Today we’d like to introduce you to Janae Washington.
Hi Janae, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’m originally from Natchez, MS. I started off working as a braider in high school. My senior year I braided my classmates’ hair, and later got into sew-ins and other styles. After I graduated, my mom and I moved to Dallas. I started cosmetology school, and I graduated from MJ’s Beauty Academy. I became licensed a few years later. Building a clientele was very difficult because I didn’t know many people, and I didn’t know how to engage well. So, I branded myself better. Whereas my business was once, Reigning Beauty, I changed my name to The Royal Reign Collection. I pride myself on making sure my clients are comfortable coming to me, and I make sure they are in love with their hair before they leave my chair. I now offer more than hair services. I sell hair, custom wig units, lashes, bonnets, silk edge wraps, t-shirts, hoodies, growth cream, etc.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, my biggest struggle was building a steady clientele. I have joined multiple hair groups, made social media post, worked in various salons, as well as passed out my business cards. It took a while, but I can say it has paid off. Not only did I gain a clientele, I gained a few friends as well.
As you know, we’re big fans of The Royal Reign Collection. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I’m a licensed cosmetologist. I specialize in lace installs. I’m known for changing my clients’ outlooks on wigs. I’ve had plenty of clients come in and say they don’t like wigs because they look “wiggy”. The game has completely changed with wigs and I’m glad to be a part of this. I love introducing my clients to new things. I think what sets me apart from others is I give my clients an experience. They don’t leave feeling like I took their money and I don’t care about their hair. We talk about their hair journey, products they typically use, medications they take, whether they are stressing about anything, even them drinking enough water. Because that all plays a factor in me maintaining the health of their hair and promoting growth.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My family played a major role in my success. I started off extremely young. I used to oil my grandmother’s scalp and braid her hair down. I learned several styles and techniques from a few of my older cousins who did hair as well. Several family members were my hair models. My mom and sister made sure I got to cosmetology school everyday. When we moved too far, my aunt let me live with her until I graduated. My family motivated me to keep doing hair when I felt like it wasn’t for me. I will be forever grateful for them all.
Pricing:
- My Custom Units start at $350
- Bundle and Closure/Frontals start at $75
- Lashes are $15
- BYOB Custom Units are $150
- Lace Installs start at $120
Contact Info:
- Email: theroyalreigncollection@gmail.com
- Website: theroyalreigncollection.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/royalreign_byjanae
- Facebook: Facebook.com/theroyalreigncollection
