We’re looking forward to introducing you to Trina Allen-Johnson. Check out our conversation below.
Trina, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
I think a lot of people are struggling with themselves. Be it physically, mentally, or emotionally. I think with so much going on in our world today, people are afraid of what’s to come and feel there’s no hope. I’ve noticed people are really starting to struggle mentally, just trying to hold everything together. Because of the stigma that’s being placed on mental health, people are afraid to seek help. Most people feel they have no one or nowhere to turn, so they hold everything in, and that can lead to physical and mental strain on both body and mind. The real sad part is that no one’s talking about it. Everyone wants to put on a facade and act as though everything is fine when they are really struggling inside. We have to make people understand that there is help out there and that it’s ok to seek it. Believe it or not, my therapist, Dr. Alex has gotten me through some really rough times, and I’m not ashamed to say that without her, I don’t know if I would have made it this far.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Trina Allen-Johnson and I’m the owner of Minnie’s Natural Hair Lounge located in the heart of Memphis Tennessee. I specialize in all phases of natural hair but what makes my salon unique and different is that I don’t just provide hair services I provide an outlet for my clients. What I mean is that I get to my clients both inside and out. I not only get to know their hair I get to know them as a person. Most people aren’t aware that to have healthy hair is not just about taking care of your hair it’s about taking care of the person as a whole. The only way to do that is for me to get to know my clients on a personal level. I really like to get inside and see what makes them tick. From their career choices, relationships and lifestyle choices, family makeup, physical or mental health, what makes them happy and what makes them sad. All these things contribute to having a healthy head of hair. So I give my clients a comfortable place to come and really let their hair down. They know that they can come and share their deepest secrets not just for the health of their hair but for their overall health and wellbeing. There is so much going on in our world today that people are feeling like there’s no hope and no where to turn. People not only want to look good they want to feel good and ai want to help them do just that. People are facing challenges that they never imagined. They are suffering be it mentally, physically or emotionally. And most don’t have an outlet they are afraid of the stigma that will come from them seeking help so they just hold everything in causing stress and strain on their body and mind which can not only lead to hair loss but also physical disorders as well. That’s why when you come to Minnie’s Natural Hair Lounge you have a safe comfortable environment that will allow you express yourself without worrying about that stigma. By doing this we’re able to address all areas so we can get a better understanding of how to get that healthy head of hair and keep you healthy mind, body, and soul. By working from the inside out we can have a healthier happy you. It’s about building relationships that extend beyond the salon it’s about building a family. I believe that we’re living in a time where we have to look outside the box and look for ways to make things better for ourselves and others any way we can.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
I would have to say my mother was the one who always seen me clearly. She was always encouraging me and letting me know that I could do and be whatever I wanted. Even at times when I didn’t feel like I had a place or purpose she always encouraged me to reach for the stars. My mother showed me how to push past whatever pain or obstacles that come my way and reach for the stars. I know that watching her, seeing how she handled things is what made me the woman I am today. She carried herself with such grace and dignity even in times of trouble that I knew if I could be just half the women that she was I would be ok. And although she’s gone now I still feel her presence lifting and encouraging me to be the best me I can be and I carry that not only in my day to day life but in my business as well trying to encourage and uplift others.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
After my mom passed is when I would have to say that I stopped hiding my pain. Once I realized that the person that meant everything to me was gone and I would now have to face the world alone it made me channel all the hurt and pain I had endured through the years into creating a whole new life for myself. I wanted to be better than those that had treated me so badly and caused me so much pain. I realized It was now time for me to get up dust myself off and use everything that my mother had taught and instilled in me. Instead of being bitter and angry especially after losing the most important person in my life it was time for me to start putting the pieces back together again. So I decided to work on finding a way to give some joy and hope to others that are in need as well as honoring my mother who had taught me how to push through. And that’s how the vision of Minnie’s Natural Hair Lounge began. Although there have been many instances where I wanted to give up I kept pushing forward. I believed in myself and I believed what my mother had always said that I could be and do whatever I wanted. I’m thankful for all the ups and downs and all the hurt and pain because It’s now 4 years later and I’m still holding strong. As Psalms 30:5 says “Weeping my endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning “
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
If they are really my closet friends they would say that treating people kindly with respect and dignity and doing my best to try and make the world a better place by helping others is what really matters to me.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m working. When I’m able to make someone happy by helping them see the natural beauty in themselves gives me more peace than I ever imagined. When I’m doing someone’s hair knowing that I’m the artist and their hair is my canvas and I have the ability to create a masterpiece that can not only make them look good but also feel good is all the peace I need. When I’m working I feel like everything around me is ok. I can take my client to a place of peace and serenity if only for a couple of hours. We can relax and just be free.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://pocketsuite.io/book/mnhl
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/mnh1944
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/mnhl1944/?
