We had the good fortune of connecting with Janelle Fulton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Janelle, what inspires you?
I am inspired by Content Creators! The newer generations solely participate in ONLY doing what we think is best for us as individuals! We do not put our peace and happiness last, we always keep it as priority. I believe that’s what I am inspired the ability to be disciplined and develop such a life to where I can actually do things I never imagined before.

What should our readers know about your business?
I am a local braider in Long Beach, California; I specialize in doing protective styles for women of color. I think my simplicity in styles and professionalism sets me apart from other braiders. I am most proud of my improvement from when I began braiding in 2016. The clientele that I have gained is unreal!

My business grew through word of mouth honestly! So many of my clients say they appreciate how kind I am, how I gentle I am on their scalps, and they really enjoy the quality of my work. I never specifically had a goal because I did not know that I would become a full-time braider, life just happened in a way to where that worked the best for me. Instead of it being “easy”, I would say it was unexpected—in a good way.

Sometimes I did run into different types of clients, where at times it was difficult to communicate my policies. Sometimes my business and time was not respected. So with that I learned patience is key and it is always important to remain calm and collected during those frustrating moments.

I want the world to know that, in the beginning, my business began through just a hobby; now that I am 6 years into my craft I have gained so much knowledge and wisdom. But I will say that my number one takeaway is putting myself first! My brand is all about allowing women to feel beautiful and take care of themselves, but I forgot that I am also apart of that same community! Once I started thinking of myself too, business became even easier.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I barely go places due to work (life of an entrepreneur right?).

But to shorten it into a day, I would take my friend to Schooner or Later in Long Beach for a nice soothing, yet tasty breakfast spot!

My favorite place to go twice a week is a t least visiting Skyline Dr. View in Signal Hill, it truly relaxes my mind and puts me at ease.

Lunch would have to be at The Attic in Long Beach!

Dinner would be Little Kingston Jamaican Food On Slauson and La Brea in Los Angeles! Too delicious!

My favorite event would have to be the monthly Black on the Block event! There are SO many amazing businesses dedicated to and created by black people that I just absolutely love to see.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My mom is a really big supporter in my journey. I am BEYOND blessed to have her as a mother! As any mom would, my mom really put my siblings and I first! She always tried to make sure we got what we needed plus the things that we wanted! She would sometimes put our happiness before her own! Although, that can be a pro and a con, I appreciate her for doing that, even when she shouldn’t!

She is also the owner of Healing Thru Rhythm. HTR is a non profit organization that I have been a part of for over two years now. We offer dance fitness classes to our local community in Carson, California and boy, it has really healed me during all my days — good and bad. I can’t express enough how amazing the community is to consistently join us twice a week and just release good energy! Everyone can check us out and join free classes! https://healingthrurhythm.org/services/

Website: https://beautiful-hair-in-la.square.site/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejanellealana/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyHQJgsiBcN72JUpT-EQJXg

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.