Today we’d like to introduce you to Vanjaya Johnson.
Hi Vanjaya, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Growing up in New York City, I always knew I wanted to work in the beauty industry. From a very young age, I was drawn to anything involving hair and beauty. I started by braiding my baby dolls’ hair, which eventually turned into doing my friends’ hair as I got older. What began as a childhood hobby quickly became a real passion. I loved the confidence beauty could give someone and the creativity that came with it. That passion followed me into cosmetology school, where I successfully completed the program and obtained my temporary license.
Not long after, life took an unexpected turn and I moved to North Carolina. At the time, there was no reciprocity between the states, which meant I could not easily transfer my licensing credentials. I looked into continuing school, but unfortunately my credits would not transfer, and financially it was not realistic for me to start the entire program over again. It was discouraging because I felt so close to the career I had always dreamed about. I made the difficult decision to step away from the beauty industry for a while, and as life continued moving forward, I became a mother and focused on raising my children.
Even though beauty was on the back burner, the passion never left me. In 2023, I decided it was finally time to take a leap of faith and return to what I truly loved. I enrolled back into school, attended night classes while balancing my responsibilities, and pushed myself to finish what I started years before. During that journey, I discovered a real passion for waxing and brows. I fell in love with helping clients feel beautiful and confident through services that enhanced their natural features. That experience reminded me that sometimes dreams may pause, but they never fully disappear.
Today, I have been a licensed esthetician for two years and proudly own my business, 11:11 Skin and Beauty LLC. Starting a business has not been easy, especially building clientele and establishing myself in a competitive industry, but every challenge has strengthened me. My goal has always been to create a welcoming, luxury experience where clients feel cared for, educated, and confident when they leave my chair. My story is one of resilience, faith, and determination, and I hope it inspires others to never give up on the things they truly love, even if the journey takes longer than expected.
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?
Some struggles I have faced over the past few months is finding my niche for content and marketing. I get plenty of foot traffic to my site but only a handful of full of bookings. At times it’s discouraging but I push to keep finding ways to get people in. Also not having someone to teach you the ropes of the business.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a licensed esthetician and small business owner. I specialize in brow services, facial treatments, and hair removal . Over the last two years, I have built my brand around creating a luxury experience that still feels warm, personal, and welcoming. My goal is never just to provide a beauty service. I want every client to leave feeling more confident, relaxed, and comfortable in their own skin.
I am especially known for my brow work, including brow lamination and shaping, because I focus on enhancing each client’s natural beauty instead of creating a “one size fits all” look. I also love educating my clients throughout the process, whether it is skincare knowledge, brow maintenance, or helping them understand what works best for their features and lifestyle. I believe the experience should feel professional but still fun and comfortable, almost like sitting down with someone who genuinely cares about helping you look and feel your best.
What I am most proud of is my journey and the fact that I never gave up on my dream, even when life placed obstacles in front of me. There was a time where I had to step away from the beauty industry completely, but in 2023 I took a leap of faith, went back to school, attended night classes, and rebuilt the career I always wanted. Starting my own business has not been easy, especially building clientele from the ground up, but I am proud of how much I have accomplished through determination, consistency, and faith in myself.
What sets me apart is the energy and experience I bring to my clients. I combine professionalism with a genuine connection that makes people feel comfortable the moment they sit in my chair. I pay attention to the details, I listen to my clients’ needs, and I create a space where beauty feels empowering instead of intimidating. My brand is built on confidence, self-care, and authenticity, and I think clients can truly feel that when they work with me. ✨
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up in New York City, I was always creative, outgoing, and passionate about self expression. I was naturally drawn to anything involving beauty, fashion, and helping people in anyway.
Personality wise, I’ve always been caring, detail-oriented, introverted and determined. I know weird, but that’s what made me unique. I was very quiet but once I became comfortable and let my guard down I was full of life and ideas. I enjoyed connecting with people and creating a positive environment, but I also had a strong independent side. Even growing up, once I set my mind on something, I worked hard to make it happen.
Life experiences taught me resilience early on, and I think that shaped who I am today. No matter the obstacles, I’ve always found my way back to what I truly love, which is helping people feel beautiful, confident, and comfortable with themselves.
Pricing:
- $349+- Microblading
- $40+- Brow Tint with brow sculpting included
- $110+- Facials
- $55-Brazilians
Contact Info:
