Today we’d like to introduce you to Antonio “Beaux” Johnson
Hi Antonio, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Struggle and God’s favor is embedded in my story. As a kid in the Nashville urban community, we could not afford visits to the barbershop; my mom was my barber. She made a strong attempt to fade my hair. My dad always cut me bald. Needless to say, I was less than pleased with my cuts. This served as the biggest inspiration for me to learn how to cut my own hair.
I started small by offering free cuts in the community. I gradually decided to enroll in a barbering program. I completed the program and landed my first job at Hickory Hollow mall. Soon after, the owner decided to close down. With the help of family and the assistant manager of the mall, I became the new sole owner with hopes of maintaining a place of employment for myself and the other barbers.
Ownership has not been without struggle. The closing of Hickory Hollow mall, the closing of Global Mall, failed business relationships, and the sell of a commercial property forced me to relocate my business a total of four times. God’s favor and the love for community has always sustained me. I am blessed to have been operating under my current brand for 10 years.
My passion to inspire young aspiring barbers and salon owners motivated me to return to school to gain certification to teach in the field of barbering. It is an honor to be an educator for the profession within the Metro Nashville Public School System while also maintaining affordable cuts and booth rentals under the Beauxs Posh brand.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Ownership has not been without struggle. The closing of Hickory Hollow mall, the closing of Global Mall, failed business relationships, and the sell of a commercial property forced me to relocate my business a total of four times. COVID was also a huge struggle as non-essential workers were forced out of their career fields for an extended period of time. The industry was completely different once barbers were allowed to return to work which minimized the earning potential.
God’s favor and the love for community has always sustained me. I am blessed to have been operating under my current brand for 10 years.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My work is rewarding. Each client is a blank canvas which allows for creativity. Barbers and Stylists play such an important role because we cater to far more than the physical appearance. We cater to the total being by serving as a safe haven and listening ear to many.
I am most known for the relationships I build with my community and with my clients. I am proud of my ability to observe behaviors and. listen to my clients while partnering with other resources within the community to offer real time solutions. My work is driven my passion and purpose-not by money. This what sets me apart from others.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
It is helpful to find a mentor within the career field and adhere to their advice. Start slow and really nuture your talent. Never view barbering as simply cutting hair or a quick way to make a living. There are other important components such as marketing and professionalism that are sure to contribute to one’s success.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @beauxsposh
