'Dear To My Heart': Owner Of New Hair Studio Reflects On Her Community

UNION, NJ — A new business is bringing a Fulani flow and years of meaning behind its name and mission to the Union community.

"Yonti Hair Studio" specializes in braiding and held its grand opening at 2185 Morris Ave. on Tuesday.

"This new location represents years of experience, mistakes, failures, and growth," said the studio's owner, Yonti. "It reflects everything it took for me to get where I am today."

That journey started with words from her mother, she said, who would always tell her in an encouraging way, "It's time for you to do this" or "It's time for you to do that."

The word "Yonti" can be translated to mean "It's time" in Fulani.

"It carries deep meaning for me," Yonti said. "Those words shaped my discipline, my mindset, and the way I approach life."

Her love for braiding began when she was a child and practiced natural styles on her dolls. This drive led her to get in trouble at eight years old for using sewing needles without permission in order to add extensions.

After trying her hand at a clothing line, she returned to her true love of braiding.

Union, she said, was an easy choice. "I live in Union, my kids go to school in Union, and this community is truly near and dear to my heart."

Yonti credits her staff for the work it took to get the studio off the ground and running with the power to make a difference in the lives of others.

"The most satisfying part is seeing a customer walk out of the salon smiling, confident, and feeling beautiful," she added. "Seeing the positive impact my team and I have on our customers is the reward and the reason I love what I do."

It's that moment when a customer looks into the mirror and says, "I love it," that lets her know the trust someone is putting into her and her team is reaching a goal more than any dollar can put in her pocket.

"I want to serve this township and create something my kids can be proud of," said Yonti. "I have also made it a priority to hire young talent from the community, which has been one of the most rewarding parts of my growing business."

Yonti Hair Studio is a "by appointment only" business with slots available Tuesday through Saturday

More information about the studio can be found by visiting their website and Instagram page.

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