We recently had the chance to connect with AJ Barnes and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning AJ, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: When was the last time you felt true joy?
The last time I felt TRUE JOY was when I graduated from Capitol Beauty School on January 25th. The day was significant for several reasons. It was the day I officially completed cosmetology school, and it was the day I launched my business 4 years prior, January 25, 2021. To have my 4 children, my parents, family and close friends in attendance meant the world to me. To have my children witness me accomplish what I loved despite the many obstacles and challenges I encountered was truly liberating. It shows them and others that anything is possible. You can start over from scratch, at any age, and still be able to live your life and pursue a career you really love.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is AJ Barnes but I’m also referred to as The Jedi. I am a Licensed Cosmetologist, mother of 4 amazing children, and giver of light, located in Omaha Nebraska. Healthy hair for all is my first priority. I specialize in Haircolor, Haircuts, Lash Extensions and Natural Locs services. I am a Biolage Certified Scalp Specialist and a Brazilian Blowout FREE Certified Stylist. All genders, all races, all textures are welcomed in my chair.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
I would love to give a huge shout out to my mom, Caroline Barnes. She was the very first person to realize my true potential as a beauty professional from a young age. She would always allow me to provide at home services to “practice” since I was 12 years old. I used to play in makeup and imagine myself in my own hair salon as a child. Fun fact about me: I competed in the Miss Teen Nebraska USA pageant when I was 19 years old with her influence. I always enjoyed everything about the beauty industry. Many of my skills I possess originally started as self taught skills! She would always tell me that I provided the best services for her. She was always impressed with my skillset and passion from a young age, stating that I performed a more sufficient service than some professionals she has experienced. Originally applying to cosmetology school in 2004, there were many obstacles I’ve encountered as life took me in a different direction. I’m so thankful life has brought me full circle to live in my purpose where my dream originally began, in my hometown, Omaha Nebraska, as a Licensed Cosmetologist.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
When I started attending Capitol Beauty School in January 2024, I was so excited to finally have the opportunity to gain and build upon the knowledge I attained to pursue my Cosmetology license. I was a woman who was a homeschooling mother of 4, full time student and business owner in the middle of a divorce, trying to pursuing my dreams. I had so many things on my plate all at the same time. Many asked me how I did it all and I can only be thankful for the courage and faith that everything would work out as it should. It was the vision shown to me that I knew I needed to accomplish by any means necessary. This journey was not an easy one but I was able to accomplish everything I said I would. I graduated with the personal grade percentage I set for myself, and have my entire family there for my moment I’ve worked so hard for. The blood, sweat, and tears were all worth it in the end and I wouldn’t hesitate to do it over again.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I am committed to changing the narrative around how black beauty professionals are perceived, especially in my hometown, Omaha Nebraska. Lately, there has been a lot of conversations on social media platforms around professionalism or lack thereof within the community in regards to black beauty professionals. There are so many of us that still exist and we provide excellence and knowledge in our areas of expertise. It is unfortunate that we have to go to extensive lengths to prove we are worthy and that we are just as good as our counterparts. We are equally as educated and talented, but the lack of quality and professionalism that some have received makes our jobs harder. Social media thrives off click bait and views, whether good or bad. Bad publicity has a further reach when great publicity should supersede it.
I have to fight twice as hard to prove I am worthy of my pricing standards when compared to my classmates whom I graduated with. It is a double standard that many licensed professionals like myself experience. I provide services to everyone, no matter the gender, race or texture. Everyone deserves to experience quality services and because of that, I refuse to be pigeon holed. I choose to lead with love because I genuinely love what I do for a living. For the first time, I feel as if it is not only seen but also felt through the services I provide and the many interactions I have with those who are willing to accept my passion for this industry.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
One thing I can say is I give my all in everything I choose to do. I know it is impossible to be the best at everything, but I always try to be better than I was yesterday. If there is anything I feel I cannot do to the best of my ability, I will not commit to it. Most times, I am my worst critic. Perfectionism can be a gift and a curse. People often ask me how I manage everything. When I moved back home to Omaha 3 years ago, everything clicked. At first I didn’t know how I was going to be able to handle everything. I continuously received confirmation that I was on the right path and finally realized that I made the right decision. Many of the blessings that I’ve received would not have happened if I didn’t come back to where my dream began. I knew if anyone could do it all, it would be me. My level of self confidence has grown tremendously because I know I am truly living in my purpose. My main goal is to make my inner child proud. The little girl from North Omaha who played “Beauty Salon” grew into someone who is actually living in that moment.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://ajbellabeauty.glossgenius.com/
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/AJBellaBeauty
- Facebook: http://facebook.com/AJBellaBeauty
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ajbellabeauty
Image Credits
Alterick Wilson Photography
Raine R Photography
Michael Pysh
Jerome Hutchinson Photography
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
