Meet Lashanna Johnson

We recently connected with Lashanna Johnson and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Lashanna, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?

My work ethic comes from my MOM! My mother has never been unemployed in her 60+ years of life. She still works till today. She has always taught me the value of hard work and integrity and showed me that success isn’t just about talent but also about consistency and effort. Over time, I’ve also learned from mentors and my own experiences that being reliable, proactive, and detail-oriented makes a big difference in all you choose to do. I believe in doing my best in everything I take on, and I’m always looking for ways to grow and improve.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

My name is LaShanna Johnson, and I am a young entrepreneur, wife, and mother of four. I specialize in hair braiding for all textures and types, a craft I stumbled into quite unexpectedly. Believe it or not, it all started on a whim when I was just 14 years old. My cousin Velda braided my hair, and I was far from thrilled—especially since I had to start high school with those massive braids! Each day, I’d come home and remove one braid, attempting to redo it myself. After two weeks of trial and error, I finally succeeded. That moment sparked a passion in me, and I began braiding my own hair, then my friends’ and family’s hair. As my skills grew, so did my reputation.

By the time I reached adulthood, I was determined to refine my craft and build a business. In 2014, I took a leap of faith, quit my day job, and opened my very own salon. It was one of the most exciting—and scariest—decisions I’ve ever made. Now, 10 years in, I can say it hasn’t been without its challenges, sacrifices, and countless blessings. Lashanna’s Braid Parlor has become a staple in South Los Angeles, offering expert braiding services to everyone and anyone. Nothing brings me deeper satisfaction than seeing the joy on my clients’ faces and solving their hair concerns, especially for those with alopecia or other hair issues—that’s my specialty.

I absolutely love what I do. Connecting with people from all walks of life, sharing stories, and building relationships bring me so much joy. I’m naturally friendly, caring, and a generous person, and I truly believe those qualities, combined with my expertise as a master braider, have been the foundation of my long-lasting success.

I want to take my brand beyond braiding. Currently, I’m thrilled to be working on my very own hair care line, dedicated to promoting hair health and growth. It’s set to launch on June 1, 2025, and I can’t wait to share it with the world. I also have an organic Soy Wax Candle Line, called Sage And Creek, which is available for purchase at www.sageandcreek.com This journey has been incredible, and I’m excited to see where it takes me next.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Reflecting on my journey, I can confidently say that customer service is one of the most essential skills in any business. Delivering exceptional service should be a given—something you’ve mastered from the start. Additionally, you must be adaptable and eager to learn, especially in a field like braiding, where trends and styles are constantly evolving. Staying updated and innovative is key to staying relevant.
Equally important is having a genuine love for people and a passion for what you do. You’ll interact with individuals from all walks of life, each with unique personalities and perspectives. This makes kindness, empathy, and a positive attitude invaluable.
For young entrepreneurs, my advice is simple: follow your passion fiercely. Always let your heart guide you, stay open to learning, and treat others with the same kindness and respect you’d want for yourself. Manage your time wisely—focus on what truly aligns with your goals and purpose. Prioritize your mental and physical health, as they are the foundation of your success. Remember, your health is your greatest wealth. When you take care of yourself and stay committed to your vision, the rewards—including financial success—will follow!

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?

I’ve always been an avid reader, and my love for books started when I was a child. While I’ve read many impactful books, one that stands out is a healthcare literacy book that taught me invaluable lessons about taking control of my health after suffering with high blood pressure. That book emphasized on the importance of knowing my medical history, keeping track of past illnesses, surgeries, medications, and allergies to help my healthcare providers make better decisions about my care. It also stressed the need to be proactive about preventive care, such as a healthy diet, regular check-ups, screenings, and vaccinations, to avoid serious health issues down the line.
On the financial side, The Richest Man in Babylon and The Psychology of Money completely shifted my perspective on wealth and money management. These books taught me the importance of living below my means – spending less than I earn as the foundation of financial stability especially in these circumstances with increasing interest rates and inflation on rise. They also highlighted the value of patience and long-term thinking, reminding me that building wealth is a marathon, not a sprint. Most importantly, they underscored the need for emotional discipline—managing my behavior and emotions to make smarter financial decisions. These books have not only enriched my knowledge but also empowered me to take charge of both my health and financial well-being.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lashannas_braid_parlor/reel/DFRmhNJxtIr/
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/lashannasbraidparlor/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/labraidparlor
• Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/lashannas-braid-parlor-los-angeles

Image Credits

Lashanna Johnson