Exploring Life & Business with Jo Hopper of Jo & Co. Salon

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jo Hopper

Hi Jo, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
In the summer of 2001, a friend suggested I consider beauty school, and it was like a light went on for me. At the time, I hadn’t thought about a career in beauty—most of my friends were heading off to college. But the idea felt so right, and I knew immediately that this was my path. I graduated from beauty school in 2002 and initially lived in Topeka, Kansas. By 2004, I moved to Overland Park, ready to start building my career.
I started out in a commission-based salon, but after several years, I felt it was time to make a change. In 2012, I transitioned to being an independent contractor, which meant I was essentially my own boss. I spent years working in different salons, learning, growing, and finding my way. Then in 2021, amidst the pandemic and personal challenges, including a divorce, I had an opportunity I’d been dreaming about for years: the chance to open my own salon.
It was daunting! A client of mine actually owned a building on 159th and Metcalf, and when he offered it to me, I had a lot of doubts. I thought it was too far south, and I knew the cost to build out a salon from scratch would be nearly $100,000. But something told me to go for it. I took a leap of faith, and soon, I had a small, four-chair salon. In under two years, I grew a team of seven stylists, and in October 2023, another opportunity came my way—a nearby salon was closing, and I was able to expand. In November, I got the keys to that location, transforming it into a 16-chair salon. Thanks to an incredible contractor and Carolyn my client who worked many late nights, we opened by December 1.

I want Jo & Co. to be a place where people feel connected and supported. Some of my clients feel like family—many I see once a week, and we’ve built relationships that mean so much to me. Watching my stylists grow their own businesses is the most rewarding part. I remember how my mom was initially disappointed when I chose beauty over college, but before she passed, she became so proud of my career and everything I’d achieved. Not everyone is built for college, and my goal is to help my team succeed on their own terms, just as I did.

Q: It sounds like your family background has influenced your work ethic. Could you tell us more?

I was born in South Korea in 1979. My dad was an American soldier, and my mom was working hard to escape poverty. My parents and grandparents were all business owners, and I think that entrepreneurial spirit is just in my genes. I wasn’t born into wealth, but I was born into a family with resilience and drive, which I bring to my work every day.
Walking into Jo & Co. every day feels like living a dream. Seeing my team, knowing that I’ve created a place where we’re all growing together—that’s incredibly fulfilling. Business ownership has its challenges, but for me, it’s been endlessly rewarding. I’m proud of the community we’ve built, and my hope is that Jo & Co. will continue to thrive for many decades to come.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not at all—it’s been full of challenges, but each one has taught me something valuable. One of the hardest parts of owning a salon is letting go of stylists who aren’t fully committed to their work. Just last week, I had to make the difficult decision to let two people go, which was tough and made for some sleepless nights. My biggest priority is creating a peaceful, welcoming environment where everyone feels valued. We don’t need to be best friends, but I want Jo & Co. to be a space where clients and stylists alike feel at ease and inspired.

Another struggle has been dealing with the realities of leasing a space. There have been times when the heater went out, the air conditioning struggled, or we ran out of hot water—all things that can affect the day-to-day operations. I’ve learned how important it is to thoroughly review a lease and understand what’s included and what’s not. Those experiences were definitely eye-openers in building and maintaining a smooth-running salon.

As you know, we’re big fans of Jo & Co. Salon. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Jo & Co. is a salon that’s all about creating a warm, welcoming environment where clients feel at home and truly taken care of. We specialize in all aspects of hair care—coloring, cutting, styling, and more—but beyond the services themselves, we focus on building lasting relationships with our clients. We want everyone who walks in to feel not only beautiful but valued and understood. It’s a place where both clients and stylists can connect, grow, and feel a sense of belonging.

I think what sets us apart is that we are a team and a lot of stylists are in suits now which is good as well but having a team with positive energy makes it a fun place for your clients and stylists come to.
I’m incredibly proud of the peaceful, positive atmosphere we’ve created. The brand is built around the idea of peace and beauty—Jo & Co. is a place where people can unwind, feel inspired, and know they’re in good hands. From the decor to the personal touches we add to each service, we try to make the experience truly special.

How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Since we’re still a fairly new salon, simply helping us get our name out there would mean so much! We have many talented stylists here who are growing their businesses, and a few have even relocated to Kansas from places like Louisiana and Denver. With so many people moving to Kansas from other states, we’d love to reach those new arrivals and let them know that we have a diverse team ready to welcome them. Jo & Co. has a talented team excited to help them feel at home in their new community.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Jocosalon.store
• Instagram: Jocohairsalon
• Facebook: Jo & co salon