We’re looking forward to introducing you to Jon’nay Jackson. Check out our conversation below.
Jon’nay, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
At this time in my life I’m being called to change, Intentionally and sometimes radically not only on a business aspect but personal also. I resisted it when I initially began this business, change felt risky, especially when things were working well enough. Now, I see that growth requires constant evolution even when it’s uncomfortable. I’m being called to challenge old systems, rethink what success looks like, and make decisions that prioritize long-term impact over short-term certainty. It’s not about changing for the sake of it, it’s about answering a deeper call to lead differently, build more sustainably, and stay aligned with values, not just outcomes.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Nay, and I’m a licensed cosmetologist specializing in Locs and Natural Hair Care. I started this journey not because hair was always my passion—but because purpose found me. In 2021, what began as a small step into the world of hair quickly became a calling that’s shaped everything I do today.
Through our brand, Jungle of Locs, our mission is to uplift Black and Brown men and women by nurturing the beauty of their natural selves. We believe our hair isn’t just hair, it’s history, identity, and power. It’s a statement without words.
What makes our work unique is the heart behind it. We’re not just styling hair, we’re helping people reconnect with their roots and walk confidently in who they are by choosing health above al things. Right now, we’re working to expand our impact by developing both online and in-person classes offering education not only to aspiring locticians, but also to individuals who want to learn how to care for their own crown at home. We believe everyone deserves access to the knowledge and tools to maintain and celebrate their natural hair.
At Jungle of Locs, we’re building more than a brand, we’re building a movement rooted in self-love, cultural pride, and community care.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
The part of me that sought perfection before action. For a long time, I felt like everything had to be “just right” before I could show up, launch something, or even call myself a professional in this space. But that mindset only delayed progress and dimmed my confidence. It served its purpose in helping me be thorough and intentional but now, it’s time to release the fear that comes with needing things to be flawless. Growth happens in the doing, not just in the planning. I’m learning to trust myself more, take bolder steps, and let the journey be messy, beautiful, and real. I think I’ll always have the perfectionist with me when she’s needed but she needs to understand that It’s okay for her to take a breather sometimes.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me to trust deeply in God’s plan, especially when it looked nothing like mine. In the moments when things were falling apart or not going “according to plan,” I was forced to let go of control and lean into faith. The level of faith I’ve built through my early mistakes and setbacks is something success alone could never have given me. Success can make you feel like you’re in control, but suffering reminds you that you’re not—and that’s not a bad thing.
Now, I’ve learned to sit back and truly enjoy the view, even when I don’t know what’s coming next. God’s timing and vision have always proven better than mine. This is a lesson that’s grounded me in both my life and my business. I move with more peace now, not because i’m succeeding, but because I know I’m being guided even if I fail.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
I deeply protect the value of community and mutual support. Our strength , as a people, has always come from how we uplift each other by sharing knowledge, resources, and encouragement.
For me, that means fostering genuine connections, not just transactions. Whether it’s through Jungle of Locs or one-on-one with clients, I prioritize creating a space where black and brown men and women feel seen, heard, and supported. We need each other. Protecting this value is essential to me because it reminds us that we don’t have to walk alone. We thrive when we walk together as one nation, not apart.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What will you regret not doing?
I think I’ll always look back and regret not taking social media more seriously during the time when I had a viral streak and had the time. I’m not someone who naturally gravitates toward being online or sharing every moment and if it weren’t for my business, I probably wouldn’t use social media much at all. But I understand how powerful it is on the business side of things and how it connects you with your audience, builds visibility, and opens doors.
Even now, it’s still a challenge for me to stay consistent with it. It doesn’t come naturally, and I have to push myself. But looking back, I do wish I had leaned in more when the momentum was there. That said, I’m learning to meet the moment now, in a way that still feels authentic to who I am. I just hope nobody forgets that I’m still here just because I didn’t post for a week.
Contact Info:
- Website: jungleoflocs@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jungleoflocs?igsh=MTR4cTBuNHBpM3FycA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Other: https://linker.ee/jungleoflocs
