Inspiring Conversations with MJ of splbym

Today we’d like to introduce you to MJ

Hi MJ, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
From a young age, I was inspired to work for myself. Growing up, I watched my mom thrive as an entrepreneur, radiating joy and freedom in her work. On the other hand, I saw my dad navigate the corporate world, often feeling unfulfilled. Their experiences lit a fire in me—I knew self-employment was the path I wanted to follow.

At 14, I discovered my love for doing hair. It wasn’t just a hobby; I turned my passion into a business early on. I started charging for my services while still in high school and stayed determined to make it my career. After graduating, I enrolled in hair school and honed my craft. I worked as a receptionist at Great Clips then became a stylist for four years, gaining experience, but even then, I always kept my entrepreneurial spirit alive.

For years, I ran my own hair business, “Hair by MJ,” and loved every minute of it. In 2014, after decades of dedication, I retired from doing hair. But that wasn’t the end of my journey—it was just the beginning of a new chapter.

I shifted my focus to lashing, mentoring and empowering others. I knew the struggles of not having a mentor when I was starting out, and I wanted to be the person I wished I’d had back then. I earned my instructor license and launched SPL by MJ in 2016, specializing in semi-permanent lashes. I poured my heart and soul into building that business, and by 2022, I expanded my vision by creating courses to help others grow in this industry. Www.splbymj.com. was born!

For me, success is about creating multiple streams of income and building something lasting. I believe in constantly evolving, learning, and sharing knowledge. Today, SPL by MJ is more than a business—it’s a platform for mentorship, growth, and opportunity.

I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and I’m even more excited about what’s ahead. (Starting a new business Making Memories enterprises). There’s no limit to what we can achieve when we invest in ourselves and others.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My journey as an entrepreneur hasn’t been without its challenges. I’m a single mom with 3 boys to men. Some of the biggest obstacles I’ve faced is having enough time, energy for my children, stepping out on faith and convincing others to believe in what I firmly stand for. Believing in myself has never been an issue—I live by the mantra: If you dream it, you can achieve it. But having the support of others is a different story. Support comes in many forms—referrals, recommendations, likes, shares, and even simple words of encouragement. Word of mouth is the most powerful advertisement, and in the early stages of my career, it played a significant role in my success.

However, as the world transitioned into the age of social media, everything changed. The way we promote and market ourselves has shifted dramatically. I’ll admit, keeping up with this change has been a challenge for me. I don’t do many videos or advertisements, which I know I should be doing more of. At this point, I realize it may be time to invest in professional marketing. It’s been an adjustment for me, as someone who started their career long before social media dominated the business landscape.

Another obstacle has been funding the dreams I want to bring to life. I’ve accomplished so much, but there’s always more I want to do—like starting a podcast that connects to what I’m already doing. But as a self-employed, self-made entrepreneur, I don’t have the safety nets that come with working in the corporate world. There’s no PTO to fall back on when I’m sick or need a break. Staying afloat in this business requires resilience, grit, and an unwavering commitment to my vision.

Despite the challenges, I’m proud of how far I’ve come. The lessons I’ve learned—about adaptability, perseverance, and staying true to myself—are invaluable. And while the road hasn’t always been easy, every obstacle I’ve faced has strengthened my resolve to keep going and keep growing.

As you know, we’re big fans of Www.splbymj.com. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I believe in the power of passion, perseverance, and purpose. From starting my journey as Hair by MJ at just 14 years old to becoming a licensed instructor and lash artist, my path has been defined by hard work, adaptability, and a relentless drive to grow. Over the years, I’ve built a thriving salon business, owned and operated Salon Above, and even balanced entrepreneurship with motherhood. After retiring from hair in 2014, I found my niche in lashing, dedicating myself to mastering the craft while mentoring and teaching others. Today, my focus is on empowering aspiring entrepreneurs by sharing my knowledge and transitioning from providing services to cultivating leaders in the beauty industry. Through SPL, my brand, I’m building a legacy of excellence, resilience, and ambition. I take pride in being the face of my business, creating multiple streams of income, and inspiring others to dream big and build boldly. My journey is proof that with vision and determination, anything is possible. Let’s grow together!

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I have so much more to share.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.splbymj.com
• Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/splbymj
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/splbymj
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/spl-s-by-mj-05601033
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@splbymj