Derek J struggles with the business of beauty

Derek J knows hair, but he needed a little help when running the business end of his new Atlanta beauty shop, The J Spot Salon.

Derek is a man on a mission to make every woman look and feel her best. In order to make this dream a reality, the celebrated stylist and reality TV star recently launched his very own beauty shop–the J Spot Salon in Atlanta.

“We are all about weaves and extensions. We do it all but we’re known for working those weaves and extensions,” Derek J excitedly explained to S2S.

With 10 stylists, three assistants and two lash/brow specialists, the J Spot Salon is poised to be one of Atlanta’s hottest beauty destinations. With years of experience working behind the scenes with some of the entertainment industry’s top celebs, Derek knows a thing or two about working hard and overcoming obstacles in order to make his dreams come true.

After four years of bouncing from one salon to another, it was only a matter of time before the burgeoning celebrity stylist would find a place to call his own. “I’d always wanted my own salon, so when things fell in place with my current space, I knew I had to go for it,” Derek said matter-of-factly.

Owning a salon where stars from "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" and other local celebs drop by for a cut and color may seem like a glamorous life to many, but Derek realizes the truth behind owning and operating one’s own salon and there’s nothing glamorous about it.

“It’s hard work. Every day is a struggle," Derek lightheartedly explained. "There’s so much to think about and consider during the day-to-day, which is why I work with a business partner who handles a lot of the daily operations so I can focus on being creative and doing what I do best: hair!”

One of the most challenging aspects of opening a new salon is funding, but unlike most small business owners, Derek was fortunate enough to have a private investor (none of the Atlanta Housewives invested in Derek’s salon) who believed in his vision and helped finance the new salon.

Besides working weaves, Derek also has a knack for wigs, which he's showcased on Bravo TV’s “Real Housewives of Atlanta”. After working with Kim Zolciak on her personal look in season 2, the two decided to come together to create their own wig line.

“The wig line is on hold right now since I can’t proceed without Kim," Derek confessed. "She’s got a lot on her plate with the new baby, the reality show and her upcoming wedding."

With his salon opening this past October 13, one would think Derek had enough on his plate, but he can add the premiere of season 4 of "RHOA" that debuted on November 6 to the list.

“There’s a lot of excitement on this season. There’s a new girl on the show, new alliances and lots of drama. I was definitely surprised at all that happens in this new season,” Derek exclaimed with a slight chuckle.

The sky’s the limit for this talented stylist. As his clientele and popularity continues to grow, fans of this sought after stylist and reality TV star will soon have their chance to experience a piece of the Derek J magic for themselves as the J Spot Salon quickly becomes the place to be for beauty in Atlanta.