By Andy Ann
TJ’s Braiding Studio’s grand opening was Saturday, Nov. 12. Walterboro native Toni Jones, also known as TJ, is the owner of this new endeavor. Jones and her team are ready to offer a luxurious experience and top-of-the-line hair service to residents of Walterboro and the surrounding communities.
Jones is a devoted mother to four daughters Zania, Liberty, Milan, and Kaylee. She enjoys every free moment with her girls who mean the world to her. Jones continually aspires to be the best version of herself not only for herself but also for her daughters. Jones is no stranger to adversity as well. Jones lost both her parents in less than four years. Her father, Tony Sampson, passed away in 2019. Later her mother, Barbara Jones-Strader, passed away in 2020 amid the pandemic. “I want people to look at me and say that no matter what I went through or how many losses I took I never gave up!” said Jones.
Jones recalled being a young girl when her love for hair began. She has been self-taught from around the age of nine and has been braiding ever since. She shared how in the beginning she would braid her little cousin’s hair and then later braided her friends’ hair in middle school. Jones took a slight detour and began a career in healthcare as a CNA upon graduation. However, hair was still her lifelong passion and she never allowed it to fall by the wayside. With her love and compassion for others, she has served in both fields.
In 2018, Jones started to focus more of her attention on her clients and branded herself as “TJ On the Slayyy” working with children. In 2020, she joined “The Glam Trap” for a short while and later transitioned to working independently again in 2021. Now she wants to offer her services to all ages.
Jones believes wholeheartedly in teamwork and is looking for others to join her in reaching the dream together so everyone can reach their goals. She is currently looking for braiders, stylists, barbers, locticians, and MUAs (make-up artists) to join her so she can help them expand their skills and give them the platform to flourish.
“I want to inspire those young girls who love to braid just like I did when I was a kid. Even upcoming braiders who are scared to bet on themselves. I’m here to tell you to take that leap of faith and bet on yourself. But most importantly I want my babies to grow up and say I want to be a boss just like my mommy!” said Jones.
Jones is grateful for all the support from her family, friends, and clients over the years and for many more years to come. For more information call Jones at 843-909-4519 or email toni2012jones@gmail.com.
