Jo is a hairstylist, educator, and advocate for inclusivity, self-expression, and creating shame-free spaces within the beauty industry.

Born in Birmingham and raised in Atlanta, Jo started cutting friends' hair long before attending Paul Mitchell The School Atlanta. What began as a creative outlet quickly grew into a career centered on helping people feel more like themselves.

In 2020, Jo moved to Athens and opened My Heart Salon Studio. Built on care, accessibility, and community, the studio became known for its LGBTQ+ affirming environment, neurodivergent-friendly services, sliding-scale pricing, and commitment to making hair care more accessible. Over time, My Heart grew from a small dry-cut studio into a full-service salon and gathering space where people could show up exactly as they were.

Throughout his career, Jo has challenged outdated industry norms, advocated for genderless pricing, and encouraged other beauty professionals to create safer, more affirming experiences for their clients. For Jo, hair has never been just about hair. It's about identity, confidence, connection, and creating a space where people feel comfortable being themselves.

Today, Jo is proud to have passed the My Heart Salon baton to Jenny and the team at Chaparral Salon, where the community-centered values that shaped My Heart continue to thrive. Returning to Athens full-time feels like a full-circle moment, and he's grateful to continue doing the work he loves in a community that has given him so much over the years.

You can now find Jo behind the chair full-time at Chaparral Salon and one day a week at Local Honey. Whether in the salon, at a community event, or giving one of his occasional "haircuts in the wild," Jo remains committed to helping people feel seen, cared for, and more at home in themselves than when they arrived.