Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Hill.
Hi Jennifer, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’m Jennifer, owner of Crown of Love. I’m a licensed senior cosmetologist in Maryland and I specialize in natural, healthy haircare. I’ve had an interest in hair for as long as I can remember. I am, what I’d consider, a late bloomer in the industry but every step of the way was well worth it. I attended cosmetology school part-time, while working full-time. I was unsure of exactly what I wanted to do in the industry, but I was certain about my love for natural hair. When I say natural hair, I’m referencing hair that does not have any chemical to allow the hair to be in a relaxed or straight state. My ability to manage natural hair is what set me apart because, at the time I graduated from cosmetology school, many women were just beginning to embrace their natural hair. On the other hand, I had accepted my own for nearly a decade.
I help women to understand and maintain their healthy hair, primarily by providing low manipulation styles that allow them to spend less time on their hair routine and more time enjoying life. One thing that sets me apart is that I love to educate my clients while servicing them. I’ve decided not to gatekeep the products that I use; instead, I share the why and break it down in a way that clients understand. This is one of the primary things that set me apart from other stylists. There is also a shortage of stylists that provide the type of styles that I specialize in, which is twisting the client’s natural hair. For this reason, I have clients that travel from near and far to be serviced by me.
Currently, I rent a suite space to take care my clients, and it provides a private space for my clients to be serviced and educated. Throughout my career, I have worked for a corporate salon, I was in a suite with a friend, I worked in a salon for nearly 7 years before obtaining my own private space. While in the salon I started as a commission stylist prior to booth renting from the salon owner for many years. It’s been a complete blessing to make the strides that I have made and to help clients with their haircare needs.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I would love to say that the road was smooth but that would be a lie! There have been difficulties but thankfully there have been far more ups. It’s not a straight path to success. It takes lots of hard work, dedication, discipline, mentorship, and support from those around you.
Entrepreneurship is a journey, but the growth is depicted by the level of commitment made to the business. Some of the most challenging things I have encountered have been the initial growth phase, surviving COVID, maintaining ongoing mentorship, and locating funding.
The initial growth phase was challenging being a first-generation entrepreneur in my immediate family and figuring out how and where to start. I decided to utilize some one on one and group mentorship that was helpful as I got started on my journey. It was a slow start, but every step was worth it.
The year prior to COVID I had taken a step back from full time entrepreneurship to work as an employee in a salon. This time was essential as I built my clientele and skill level. When COVID began in March 2020 I was devastated that I was unable to work (who knew I’d ever feel that way). I was off for 11 weeks and spent a lot of time promoting business but also secretly submitting job applications – not one of them called me back. Though it seemed like a loss at the time, it worked out for my good. When I returned to the salon in June of 2020, I did not think clients would be willing to come to the salon; I was wrong and I’m glad I was. I met more new clients and had many returning clients. The following year is when I started to manage my own business on a full-time basis.
Locating ongoing mentorship and help can also be a challenge. Without proper mentorship it can be difficult to continue to grow. It helps to get help from someone who has been in your shoes and had similar experiences. Back in 2018 I met another natural hair stylist at a show in Atlanta and I had no idea her mentorship would be so helpful. In 2021 she started a group coaching program that I joined and multiple things I learned while collaborating with her have helped me to build my business to where it is today. I have collaborated with her on numerous projects over the years. She is a retired stylist that has worked in the industry and adds so much value to my business.
One of my major challenges have been locating funding for business. Applying for grants and never hearing back or getting the response that I didn’t receive it is very discouraging. I’ve had this happen so many times now, but I do still aim to apply to things as I see them become available. What many people don’t understand is that it’s extremely expensive to run a business the correct way. I wish it were easier to receive funding to assist with day-to-day expenses. I maintain hope that one day I’ll be the recipient of funding to help my business to continue to run smoothly.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My business specializes in natural, healthy haircare and help clients to maintain and understand their hair. I concentrate on twisting natural hair in a variety of styles using individual and flat twists techniques.
Educating clients on how to understand their hair and what characteristics we notice during an appointment sets us apart from other stylists. My creative twist styles also have attracted many clients to my business. It always leaves me in awe to have clients share how they travel from Pennsylvania, Delaware, Northern Virginia, and all parts of Maryland to be serviced by me. Unfortunately, there are few stylists that specialize in twisting natural hair. I have also found that many stylists don’t take the time to consult with clients about what is going on with their hair and developing an ongoing plan. Having the proper skill and allowing the clients to have a role in their appointment has an influence on the client experience.
To be a trusted brand that encourages women and the fact that they often become reoccurring clients and send referrals is my greatest accomplishment and makes me immensely proud. When I started out on this journey, it was simple – I enjoyed doing hair and wanted to walk in my gift. The reviews that clients have left and the smiles when they leave the suite always warm my heart. It’s astonishing to think that a little girl from west Baltimore gets to live out my dream every day doing what I love; I thank God for this blessing daily.
I’m also proud to have had my work featured in Sophisticate’s Black Hair magazine in the April/May 2019 issue; my work is shown in the clip and snip section. I had no idea I had even been featured until another stylist from the photoshoot contacted me to inform me of the wonderful news. I’ve also been featured with Voyage Baltimore, Canvas Rebel, and Bold Journey.
My most recent accomplishment is moving from the salon I called home for nearly 7 years to my own salon suite. This has occurred over the past month, and I’m astonished how quickly and nicely things have come together. I loved the salon environment, but it was time for a change and I’m so glad I took yet another leap of faith. The first few weeks have gone well.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up as an only child was quite interesting for me but it left room for me to really be myself and do what I enjoyed doing without another opinion or judgement. I was a very creative child with a huge imagination that was often a little overwhelming for the adults around me. I’ve always enjoyed art, hair, photographs, and quality time with friends and family. I loved hair so much as a child if a doll did not have hair I was not interested – I knew early on what path I wanted to take. I have always had n interest in art; as a child, I loved to color and draw and was often given accolades by my teachers.
Photography has always been of interest to me – I am not a professional by any means, but I’ve used everything from a 35mm camera, to throw away cameras, digital cameras and now I often use my phone. I hope to tap more into photography as a hobby this year. I love to create photo books after traveling with friends so that photos do not live on our phones but can be put on display.
Spending time with those close to me is so important to fulfill the community and connection that I enjoy. Whether we meet for over a meal, do an activity or relax at someone’s home – these are the moments that I cherish the most.
Hair used to be a hobby for me and has become work that I love – but this year I hope to do other creative things outside of hair. I’m already looking for my first photography class and opportunities to view art. We have so much in the city of Baltimore – I just need the weather to warm up so that I can get out and be immersed in it!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.iamcrownoflove.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_crownoflove_
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CrownofLoveHair
- Other: https://www.vagaro.com/crownoflove
