We had the good fortune of connecting with Britney (BJ) Johnson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Britney (BJ), is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factor behind my success is staying consistent. Even on my hardest days, being consistent has helped me to achieve many goals and it has motivated me to continue to “show up” because there are so many women & small business owners out there that need what I have to offer.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a Permanent Makeup Artist & Content Creator. I originally worked in the medical field as a certified medical coder for several years. I really enjoyed my role as a coder and I was comfortable in that role; however, it wasn’t fulfilling for me. I knew the only way to have a truly satisfying career was to be my own boss. The hardest part in switching careers was trying to figure out something I could do that not only I enjoy, but also allow me to make an income. After months of thinking, it dawned on me that I could do brows! It sounded crazy saying that out loud at first lol but I remembered always receiving compliments from women on how good my brows looked and wanting to know who did them. I had stopped getting my brows professionally done because I was tired of spending my money and being unsatisfied with how my brows looked. I took the time to properly learn how to do my own brows. After doing my own brows for years, I took a course to become certified in microblading and microshading. I continued to work as a coder and work on my business for a year, until I was able to quit my full-time job and focus on my business. I now offer brow services that include microblading, microshading, brow threading, brow tinting and also eyelash extensions.

Little did I know, that my business would be more than just brows! What sets me apart from others is exactly what I just mentioned…it’s more than just brows! It’s the experience I provide with every encounter, whether it’s in person, through my social media handles, or virtually! I create spaces for the everyday woman to show her beauty through her individuality. I also create spaces for small business owners to level up by creating quality content for their audience. As a new small business owner, I had taken several classes and read books on marketing and branding and they were all very beneficial; however, what was lacking for me was continued help from those more experienced ones. I’ve had several small business owners reach out to me with content questions so I figured why not provide the help that I needed when I first started my business. In addition to providing brow and lash services, I provide virtual 1-on-1s to small business owners to help them create quality content for their business and it includes an additional 30 days support so they can receive the help they need to create quality content! It excites me when I hear how thankful these small business owners are when they receive a sale or more engagement on their social media handles because they implemented new things they were taught in our virtual 1-on-1.

Although there have been many achievements, there have also been many challenges and lessons learned. Owning a business during Covid has definitely been a challenge, but it has pushed my creativity in so many ways. Prior to Covid, I would have monthly brow classes where I teach women how to maintain their own brows. We would sip wine, enjoy “girl talk”, get to know new ladies and leave with bomb brows. Due to Covid, I could not host these group classes in person; however, I’ve been able to host them virtually and even have women from out of state attend and we have just as much fun! Covid has also allowed me to have “downtime”, which I used to create my own mink strip lash line. What sets my strip lashes apart from others is that the styles in my original collection come with “lash moods” that are on the back of each lash case. Each “lash mood” is a reminder of how great you are every time you wear them! They are a reminder that the lashes enhance the beauty that was already there. There is so much emphasis on physical beauty, but the person you are on the inside is just as important! Another challenge for me has been getting out of my own way. Sometimes we allow our minds to limit our own potential. I’ve learned to believe in myself more. I can honestly do anything I put my mind to! One lesson I have learned is to always SHOW UP! Even on my hardest days or when I think no one is watching… They are! Even if it’s one person, there is someone out there that needs me. I have continued to show up for my audience and it’s so rewarding when someone tells me I motivated them to start a business or something I said helped them have a better day. Of course I love when my clients send me selfies or tell me how many compliments they received on their brows or lashes, but there is no greater joy in hearing how I have made people feel and that is my greatest achievement.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If she comes on Sunday, we are definitely hitting up Cascade skating rink. Of course at some point, I would do her brows and lashes at my suite in Decatur! After our faces are beat, I would take her to Milk & Honey off Wesley Chapel Road in Decatur for brunch. After brunch, we would go to a fun place to take pictures at somewhere like “tfti experience” or “atlanta selfie museum.” We would definitely have to end the night with dinner at crab404 on Roswell Rd. If it’s nice outside one of the days, we would go climb stone mountain and enjoy the scenery at the top of the mountain one day and then ride scooters on the beltline and enjoy King of Pops. We would also check out the shops at Ponce City Market and enjoy the rooftop. And if we are out for a late night, we would enjoy the vibes at BQE lounge or karaoke on Friday night at Nouveau Bar.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to dedicate this shoutout series to my dad (BJ) who passed away on 01/09/2018. Although he is resting, he has been one of my biggest inspirations. His positive attitude, his “hustle” mentality and his ability to make others smile has helped me become the entrepreneur I am today. I get these 3 attributes naturally from my dad and from seeing his example daily for years! Because of him, I am able to uplift and motivate women through my platform.

Website: https://bjsbeautybrows.as.me/

Instagram: www.instagram/bjs.beauty.brows

Facebook: www.facebook/bjsbeautybrows

Other: linktr.ee/bjsbeautybrows bjsbeautybrows.bigcartel.com

Image Credits
Captured By Jo Photography| IG: @capturedbyjo_ Photographer Lance Thomas| IG: @lancito_tmas

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlana is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.