We’re looking forward to introducing you to Yolanda Johnson . Check out our conversation below.
Hi Yolanda , thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
From the moment I wake to the moment I rest, I strive to live each day with purpose. Each morning begins with gratitude—thanking God for another day and, of course, brewing my coffee. When I feel depleted, I turn to my daily devotional for strength and inspiration; when I feel full, I speak my affirmations, giving voice to my hopes and dreams.
In meditation and prayer, I focus on my breath—each inhale a gift, each exhale an offering of thanks. That simple awareness grounds me in gratitude and prepares me to serve with love.
And then, my favorite part of the morning—greeting my children. As a widowed single parent, the journey isn’t always easy, but their smiles, laughter, and light remind me daily of God’s grace. For that, I am endlessly grateful.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Yolanda Johnson and I wear many professional hats, but one that most people don’t see is my role as a caregiver for my aging parents. It’s a journey that is both profoundly painful and deeply honorable. We grow up, leave home, build careers, start families, and often believe our role as a daughter fades into memory—but it doesn’t. In caring for my parents during their golden years, I’ve learned more about love, patience, and grace than I ever did in all my years of independence.
Alongside caregiving, I’m a licensed cosmetologist and owner of a beauty brand devoted to creating positive, empowering experiences through health and beauty for communities across the country. The heart of my business was inspired by a lesson someone once shared with me—that there is greatness in beauty, and that true beauty begins within. That belief has become my mission: to help youth and families, especially those too often overlooked or forgotten, discover that same sense of inner worth and confidence.
Outside of my professional life, I’m a mother to two student-athletes, which means my days are often filled with concession stands, fundraisers, and sideline cheers. I also dedicate time to community leadership, partnering with local organizations that champion business development, human welfare, and education.
Balancing—motherhood, widowhood, caregiving, entrepreneurship—can feel like living in constant motion. But within that motion lies meaning. Every challenge, every joy, every quiet breath between them holds purpose. And through it all, I remain grateful—for the lessons, the love, and the life that continues to shape me.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
My earliest memory of feeling powerful was the day I became a big sister. Until then, I lived happily in my own little world—doing my own thing, getting my own way. And then, just like that, everything changed. Suddenly, I wasn’t just a child anymore; I was someone’s example.
At first, I didn’t quite know what to do with this newfound authority. But once I realized what it meant, I leaned into it. And I’ll say this—I hit the jackpot with my little brother. He did whatever I told him to do. He played the games I wanted to play. He fought the battles I decided were worth fighting. His mission in life, it seemed, was to make me happy.
But being a big sister wasn’t about giving orders or calling the shots. What we built was trust—an unspoken understanding that with leadership comes responsibility. Yes, he followed my lead, but in return, I protected him. That trust didn’t happen overnight; it was earned through loyalty, consistency, and love.
Through every wild adventure and every moment of mischief, I learned that real power isn’t about control—it’s about influence, compassion, and the ability to create safety for others. True power isn’t loud; it’s steady. It’s the quiet strength that says, “I’ve got you.”
Looking back now, I see that becoming a big sister was my first lesson in leadership. It taught me that power means more than being in charge—it means being accountable for the hearts that choose to follow you. And that, to me, is the most meaningful kind of power there is.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Success is a moment in time—a milestone to pause and celebrate before taking the next step forward. It can feel rewarding, but its thrill is fleeting, and if you’re not paying close attention, it can disguise itself as the ultimate prize.
Suffering, on the other hand, maps the blueprint of who you are and what you’re made of. My toughest moments have revealed the rawest truths about myself—truths I might never have faced, let alone understood, had they not arrived in the form of struggle.
Through pain, I’ve learned what not to do—and in doing so, I’ve become an example of what to do. Unlike success, the lessons born from suffering stay with you. They shape you, steady you, and quietly guide you toward the path you were always meant to walk. It isn’t a punishment; it’s a form of direction when God whispers to you “This is who you are becoming.”
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 making hands-on haircare learning experiences a standard for adoption and foster families. It’s about more than skills—it’s about connection, confidence, and care for children and families navigating life’s toughest transitions. This work aligns with the National Adoption and Foster Care Home Study Act, but its real impact is deeply personal: helping families nurture self-esteem and resilience.
I also focus on shaping policies that bring health and beauty education to highly vulnerable communities. This is about more than rules—it’s about empowerment, dignity, and creating opportunities for those often overlooked. Every step forward, no matter how small, equips someone with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to thrive. For me, that is the true measure of success.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I believe that those who share my story will say I was a woman whose spirit simply could not be contained. My empathy for others was unmistakable—so vivid and ever-present that it became a part of who I was. Those I encountered felt seen, understood, and loved in ways that words could not fully capture. My compassion was bold and alive, woven into every endeavor, every prayer, every act of kindness.
They will say that my leadership was never about power or position but that I led with faith—faith rooted in the unconditional love of Jesus Christ. It was that same faith that gave me strength when life tested me, grace when the world turned harsh, and courage when others might have faltered.
People will say that though my sacrifices were many, I never counted them as losses. Each one was a gift—a reflection of my love for God, my belief in something greater, and my unwavering commitment to the future I envisioned. They will say that I gave without hesitation, trusted without fear, and loved without limits.
People will tell a story of a life not simply lived; but a life lifted.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.integratedrootsinternational.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/integrated_roots_international/
- Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/yolanda-johnson-2275454
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/integratedrootsinternational
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@IntegratedRootsInternational
Image Credits
Leroy Gibson, Photographer
Study Hall 7AM – Art & Media
Hannah Nelson, Photographer
Visuals By Hannah Jane
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
