Jordyn Anderson, a freshman studying entrepreneurship, has been infatuated with doing hair since she was 14 years old.
"I was 14 years old when I started my Instagram page," Anderson said. "I started doing hair when my mom would do my hair and I didn't really like how it turned out, so I started experimenting on myself."
After practicing numerous times on her mom and being provided the supplies she needed, Anderson started doing the hairstyles she learned via YouTube on those around her.
"When you do your own hair, it's not the same as when you do someone else's hair, so then I started to do her hair, like practice on hers, and then I was like, 'maybe I should just start doing hair' because it got around," Anderson said. "People were like, 'Her hair's so cute,' and then they wanted me to do their hair, so I just started the page just to show my work."
This occurrence is the origin story of Hair by Jojo, Anderson's hair business, focused on catering to Black students' hair care needs on campus. She typically does traditional braids but also likes incorporating designs into her clients' hairstyles.
"I love to do any type of design, but I think the style that relaxes me the most is probably knotless braids," Anderson said. "That's just individual braids, and I like doing that because I do it so often, so it's like second nature, but the designs are more fun."
Kiera Johnson, a freshman studying psychology, was one of Anderson's first clients and her childhood best friend. Johnson enjoys having access to Hair by JoJo on campus, believing it's a good resource for Black students.
"I hope it makes them (Black students) feel like they have someone to go to that's like them," Johnson said. "I know it's probably good and helpful to have somebody that knows how to do their hair now because we've talked to some Black students and they express like, 'oh, yeah, this is the first time we've ever had so many people doing so many things for Black people.'"
Johnson says that Anderson brings professionalism and kindness to her appointments, always wanting to satisfy all her customers.
"She's professional," Johnson said. "I think she tries to please her customers as much as she can. She's a nice person to talk to, so you will have a good conversation. You know you're going to look good. She has the pictures to prove that she does a good job."
Another customer, Mylan Foster, is a senior studying communications. Foster says that Hair by Jojo was an amazing experience and found comfort in Anderson's personality.
"My experience was nothing short of amazing," Foster said. "Honestly, Jojo is the sweetest person I have ever met, especially as a hairstylist. She's just so personable. She has great conversations. She's very polite, very respectful and overall just like a really nice person to be around and she makes the experience very enjoyable because sometimes hair appointments can take a long time."
Foster also says the quality of Anderson's work makes her stand out as a hairstylist, all while charging students affordable prices.
"I would suggest that people go see Jojo because her work is really amazing," Foster said. "Her work is way better than the prices that she charges I think I personally think. She has great prices, but if I had her skill, I would charge more– like she's that good."
Anderson says these qualities make the hair care experience so essential for her clients, prioritizing cleanliness and care.
"I think getting your hair done is a luxury, but it's also a necessity because you still want to be clean, you still want to take care of yourself because our hair is very different," Anderson said. "We can't just wake up and wash it and go. It takes a lot of time."
Hair by Jojo can be found on Instagram and TikTok, and students interested can book appointments with Anderson on her personal booking website. All appointments take place in her dorm at Ewing House Residence Hall.
"You really get your money's worth out of what she does," Foster said. "You leave her chair just feeling 10 times more confident, and she makes sure that your hair will be so neat."
gk011320@ohio.edu
