Meet Shaniqua Johnson | Natural Hairstylist & Spontaneous Artist

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

Hi Shaniqua, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I haven’t always known what I was good at so it was kind of hard knowing what my purpose was, or even what I wanted to go to college for. I discovered after 2 years in college that the medical field was not for me. My Pharmacology instructor suggested that I look into programs that I was truly interested in, so I did. I went and introduced myself to the Cosmetology Instructor and it was on from there. The reason I chose this program is because I have been doing hair since middle school. It felt natural to me and I had family members that I grew up watching in the field already.

Art came about on my 26th birthday. I went to a paint and sip with friends and that very next day I was at Hobby Lobby shopping for art supplies. Painting and Drawing was something new to me. I never painted or drew as a kid so it was a huge surprise for me. It helped me so much with depression and anxiety.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
When I chose to go into the cosmetology program I thought about my mom and all the things she taught me about hair and just creating freely. I made up my mind before I finished the program that I didn’t want to go straight into a salon and start working. I finished my program at Southwest Technical College and soon after started at Aveda Institute where I pursued a dual license in Massage and Esthiology.

I went into my massage and skincare career first. I worked in the field actively for almost 5 years. There came a point in my life where I had outgrown that career path and the same day I decided to move on, I was offered an opportunity at my hairstylists salon to become her salon assistant. She played a huge role in my life, even if she didn’t know it. She helped me evolve to the next best thing in my life.

I’m most proud of myself for taking risks and being open to new opportunities.

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.
Food: Slutty Vegan, Bar Vegan (Ponce City Market), Negril, Sweet Hut, Urban Wok, Intermezzo Cafe and to see The Trap Allstars Live.

Places: Piedmont, Beltline, High Museum, Vickery Creek Falls, Andretti, Atlanta Symphony Hall, The Splatter Studio and The Black Hair Experience.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to thank my Pharmacology Instructor, my family and friends for always supporting and pushing me to be my best even when you don’t truly understand my vision. My Motivation/Why: My niece Tia and nephew Malik. My family, present and future.

Website: www.peachandumber.com

Instagram: @the.nenej

Facebook: The Natural Hairstylist @the.nenej

Image Credits
@flexfocusphotography Barry