Meet Makayla Johnson | Small business owner

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

Hi Makayla, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I’ve had an entrepreneurial spirit since the fourth grade—I was the kid selling lemonade in front of my house and homemade lollipops at school. Starting my own hair extension business came from that same passion. I’ve always loved beauty and helping people feel confident, so turning that into a brand felt natural. I started small, packaging orders in my room during Covid but every step has been personal and purpose-driven.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I’m the proud founder of Dippednsilkhair, a Black-owned hair extensions brand that’s rooted in quality, authenticity, and empowerment. What sets my business apart isn’t just our premium, long-lasting hair—it’s the experience and confidence we bring to every customer. At Dippednsilkhair, we believe that hair is more than a product it’s a statement of beauty, identity, and self-love.

The journey hasn’t been easy. As a young Black entrepreneur, I faced challenges like limited resources, learning the hair industry from the ground up, and standing out in a saturated market. But I stayed focused, self-educated, and trusted the vision. What helped me push through was resilience, consistency, and a passion for helping others feel their absolute best.

I’m most proud of how far Dippednsilkhair has come—from starting small to building a loyal customer base that believes in the brand. I’ve learned that success doesn’t happen overnight, but with dedication and authenticity, anything is possible.

I want the world to know that Dippednsilkhair is more than just a hair brand. It’s a movement built on confidence, community, and legacy. My story is one of growth, grit, and grace—and I hope it inspires other young women,

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was in town for a week, I’d make sure they experienced the real L.A.—the culture, the food, the creativity, and the vibes. We’d start with something fun and interactive like the Balloon Museum. It’s such a visually stunning space and really sets the tone for a creative, feel-good week. After that, we’d grab dinner at Woody’s BBQ—because when you come to L.A., you need that real soul food right away.

We’d definitely spend a day at Century City Mall—shopping, good eats, and just soaking in that upscale L.A. energy. One night, we’d hit Lucky Strike for bowling, food, drinks, and good music. It’s always a vibe and the perfect way to have fun without needing a full-on party scene.

I’d also take them to the Slauson Super Mall—it’s such a staple in the community. We’d shop from local vendors and pick up a few jewelry pieces , grab some American Deli (their wings and cheesesteaks are undefeated), and just enjoy that authentic local energy. And of course, Fixins Soul Kitchen is a must. The food, the atmosphere—it just feels like home.

We’d balance things out with a beach day or maybe a chill hike at Runyon, followed by some self-care time—maybe a spa day or getting our hair laid with some bundles from Dippednsilkhair. My goal would be to show them everything that makes this city so special—from the luxury and the landmarks to the hidden gems and the community-driven spots that tell the real story of L.A.

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?
Absolutely! First and foremost, I want to thank God for this opportunity. Without His grace, none of this would be possible. I’m truly grateful for the journey and the doors He continues to open. My next shoutout goes straight to my mom & my siblings,They’ve been my foundation through everything—supporting me, pushing me, believing in me when I needed it most. My mom’s strength and love have shaped who I am, my siblings keep me grounded and motivated, and just my entire family constantly remind me to keep going and have supported me as much as they can i have a great support system and I’m here because of them, no doubt. Their presence in my life is a big part of my journey, and I’m beyond grateful.

Image Credits
@richviewss