About Susan
A cosmetologist, educator, entrepreneur, and mentor.
My work spans more than four decades in the beauty industry, bringing together natural hair care, salon ownership, professional education, and collaboration between hair care professionals and dermatologists.
My story
From Kingston to Maryland
I grew up in Kingston, Jamaica, and came to the United States in 1981 at 16. I found my place behind the chair.
In 1996 I opened Jaha Hair Studio. After that, I kept creating spaces where professionals and consumers could learn, connect, and build confidence in caring for natural hair: Jaha Natural Hair Academy, consumer education through My Hair, My Way, and teaching in college and correctional-facility classrooms.
With Angela Walker, I co-founded the Natural Hair Industry Convention, a place for natural hair professionals and educators to come together.
Through STRAND Network™ and my work in hair and scalp education, I emphasize observation, responsible referral, and respect for each professional's role.
Today I bring that experience to conversations about professional growth, salon practice, and the future of the industry. I'm based in Maryland.
- 1981Kingston to the United StatesA new start
- 1996MarylandOpened Jaha Hair Studio
- 2003MarylandFounded Jaha Natural Hair Academy
- —Consumer educationMy Hair, My Way
- 2014IndustryCo-founded the Natural Hair Industry ConventionWith Angela Walker. First meetup in 2015, first convention in 2016.
- —Hair and scalp wellnessCo-founded PeterKINdred Hair & Scalp Wellness CenterWith Dr. Chesahna Kindred.
- 2024NationwideCo-founded STRAND Network™With Dr. Chesahna Kindred.
The work behind the work
Why I keep doing this
Natural hair education needed its own space
Natural hair too often gets pushed into a straight-hair box. Professionals who specialize in it deserve dedicated places to learn, teach, and be seen.
Salon ownership taught me the whole picture
A strong salon depends on more than technical skill. It depends on how services are organized, how clients are supported, and how decisions get made.
Professionals do better together
When hair care professionals and healthcare providers respect each other's roles, clients are better served. That's why collaboration matters to me.
How I work with people
Experienced, approachable, and candid
I listen first and I ask questions. I'll be honest with you, and I'll encourage you to keep learning and trust yourself in your own professional role.
You don't need to become someone else to succeed. Recognize your strengths, keep learning, understand your responsibilities, and make intentional decisions.
At a glance
Susan L. Peterkin
Senior Licensed Cosmetologist · Hair and Scalp Care Educator · Thought Leader
Founder of Jaha Hair Studio and Jaha Natural Hair Academy. Co-founder of the Natural Hair Industry Convention, STRAND Network™, and PeterKINdred Hair & Scalp Wellness Center. Based in Maryland.
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