Just Weaves is a walk-in only hair extension bar offering the “Just Pretty,” “Just Beautiful,” and “Just Add Ons” package to clients.
On Saturday, October 22, co-owners of Just Weaves L.A. launched its’ grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony. Inglewood Mayor James Butts, Councilman Ralph L. Franklin representing District 4 and POWER 106 radio host Yessi Ortiz were also in attendance for the big day. The weaving bar later opened its’ doors Tuesday, November 1.
“We decided to expand the brand Just Extensions and opened up Just Weaves. We had vendors who also have businesses in Inglewood. The event brought different business together and really helped grow Black Business in Inglewood,” said founder of Just Extensions and Just Weaves, Riqua Hailes.
From shoe stores and t-shirt shops to hair salons, Hailes has been doing it all since the age of 16. Her inspiration behind Just Weaves began prior to her launching Just Extensions in 2012.
“When I was in L.A., I would always try to find places to get my hair done. I lived in the mid-Wilshire area and I always had to come to the Inglewood/Crenshaw area to get my hair done because the places in Hollywood were either too expensive or they didn’t have a lot of options that I was used to from the East coast,” said Hailes.
The co-owners of Just Weaves: Lachelle Johnson, Shamica Simmons, Tankia Durham, and Joy Landrum have known each other five years and previously worked together at Just Extensions.
“Our vibe here is very family oriented, we have all pretty much been here from day one,” said Just Weaves co-owner, Joy Landrum. “To be able to grow with people that you have been with since day one, gives a very close sisterly vibe and it’s great.”
Meet the co-owners of Just Weaves L.A.
Tanika Durham
Just Weaves L.A. stylist Tankia Durham began her cosmetology journey in high school. After discovering her talent, she attended San Diego Community College, it was there that she received her license in cosmetology.
Durham’s favorite hairstyle to do for clients is the slick middle or side part with straight hair. The stylists specializes in healthy hair, braided and beaded sew-in applications.
“My favorite part about being a stylist is the end result, seeing how well you can perfect your craft as well as making people happy and beautiful,” said Durham.
One piece of advice Durham has for young women in cosmetology is to be persistent.
“Stay dedicated. This is an awesome career where you can grow and do different ventures. You can be a business owner, a teacher or anything,” said Durham.
Joy Landrum
Cosmetology wasn’t in the stars for stylist Landrum who started the field as an alternate route. Originally, Landrum attended school for business and fashion design.
“I completed both of those, with an associate’s degree and realized fashion was an aisle that I wanted to go down but I still needed to figure out where exactly I wanted to be in it,” said Landrum. “I was doing hair on the side, so I figured why not go to cosmetology school.”
Landrum received a cosmetology license from Fullerton College. Today, Landrum is attends Cal Poly Pomona where she intends on graduating with a bachelor’s degree in business and apparel production.
As far as the business is concerned, Landrum would like to see the brand continue to grow and launch in various cities in California.
Landrum specializes in braided sew-ins, beaded sew-ins, micro links, keratin tips and skin weft application. Her favorite hair style to do is the heavy side part with bangs and big curls.
Lachelle Johnson
Johnson attended El Camino Cosmetology School where she became a license cosmetologist. Her career in the hair industry took off when she found owner and founder of Just Extensions Hailes on Craigslist five years ago.
Today she is a junior partner of Just Weaves weaving bar.
“I have always been into hair,” said Johnson. “I’ve braided while I was in high school, all of my friends would come to my house for me to do individual braids. I didn’t go to college, instead I decided to take my trade further and get educated in it.”
“This is the first business I have ever been a part of, I am learning a lot along the way and I expect to be a very successful business woman in the next five years,” said Johnson.
Johnson specializes in braided sew-ins, beaded sew-ins, micro links and skin weft application and her favorite hairstyle is the swoosh bang.
Shamica Simmons
Simmons attended junior college but was unsure of the direction she wanted to go in so, she enrolled in Western Beauty Institute. After receiving her cosmetology license, she indulged in everything hair.
“I was working in a beauty supply and doing hair on the side. It developed into something that I really liked to do and it was good money,” said Simmons.
Simmons advises young women who are interested in the hair industry to attend cosmetology school.
“It’s a good trade, you become a therapist, opportunity to interact with clients and know that you made a difference in their lives just by doing their hair,” said Simmons.
Simmons favorite hairstyle to do is straight, sleek black hair but she also specializes in healthy hair, skin weft, braided and beaded sew in applications.
Five years from now, Hailes envisions the Just brand expanding into a barbershop, natural hair care, a product salon.
“I am hopeful that between me and the girls, we can really grow the brand and like Joyce said, we can go to different cities, expand throughout the California area and just see how it goes,” said Hailes. “We have a strong team here, as long as we can stay focus, plan and execute, I think we can get it done.”
Just Weaves, is located at 10925 Crenshaw Blvd. Inglewood, CA and is open every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. On Saturdays, Just Weaves is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Just Extensions which is located at 358 South La Brea Ave. is open every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. On Saturdays, Just Extensions is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Ladies follow Just Weaves and Just Extensions on Instagram @justweavesla and @justextensions.
For more information on packages, pricing or to purchase weave hair visit http://justweavesla.com/ and http://justextensionshair.com/