Check Out Ann Wright-Joiner’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ann Wright-Joiner.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I believe that my talent is the gift from god. I started doing hair when I was 15 years old. It has always been a passion. I started worked factory jobs when I was 15 and I did hair on the weekend with my friends and it grew from there. Once I graduated high school, my mom wanted me to go to nursing school because she felt doing hair would never pay good and I would always have to work in factories, I told her I didn’t like doing nursing and I wanted to become a hairstylist. She told me I would regret not listening to her. So, I moved out of my mom’s house and went to find my way. I worked factory jobs and style hair on the weekends. I became a mom by the time I was 21, single, and couldn’t go back home so I had to make things work. I was working full time during the day and night school for cosmetology three days a week at night and styling hair on the weekends to make money for me and my daughter. By the time I was 23, I noticed that I made more money styling hair on the weekends than I did working 40 hours in a factory, so I prayed to god and hoped I was making the right decision. I quit my factory job at 23 and move my classes to daytime so I can finish school early…

Once I finished school, I took the state exam and became a licensed stylist. I became licensed in 2000 and I opened my salon in Aug 1st to 2004. I worked in Henderson, NC for 12 years before I decided that if I want my business to grow more I had to leave this small town, so I moved to Raleigh in 2015 and relocated my business to Wake Forest, NC where I double my clientele within the first year. My daughter taught me about social media, and she taught me how to use Instagram, Facebook, and others and that how I gained clientele from different states and eventually different countries. Now, my salon has been open for over 17 years and I have been blessed to still be in high demand in the industry. Now, not only do I still style clients, but I also have an online bundle business called Skilz Extensions that I started five years ago, and two yes ago, I started an online boutique business called Mekhai’s Boutique that’s doing good. I also have line of wigs, Skilz Wigs, that I make, color, cut, style and sell and ship across the world now. I have always known that being a stylist was going to my chosen career, and with all the ups and downs, the tears, and fears of doing this alone and no support was worth it. Now, I’m 46, married, and my daughter is 26 with two daughters, four years old and two weeks old.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. When I say, I had to make my own way with a daughter. My family came from a very poor background, and my mom was not supportive of my decision. Everything I have done to build my business was totally on me, no help from no one.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a hairstylist… I have always believed that you need one than one way of making money, so I taught myself how to do different services. I specialize in cuts, color, installing extensions, making wigs, natural hair, men braiding, etc. I didn’t believe in turning down money for services.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Treat people the way you want to be treated. I’m never late for an appt, actually I’m always at the salon prepped and waiting for my client. I strive to exceed client’s expectations and I 100% stand behind my work. I give each person that sits in my chair or orders a custom wig from me my best every single time.

Contact Info:

• Website: Hairbyskilz.com
• Instagram: @hairbyskilz
• Facebook: Ann Skilz Wright-Joiner. Skilz Studio