A Clementon cosmetology school has received a significant grant from the singer Beyonce’s foundation, BeyGOOD.
The $50,000 award went to Janas Cosmetology Academy on Blackwood-Clementon Road. BeyGOOD cited the school for its commitment to diverse beauty industry training. There is also the promise of five, $10,000 scholarships from the foundation for state residents in the beauty industry. They will be announced in April.
Janas’ director Devon Hall explained how BeyGOOD came to recognize the academy.
“They said that they reached out through social media and they were on the West Coast,” Hall recalled. “The next day, I saw them on my schedule for a phone call and it was pretty steadfast.”
Janas’ owner and CEO Atiya Johnson expressed her gratitude for the grant, which she says acknowledges the academy’s courses, such as textured and Black hair, a rarity among cosmetology programs on the East Coast. The award – part of a larger initiative by BeyGOOD and Cecred, the hair-care product line Beyonce founded – aims to support cosmetology schools across the nation.
In addition to financial assistance, the grant will provide opportunities for aspiring beauty professionals, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds.
Johnson, who shares a background in the beauty industry with Beyoncé, inherited her mother’s salon as a teen. The 38-year-old Gloucester Township resident emphasized the importance of preserving her mother’s legacy,
“What started out as, ‘I don’t want my mom’s legacy to die,’ transitioned into a love for the cosmetology industry,” Johnson remembered. “They could not find one school in New York that offered a textured hair course … so someone said, ‘Let’s expand the search to Jersey.’”
Hall offered her thoughts on getting news of the grant.
“It definitely was something that was completely to the left,” she acknowledged. “We weren’t expecting it. They were seeking out a school that offered classes for textured hair, and they expanded their search to New Jersey and found us. It happened pretty quickly.
“It was a blessing,” Hall added. “We have worked very hard, and for us to be given this opportunity is amazing. We were one of only five other salons (considered for grants). We opened up doors in New Jersey and we are the babies of the schools that were looked at.
“It was major for them to identify us.”
Hall emphasized how Johnson had the courage at a young age to take over the business.
“Her mom, Wanda Dickerson, had the salon open since 1994, but she had to step away unexpectedly to deal with personal family matters,” Hall explained. “Atiya had to take over the salon at the age of 17 years old. Now we are over 20 years manning the fort.”
Janas has another distriction, according to Hall: It is the only Black-owned and operated cosmetology school in New Jersey, something she calls a major accomplishment. Its graduates are proficient in aspects of cosmetology, like barbering, natural hair care and braiding. And the academy is committed to ensuring that its students graduate free of debt.
“I am proud to say being the first black cosmetology school is a major accomplishment,” Hall pointed out. “It’s important for people to understand (that) diversity is the key. We want our students to be empowered and encouraged. A lot of times, we look at finances being unbearable, especially the young generation, if they aren’t prepared for a level of service.
“We want to put them (students) in a position to focus on their dreams and not their debt.”
The Beyonce grant, Hall pointed out, is humbling.
“I am proud to say being the first black cosmetology school is a major accomplishment,” she observed. “It’s important for people to understand diversity is the key. We want our students to be empowered and encouraged.
“We are extremely excited about the opportunity and truly humbled.”
For more on BeyGOOD grants and scholarships, call Janas Cosmetology Academy directly at (856) 344-5018.
