Practical guidance for your next professional chapter.
I support hair care professionals, salon owners, and beauty entrepreneurs through coaching, consulting, and education informed by more than four decades in the industry. My work also brings me into conversation with schools, professional organizations, and healthcare collaborators committed to stronger professional practice.
How I can help
Three ways to work together
My work brings me alongside hair care professionals developing their skills and direction, salon owners strengthening their businesses, and educators and organizations creating meaningful learning experiences.
Coaching & Mentorship
A focused conversation about your professional direction, and practical next steps you can act on.
Explore Coaching → For salon owners & beauty entrepreneursConsulting
Help with a business, program, team, or defined project, with a scope we agree on together.
Discuss Consulting → For schools, organizations & event hostsSpeaking & Education
Workshops, panels, and talks grounded in what professionals experience in the salon.
Invite Susan to Speak →About Susan
Four decades in the beauty industry
I'm a cosmetologist, educator, entrepreneur, and mentor. My career brings together natural hair care, salon ownership, professional education, and collaboration between hair care professionals and dermatologists.
I listen first, I ask questions, and I share what I've learned. You don't need to have everything figured out before we talk.
- 1996Jaha Hair StudioMy natural hair salon in Maryland.
- 2003Jaha Natural Hair AcademyProfessional education in natural hair care.
- 2014Natural Hair Industry ConventionCo-founded with Angela Walker to bring natural hair professionals together.
- 2024STRAND Network™Co-founded with dermatologist Dr. Chesahna Kindred to connect hair care education with dermatology.
A principle I teach
Recognition is not diagnosis.
Hair care professionals often notice changes first. Our role is to observe, document, and refer, while diagnosis and treatment stay with healthcare providers.
- Know the baselineLearn each client's usual hair and scalp appearance.
- Document what you seeNote changes over time, with the client's permission.
- Refer responsiblyEncourage appropriate professional care when needed.
- Respect each roleCollaboration works when everyone stays within their scope.
My work and impact
From the salon to classrooms and collaborative education
Through Jaha Hair Studio, natural hair education, the Natural Hair Industry Convention, and STRAND Network™, I've helped create opportunities for professionals to share knowledge and strengthen their practice.
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