š‘¼š‘Æš‘“ interview with licensed cosmetologist Nicole Jones-Watkins!

Welcome, Nicole, and how are you doing?

Thank you so much for having me. I’m doing well and healing beautifully, taking everything day by day with gratitude. This season has been a powerful reset for me, and I’m excited and honored to share my story.

Let’s go back a bit. What sparked your interest in wanting to become a licensed cosmetologist?

My interest in cosmetology started long before it became a business. I grew up watching how haircare and self-care could transform someone’s confidence and emotional well-being. Working in healthcare for over 20 years—from CNA and unit clerk manager to medical assistant—I saw firsthand that healing isn’t just physical. People glow differently when they feel seen, cared for, and renewed.

Cosmetology became my way of merging creativity with wellness. It allowed me to care for people not only through health services but also through beauty, empowerment, and holistic restoration. That combination is what sparked my passion and led me into this beautiful field.

Tell us about JWCole Hair & Soul! Love that name!! What does your business entail, and why is it uniquely beneficial to the maintenance of hair care?

Thank you! JWCole Hair & Soul LLC was born from the idea that beauty and healing must work hand in hand—from the soul inside out. My brand offers all-natural, vegan, handcrafted skincare and haircare products that nourish the hair, scalp, and skin without harmful chemicals.

What makes us unique is the integration ofĀ health science + natural beauty. Every formulation is inspired by both my medical background and my lived experience with clients whose hair and skin concerns are often connected to deeper issues like stress, inflammation, hormonal imbalance, medication, and lifestyle factors.

JWCole Hair & Soul isn’t just about products; it’s a wellness journey that teaches people how to love themselves, protect their crown, and restore their inner glow.

I understand that you also have a background as a very experienced medical assistant, which is amazing! Yesss, Queen!!! Did you intertwine your knowledge of being a medical assistant with being a cosmetologist in regard to coming up with your brand? And how so?

Absolutely—my healthcare background is at the heart of everything I create.

With over 20 years in healthcare, I gained extensive knowledge in anatomy, skin integrity, scalp health, infection control, sanitation, and how different ingredients affect the body. As a medical assistant, I spent years educating patients on health, prevention, and proper care routines. I brought all of that into my business as a whole.

So when creating JWCole Hair & Soul, I didn’t just focus on beauty; I focused on healthy beauty—understanding pH balance, inflammation, allergens, and how natural plant-based ingredients can support hair growth, moisture retention, and long-term scalp health. My medical experience ensures that my products are safe, clean, and created with intention and purpose.

What are some of the specific products that you offer and their functions?

Here are a few customer favorites:

ā— Restoration Growth Oil-Stimulates hair growth, nourishes the scalp, and strengthens roots using a blend of natural herbs and essential oils.

ā— Moisture Revival Shampoo & Conditioner–Restores hydration, reduces breakage, and leaves hair soft and manageable without stripping natural oils.

ā— Wellness Whipped Lotion–A rich, whipped blend that repairs dry skin, enhances elasticity, and leaves a long-lasting glow.

ā— Exfoliating Scalp & Body Scrub Bars– Removes buildup, detoxes the scalp, purifies the body,  improves circulation, and promotes healthier skin and hair back to its natural state.

Everything is handcrafted, vegan, and made in small batches for freshness and quality.

How has the entrepreneurial journey been for you thus far?

The journey has been powerful, stretching, humbling, and rewarding. Entrepreneurship teaches you resilience, faith, discipline, and patience. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to use every skill I gained in healthcare—leadership, compassion, organization, and service.

There have been challenges, especially balancing healing, business responsibilities, and growth. But witnessing customers’ restoration while transforming their soul, their hair, their skin, and even their confidence makes it all worth it. This path has become part of my purpose.

Where can customers connect with you and purchase products?

Customers can shop and connect with me here:

🌐 Website: www.jwcolehairsoul.com
šŸ“ In-Store: JWCole Hair & Soul LLC
ā€ƒ 107 E. Bel Air Ave, Aberdeen, MD 21001
šŸ“± Social Media: @jwcolehairsoul (Instagram, TikTok, Facebook)

When you’re not busy working, how are you practicing self-care?

Self-care for me looks like quiet time with God, journaling, resting, and listening to my body—especially during healing. I love soft music, candles, warm baths, and taking intentional breaks from work to reset my mind and spirit. I’m learning that rest is not a reward; it’s a requirement.

Thank you so much, Nicole!

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