauty school graduates on how to pass their state board of cosmetology examination. This is my heart throb… I help them believe in themselves beyond fear of failing and should they fail we reassess and retake using a method of following their individual learner type. Most believe learning is a one size fit all but it is not! Everyone retains information in their own way. I meet my learners where they are. I help them recall there is a dictionary if they lack comprehension when reading and then break down everyday analogies to give examples. The modern day beauty school does not have that kind of time. Every system is built to enroll fast and finish in a timeframe to gain tuition dollars – It’s Business. One would be extensively blessed to get an instructor who actually indulges in the information to transfer it. So much to say and a lot of work to continue…
The Beauty Professional also helps salons create hiring system (or retainer to host interviews for salon), creates handbook, training curriculum and guides, and host professional development seminars for salon teams.
I began this in Louisiana by hosting round table talks for salon owners and stylists to help prevent burnout. I was going through alot, my peers were as well and we needed an outlet.
There is so much work to be done to make and keep salon business a business and not just a talent. Beauty industry professionals work hard to give, figure it out, and operate to stay afloat.
I am most proud of the ability to see the good and be blessed to serve upcoming licensed professionals all over the world. The students that I mentor find me in facebook groups and instagram. I don’t know them at all but I know that God sends them to me; which furthermore, helps me keep trusting the process! That’s my business mission to enhance character in a compassionate way through effective communication to advance creativity for beauty professionals.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I grew up a creative! Always involved in church, dance, singing, and very studious. My grama and papa raised me. She was a neighborhood beautician, cook and deaconess. My grand father was retired military turned carpenter and deacon.
All that to say, I was apart of all things church, school and community. I’ve been praise and worship leaded, recorded music, written books/compilations, and always had a creative nature. I was the go to for just about everything. Always served and helped others. Multifaceted I believe is the term, lol! I was goofy, charismatic, and lively. I had a heavy interest in numbers and science.
Contact Info:
- Website: ceestrengthhair.com & thebeautyprofessional.com
- Instagram: celiatheagent, ceestrengthhair, thebeautyprofessional_
