Meet Whitney Johnson

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Whitney Johnson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Whitney, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

Hold my head high and remember your in a lane of yourself and can succeed once you believe in yourself.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

My name is Whitney, and I’ve been a licensed cosmetology instructor for over a decade. My passion for hair began at a young age, but I initially focused on my 9-5 job while building my clientele. Once I was ready, I took a leap of faith to pursue my dream full-time.
I have a salon located in Wilmington, de. Two vending machines that sell my growth oil and hair bonnets(located at the Cherry hill mall in New Jersey, Dover mall located in Dover de.) and my online website Miraclehandz.Store.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, I believe the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been resilience, relationship-building, and continuous learning.
1. Resilience: The road to building a business isn’t easy. There were times when I faced setbacks or doubted my path, but I always pushed forward. Staying focused on my goals, even in the face of challenges, has been critical to my success.
2. Relationship-Building: In my industry, relationships are everything. Growing my clientele and creating a loyal customer base required me to genuinely connect with people and provide exceptional service.
3. Continuous Learning: Being a licensed cosmetology instructor, I’ve always understood the importance of staying current in my field. Trends change, and so do business strategies. Expanding my knowledge and skills has allowed me to grow both as a professional and as a business owner.

For those early in their journey, remember that success doesn’t happen overnight. Focus on improving a little every day, surround yourself with supportive people, and trust the process. Growth takes time, but it’s worth it!

What would you advise – going all in on your strengths or investing on areas where you aren’t as strong to be more well-rounded?

I believe it’s better to focus on your strengths while being mindful of areas where you can improve—but not to the point of losing sight of what you do best. Your strengths are what set you apart, and leaning into them allows you to build confidence and excel. However, it’s also important to address weaknesses that could hold you back from reaching your full potential.

For example, when I started my salon, I knew I had the technical skills to deliver exceptional services because of my passion and years of experience in cosmetology. That was my strength. However, I quickly realized that running a business requires more than just talent—it takes strategic planning, financial management, and leadership. These weren’t my strong suits initially, and I had to dedicate time to learning and improving in those areas.

One moment that stands out is when I first started managing my salon’s finances. I wasn’t as organized as I needed to be, which led to a few stressful months trying to balance my budget. Rather than letting it overwhelm me, I sought out mentorship and took business classes to strengthen my knowledge. While I still focus most of my energy on what I do best—working with clients and mentoring others—I’m now much more confident in the areas I once struggled with.

The key is balance. Go all in on your strengths because they’re your superpower, but don’t ignore your weaknesses if they’re critical to your growth. Surround yourself with people who complement your skills, whether that’s a mentor, a team member, or a professional resource. The combination of maximizing your strengths and addressing your gaps will help you become a well-rounded and successful entrepreneur.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Miraclehandz.store
• Instagram: _Miraclehandz
• Facebook: _Miraclehandz

Image Credits

D2BD photography