Just before the end of 2017, I took the Lounge to DC to visit Texture connoisseur, Jamal Edmonds, in his newly renovated boutique city salon, Lamaj in the City. If only I could physically pick up his salon and plant it in NYC, I would be there E.V.E.R.Y.  F.R.E.A.K.I.N.G W.E.E.K.

Knowledgeable staff - check; good customer service (very important to me) - check; aspirational salon space - double check; quality hair products - triple check. The cherry on the top is an owner that is present and clearly loved and respected by his staff after being in the industry for over 24 years.

SECRET: JAMAL ONCE HAD DREAMS OF BEING AN ARCHITECT.
not-so-secret: his shoe/sneaker game is not to be slept on.

If you haven't seen Jamal's iconic smile or heard his hearty laugh, you haven't lived. Contagious. Heart warming. Genuine.
Jamal considers himself a spiritual nurturer; and it will make sense when you hit play on this episode. In the Lounge, he confides in me about his upbringing, the mental illness inherent in his family, drug abuse, living in a shelter and how he took all those elements to fuel him, protect his younger sisters and propel him into becoming the man of honour he is now. And the best part is he wouldn't change a thing. Like i said; contagious, heart warming and genuine. 

In just under an hour, I will bring you into Jamal's world. He will share his desire of delivering top notch customer experience, becoming a salon owner at a mere 20 years old, architecting a loyal clientele and hiring a star team. By the end of this interview, you will fall in love with him. Yup, you will. 

Jamal Edmonds is officially #TLApproved. 

Hit play, take notes and when you are done, learn more about the signature styles offered at Lamaj in the City here and book your appointment next time you are in the area.

Oh! And don't sleep on his shoe/sneaker game! #GOALSSSSS!

THE COOL BLAST ROUND

TL: Name someone who inspires you and you would love to work with.
JE: Chuck Amos (Instagram: @chuckieloveshair)

TL: Where can The Texture Lounge followers get the Jamal Edmonds signature experience?
JE: Lamaj in the City in DC.

TL: Top 3 requested signature styles?
JE: 1) Pixie cut; 2) 3D Coils; 3) Blowout with colour.

TL: Name one hair product your clients love and you cannot keep on your salon shelf.
JE: MIZANI's 25 Miracle Milk

TL: Name an app or digital service that has helped you build your business or clientele.
JE: Sponsored ads on social media and Yelp.

TL: What are the Top 3 products/tools you cannot travel without.
JE: 1. Professional Dyson blowdryer; 2. MIZANI's Thermasmooth blowout system; 3. MIZANI's 25 Miracle Milk

TL: How can our followers keep up with what you are doing?
JE: Instagram: @lamajinthecity and @jamaledmonds

Happy listening!