by Shaniele Brown
South Jersey Information Equity Project
With a perfectly styled hairdo, a fresh haircut, and immaculately manicured nails, the simple act of pampering ourselves helps uplift our spirits, enhance confidence, and bring a new sense of positivity to our day. Step into a world of Beauty and empowerment at Janas Cosmetology Academy, the first and only African-American-owned hair school in the State of New Jersey.
Atiya Johnson, owner of Janas Cosmetology Academy, saw a need in the beauty industry for an establishment that would enable people of color to be ready for the industry and clientele they’re looking to serve.
“We noticed that the people we were hiring for Janas Hair Studio weren’t prepared, so we decided to open the school to make sure students are prepared for the industry and passing the test,” Johnson said.
For Johnson, opening a cosmetology academy meant keeping her mother’s legacy alive. Her mother, Wanda Dickerson, started Janas Hair Studio in 1995 at 1397 Blackwood-Clementon Road, Lindenwold. At the age of 17, Johnson was thrust into the responsibility of taking over the salon while her mother handled personal issues. It was easy for Johnson to step into the role as she earned her cosmetology license in high school through a dual program at Camden County Technical School. As time went on, she noticed the need to–skillfully prepare cosmetologists. This idea helped her to establish her Academy. “If there’s a problem, you have to be the solution; you can’t complain about it,” she said.
The initial journey to opening the Academy was a challenge as it took the State of New Jersey two years to review the application, something that makes Atiya emotional every time she revisits that time. The Academy also didn’t have any financial help until long-time clients of the hair studio believed in the vision and were willing to invest.
“We had no help financially, no grants, loans, nothing. We literally had donors, clients at the salon who have been with us for years and trusted in the vision,” said Johnson.
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