We had the good fortune of connecting with Bijon Newsom and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi BiJon, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
When starting JonnyStyles Locs 4 years ago, my goal was to take my craft and love for locs and turn it into a legitimate business. I had a Cosmetologist mentor at the time who gave me priceless knowledge on how to embody professionalism as a stylist and I took what I learned and applied it as much as possible. I wanted to beat the stigma that people who do hair are just “stylist”, when in reality we are the epitome of service-based entrepreneurs and bring billions of dollars to the economy through the hair industry.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As a loctitian, I service clients of all ages and come across many hair textures and types. What sets me apart from others is that although I am very skilled at styling locs, my goal for every client is to improve the health of their hair and only using salon quality and organic products to guide them on their hair journey. This ideology led me to create JonnyStyles Hair Care: natural and organic in nature, these products moisturize without buildup and promote a healthy scalp. I have learned along the way that clients will always come back to those who take care of them, and I treat every client with respect, care, and appreciation. I want the world to know that JonnyStyles is a Loctitian, Hair Care provider and youth advocate who is engaged with the community and promotes everyone to look and feel like the best version of themselves.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would take my best friend (or family visiting) to all my favorite places- For breakfast or brunch, we’d swing over to Drunch Eatery for great cocktails and their speciality breakfast items, or even the Woodbury for their amazing Brisket Gravy and Biscuits. I love a good campus prowl and would spend time in the Short North visiting the local shops and try to catch a show at Skully’s or the Newport. Mall runs are a must for every trip- Easton has the most scenic and commuter friendly layout and Polaris has excellent restaurants. We would visit Scene 75 in Tuttle and enjoy Go Kart racing, laser tag and Skeeball, then relax and refresh with Icee’s.

On a touristy note, we would have to go to COSI! Science is so exciting for all ages and they have the best interactive exhibits. After the COSI run, we could walk the Bicentennial Park and stop for drinks at Milestone 229. I rave about Roosters new Mango Habanero wings all the time, so they’d have to tag along to see what the hype is about. On Taco Tuesdays, its ritual to go to Condados for a few Lucy Fire’s and build your own nachos. Splatterpark would definitely be a highlight during their trip! We’d end our nights at Callahan’s for vibrant nightlife, or for a more elevated experience, stop at Coopers Hawk for tastings and their delicious Prime Rib Sandwich.

If they so happen to travel during sports season, a OSU Football, Columbus Crew or Bluejackets games are probably the best things you can do in Columbus. If they are willing to travel, we could hit a Cavs game or even a Cincinnati Reds game. Either way, they would be entertained!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to give a shoutout to my husband, Germaine, for his unwavering support and dedication to me, my business and brand success. He has spent countless nights helping me make and bottle products, selling the products at vendor events like they are his own, and promoting my business in every way he can. His involvement in my brand empowered me to be more of a community liaison and he used his outreach to get me connected with City level organizations, in which I could never thank him enough for. I look forward to growth in our marriage and with my business.

Website: https://jonnystyleslocs.com

Instagram: @jonnystyleslocs

Facebook: JonnyStyles Locs

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