Today we’d like to introduce you to Rhonda Leggins.
Hi Rhonda, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey began in New York at the age of 21, where I started out as a runway model. My passion for beauty and creativity soon led me from the runway to behind the chair, and in 1991, I opened my first salon. It was a success, and just two years later, in 1993, I proudly opened my second location.
From there, my career continued to expand. I joined JCPenney, one of the Fortune 500 companies, where I became their number one hairstylist worldwide. I also had the opportunity to teach at Paul Mitchell School, specializing in hair extensions. Over the years, I’ve served as a salon manager for two JCPenney locations in New York and later for Ulta Beauty in Orlando, Florida.
Along my journey, I’ve remained deeply committed to giving back. One of my greatest passions is supporting breast cancer survivors, which inspired me to create a vegan hair care line designed especially for women on their healing journey. Through every stage of my career, I’ve been guided by purpose, faith, and a love for empowering others — inside and out.
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?
Breaking into the beauty industry in New York was not easy. I had to build my name, my client base, and my reputation through long hours, sacrifice, and determination.
Opening my first salon came with its own challenges — financial risks, managing rent, products, and staff — all while learning how to operate a business on my own.
When I later moved from New York to Orlando, I had to rebuild my clientele and reputation in a new city, starting from the ground up once again and proving myself all over.
Keeping up with trends, technology, and competition has required me to constantly learn and adapt to stay ahead — like any true entrepreneur committed to providing exceptional experiences for thier clients. There were moments of doubt, setbacks, and slow seasons, but my faith and sense of purpose have always kept me moving forward.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Throughout my career, I’ve specialized in healthy hair care, precision styling, hair extensions, and transformative services that restore both confidence and beauty. My true passion is helping women feel renewed — especially those rebuilding their self-esteem after life’s challenges, such as breast cancer.
I take pride in understanding hair from the inside out — not just styling it, but truly nourishing it. My approach combines professional expertise with compassion, focusing on vegan, chemical-free, and healing products that promote overall wellness.
Over the years, I’ve worked with thousands of clients, trained stylists, and managed top-performing salons for major brands like JCPenney. I’ve also taught at Paul Mitchell School, mentoring future stylists to master their craft while embracing creativity and authenticity.
What sets me apart is the experience I create. Every client who sits in my chair receives more than just a hairstyle — they experience care, connection, and confidence. My work is guided by faith, purpose, and the belief that true beauty begins with self-love and healthy living.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
First and foremost, I give credit to God, who has been my foundation, my strength, and the source of every blessing in my journey. I am deeply thankful for my mentors — those who took the time to teach, challenge, and guide me. They helped me grow both as a stylist and as a businesswoman, shaping my work ethic and helping me see the bigger vision beyond the salon chair.
My clients have also been my greatest cheerleaders. Their trust, loyalty, and encouragement have kept me going through every challenge. Many have been with me since my early days, and seeing their joy and confidence after every service reminds me why I love what I do.
I am equally grateful to my family, friends, and community, who have always supported my dreams — celebrating every salon opening, milestone, and event I’ve hosted to give back.
Lastly, my breast cancer survivor warriors hold a special place in my heart. They are my role models of strength and grace, inspiring me to create my vegan hair care line and continue giving back through my work.
Pricing:
- Pure joy, intense Argan, all shampoo $24.00
- pure joy, intense Argan, oil, conditioner$25.00
- pure joy, intense, leaving conditioner $25.00
- pure joy, intense, hair growth oil $35.00
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hairjoyorlando.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hairjoyorlando/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HairJoyOrlando/
- Twitter: https://x.com/rhondaleggins
Image Credits
Rhonda Leggins, vegan hair care by Rhonda Leggins, breast, cancer awareness event,
