Michelle Johnson is the owner of Serene By Nature LLC; a natural haircare salon that specializes in all textures of hair, including installing both traditional locs and microlocs. We had a chance to sit down with her to ask about her experience with entrepreneurship and LAEDA’s training programs.
1. LAEDA: Entrepreneurship is a very challenging path to take with many different possible directions. What made you decide to become an entrepreneur? “I decided to become an entrepreneur when I realized that I had something different to offer in a business. I have worked under a few business owners, while working for them I have observed different styles of ownership. I realized that I could solve a problem that I saw in the beauty industry and still do what I love.”
2. LAEDA: Why did you choose your industry? “I chose being a salon owner because the beauty industry is so creative! I love creating experiences while doing hair and making my guests feel at peace, leaving with self confidence and their hair being fly!”
3. Tell me about your experience while attending EDTP. What have the major takeaways been from the program? Have you had any “Ah-ha!” moments? How did the program help you? “Being in EDTP changed the way I viewed certain things in my business. I loved in particular how I was able to meet different people with creative ideas like me, being able to bounce ideas in front of them to see how they would receive them as a consumer. Plus learning business fundamentals, financial projections, business leadership, marketing myself, so many different tools that I could always refer back to. EDTP helped me to get my business in order! The “Ah-ha” moment for me was understanding there is a difference between working for myself/being a boss, versus working for myself and being a great leader! I formed a lot of great relationships, found resources and most importantly I have somewhere to go to if I need help in my business!!”
4. LAEDA: Tell me about your journey on the road to business start-up. What have been some of the challenges, successes, failures, etc.? “When I first started Serene By Nature LLC, I took over a salon with two employees who were unhappy and unsure of who I was. Naturally, they didn’t trust my leadership at first. It was a rocky beginning, filled with both highs and lows, and I soon realized I needed to rebuild the business from the ground up.
I poured everything into it and managed to grow it—bringing in staff, attracting clients, and achieving a level of success I was proud of, especially considering where I had started. But behind the scenes, I was overwhelmed. I let the stress of being an entrepreneur consume me. Even with a team and a loyal customer base, I was leading from a place of fear. And fear held me back from becoming the leader I truly wanted to be. Eventually, I made the difficult decision to close that first chapter. But in 2020, the opportunity to own a business came around again. I was nervous—but I said yes. And this time, I walked in stronger, wiser, and more determined to lead with confidence and clarity.”
5. Could you tell me a little about where your business is today? “Serene By Nature LLC has been running for five years successfully, we are thriving as a business going from one employee to having four stylists in the salon. With being trained by EDTP I have learned greater skills in leadership, finances, and marketing! We are excited to keep thriving as a business. We are located at a salon suite in Moorestown and we will continue to blossom!”
6. Do you have any advice for future (or existing) entrepreneurs? “If I could give advice to a young entrepreneur it would be to learn your business from where you are working. Being in leadership is not for the weak, it requires being teachable, gaining mentors constantly, and grabbing tools before you just open a business. Get the training you need. I wish I knew about EDTP when I first started, I would have avoided a lot of pitfalls. Keep learning because even when you think you know there is always something new to learn. Lastly, keep going, you will never know what your business could be if you stop, you’re going to have bad days and sometimes worse days, it’s all a part of growing and learning! So GROW!”
More about Serene by Nature:
We are a natural hair care salon that specializes in all textures of hair, including installing both traditional locs and microlocs. We also provide maintenance services for Sisterlocks. We thrive on helping our guests feel confident from the first moment they sit in our chair. Please explore our site and get to know us. We hope to service you soon!
Serene By Nature LLC can be reached at:
Website: www.serenebynaturellc.com Instagram: @serenebynaturellc Facebook: Serene By Nature LLC Location: 220 Young Avenue Suite 12 Moorestown, NJ 08057
About the Entrepreneurial Development Training Program (EDTP):
The Entrepreneurial Development Training Program (EDTP) is a free, nine-week business skills training course offered in Camden, NJ in the Spring and Fall each year. Qualified entrepreneurs receive 72+ hours of training from industry professionals, business planning, and continued technical assistance.