Meet Erica Hilliard of Joli Tots and Teens Salon and Spa

Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Hilliard

Hi Erica, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I started braiding hair at a young age, experimenting on my own hair, my friends, and family. I never imagined that one day this passion would lead me to open my own children’s salon. Braiding was just something I loved to do, a creative outlet, but I never thought it would become the foundation of my career. Over time, I became more interested in the art of hair care, especially for children, and decided to turn that love into a profession.

I worked hard to develop my skills, earning several certifications in hair care and styling, with a focus on children’s hair. I wanted to ensure I was equipped with the knowledge and expertise to provide the best possible service to my young clients. This dedication allowed me to build a solid foundation in the industry.

At the age of 20, I got a job at Ann’s Tots and Teens, a children’s salon, which was the turning point in my career. It was there that I truly fell in love with working with children’s hair. The experience opened my eyes to the unique needs of children when it comes to hair care and styling. I learned how to create fun, creative styles while ensuring that each child felt comfortable and relaxed during their visit.

In 2021, I decided to take a big leap and opened my own children’s salon, Joli Tots and Teens. The name “Joli” was chosen to reflect both the beauty of children on the outside and the inner beauty we all hold. It was important to me to acknowledge where I got my start in children’s hair, as Ann’s Tots and Teens was where my love for this field truly blossomed. I wanted the name to reflect a sense of elegance, joy, and positivity, embodying everything I wanted the salon experience to be for children and their families.

Sadly, in 2023, I had to close the doors of Joli Tots and Teens due to unforeseen challenges. However, this setback didn’t break my spirit. I refused to give up on my dream. I’ve continued to work hard, improving my skills, learning from the experience, and staying determined to reopen the salon. I know that with persistence, passion, and a deep love for what I do, I will come back stronger and ready to give children the best salon experience they deserve. My journey has been full of ups and downs, but through it all, I’ve learned that resilience and dedication are key to achieving success.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
What I overcame was a challenging time in my life when I had to leave school because I couldn’t afford it. I found myself struggling to survive on my own, becoming homeless for a period. Despite this, I kept going and worked every day at a children’s salon called Ann’s Tots and Teens. There were days when I had nowhere to stay, and I’d sleep in my car, or at a friend’s house, or my sister’s place. But through it all, I never let the difficulties stop me. I kept pushing forward, working hard, and doing my best. No one knew what I was going through, but I kept showing up, determined to not give up on my future. It wasn’t easy, but it made me who I am today: someone who knows the value of hard work, resilience, and never giving up.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
At Joli Tots and Teens, we specialize in creating a safe, positive, and welcoming space for children. Our salon is a place where beauty is celebrated not only on the outside but on the inside as well. We believe that every child deserves to feel beautiful, confident, and valued, and we work hard to nurture that in each one who walks through our doors.

I specialize in braiding, offering stylish and creative hairdos for children while focusing on making the entire experience enjoyable. What sets me apart is my ability to connect with kids and make them feel comfortable in a salon environment, which can sometimes be intimidating. My work is centered around patience, care, and building trust with both the children and their families. Every child deserves to have a fun and stress-free experience, and I strive to ensure they leave not only looking good but feeling good about themselves.

What I’m most proud of is how we’ve built a reputation for providing excellent service while maintaining a compassionate, family-oriented atmosphere. I’m incredibly proud of the relationships I’ve developed with families, and the trust they’ve placed in me to take care of their children’s needs. My personal journey, overcoming challenges and pushing forward no matter the odds, fuels my dedication to offering exceptional care and service to every client.

At Joli Tots and Teens, we’re committed to giving children a memorable salon experience—one that enhances both their outer beauty and their inner confidence. It’s more than just a haircut or a braid; it’s about making each child feel special, seen, and loved. We continue to improve and evolve, always aiming to exceed our clients’ expectations and create a space where kids can shine both inside and out.

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
What I like best about our city is the strong sense of community. There’s a warmth and connection among people here that makes it a special place to live and work. I’ve been fortunate to build lasting relationships with families and fellow business owners, and I truly appreciate the diversity in our city. It’s a place where there’s always something new to learn, and the atmosphere is both vibrant and welcoming.

What I like least about the city is the occasional lack of accessibility and affordability in certain areas, especially when it comes to resources for those in need. While our city has so much to offer, I feel there could be more support for individuals and families who are struggling to make ends meet. Additionally, finding a safe and welcoming space for children can sometimes be a challenge. I believe that with more initiatives focused on inclusivity, accessibility, and safety, our city could become an even stronger, more united place where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Joli Tots and Teens / Braids by Ms Erica