We had the good fortune of connecting with Jherlynn Tims and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jherlynn, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Hi! Thank you for inviting me for an interview. I am excited to share how I created J. T. Hairpy. It all started in 2020 during the pandemic. I think we were all stuck in the house trying to find some normalcy. One thing that wasn’t necessity to leave the house for but I wanted to have done was my hair. By then I had been wearing wigs on and off for years but I was never satisfied with the fit. You see, I have a big head. My head circumference is bigger than most standard wigs so they would always feel too tight on my head. Even when I had my wigs custom made, the fit was just never quite right. Well during the pandemic, I was stuck in the house and decided to try to make a wig that would fit my head. Well lo and behold, I did! I was able to go to YouTube university and figure out a lot of techniques to help people with nonstandard head sizes be able to wear wigs comfortably. Also, during this time I was attending the University of Cincinnati to obtain my Master of Social Work with a concentration in Mental Health. The duality of these learning experiences made me realize I wanted to put my two passions together and that is how J. T. Hairpy was born. When I think about the black hair salon experience, I think of it as a therapeutic experience. Having someone take care of you by taking care of your hair, listening to you, giving you a break, taking a task off of your hands. My hairdresser was someone who I trusted to take care of two important things, my hair and my problems. In my opinion these two fields are more connected than we think and their fusion could be a way to bridge the gap in the black community and mental health care.

What should our readers know about your business?

I believe the concept alone of combining mental health with the beauty industry sets J. T. Hairy apart. While I am not the first to think of this concept, it is a relatively new way of thinking. While looking good generally helps a person mood, J. T. Hairpy focuses on a type of holistic care which targets a person’s inside and out.

Like most new business owners, I have a 9-5. While the goal is to transition over fully to entrepreneurship, the licensing process in social work requires me to work in the field to be able advance to the next level. As I continue to work in the community as a mental health professional, I am gaining invaluable experiences and widening my scope of practice. Unfortunately, this means that J. T. Hairpy has not reached its final form yet. While I am still making wigs and selling hair, I have not yet had the opportunity to attend cosmetology school, which would allow me to work in someone’s hair while giving therapy. The next steps in my business expansion are for me to get my independent social wok license and graduate from hair school so my vision of hair therapy can come to fruition.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Dayton, Ohio is also known as Gem City and it is just that, a gem. It’s a city with a small-town feel. There are lots of great places to eat such as 1Eleven Flavor House, Lily’s in the Oregon District or Dayton’s new food hall, West Social Tap & Table. Speaking of the Oregon District, this is a great place to visit while in Dayton. It is an historical neighborhood that has examples of Dayton’s architectural history from 1820 to 1915 all lined with brick streets and lanes. This neighborhood also has a host of restaurants for you to try such as Oregon Express, Salar Restaurant and Lounge, and Thai 9. The Oregon District also has an extensive night life for the party goers. If you are traveling with kids or love museums Dayton has a few that might interest you, Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, Dayton Art Institute, National Museum of the US Air Force, Carillon Historical Park and Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park. If you are in to theatre Dayton Live combines 4 venues, Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center, Victoria Theatre, PNC Arts Annex, and The Loft Theatre, they host events such as plays, musicals, ballets, comedy shows, concerts, panel discussions and more! And lastly if you love to shop AND you want to stimulate the local economy by buying local you can visit The Entrepreneurs Shoppe which is a permanent pop up shop for local business owners to sell their crafts to our community.

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?
Is it cliche to say my mother? Even if it is, it’s true. A constant. A rock. Even through my rough teenage years. My rebellious college years. My “I am grown, so I don’t have to listen” early 20’s. Someone who has loved me. Supported me. Listened to me. Refused to let me shut her out. An unshakable bond. A true warrior. Someone who went without so I could eat. Someone who cried behind closed doors so I could smile. My mother. Without her would there be the Jherlynn you know today? Doubtful. My whole village is great, but my mother? Now there’s a Star who deserves a Special Shoutout. I love you Carita Lawrence, always and forever.

Website: https://jthairpy.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jthairpy?igsh=bnNrcWE4cTR3ajl0

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jthairpy

Image Credits
The one photo where I am in the red shirt I was on a panel of mental health professionals speaking about mental health in the black community.

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta 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.