Tamaka Jones has two personas. During the day, she is a businesswoman. A native and current resident of Columbus, Tamaka owns and manages a thriving beauty shop called Salon 220. As the owner of a salon, she has to balance the responsibilities of a hairdresser, which can include being a listener and counselor as well as stylist, with the need to ensure the business has the cash flow to keep the lights on. This task would be enough for most.
However, on the weekend, Tamaka the businesswoman transforms into “Lil” Jones,” the life of the party. Over the years, Tamaka has built a reputation as a successful local event planner and socialite. Most weekends, she is either hosting or coordinating a party, promoting a local event or simply supporting someone else”s event.
Tamaka”s two personas recently took the time to discuss with me her background, passions, and her vision for Columbus.
What part of town did you grow up and how did your childhood influence your current interests?
I lived in Southside Columbus when I was born, but I moved to Northside around 8 years old. My childhood had a big impact on me. I was always very popular, had a lot of friends and got along with people well. Even then, I had a desire to bring people together and coordinate events. When I was 16, my mom, Juanita Jones, helped me organize a block party for my birthday. The party turned out to be a huge success — over 200 people in the community attended it.
Folks in the neighborhood enjoyed themselves so much they asked me to do it again the next year, so I did. From then on, having a big party for my birthday became a tradition.
Where do you think you get the self-confidence to organize such big parties at a young age?
My father was a music DJ back then. He”s name is J.W. Jones, but many people referred to him as “DJ Pee Wee.” Since he was always playing music at parties and around lots people, I just grew up with an appreciation for socializing and having fun. It”s probably in my DNA. I love music and dancing and having fun with people.
How did you get the nickname ”Lil” Jones?”
Growing up, my friends and I started calling each other by our last names. So, when my friends would call the house and ask for Jones, my mom would always ask them whether they wanted to talk to Big Jones or Lil” Jones. Eventually, my friends and family started referring to me as Lil” Jones and it has stuck over the years.
Now, amongst clients, former classmates and business people, I”m known as Tamaka. But, amongst my friends, family and the social world of Columbus, I”m known as Lil” Jones.
How did you get into the hair stylist business?
Hair style has always been a big passion of mine. Ever since I can remember, I wanted to be a stylist. Throughout my time in school, when there would be career days or conversations about what students wanted to be when they grew up, I always said I wanted to be a stylist.
Why did you want to be a stylist? Why was it such a passion?
It”s just something I”ve always enjoyed doing. Maybe it”s related to my desire to help people feel good and confident about themselves or the fact that the salon business gives you the opportunity to meet new people and never be alone, but for whatever reason, I”ve always really had a passion for styling hair.
I”ve never really wanted to do anything else. After high school, I studied cosmetology at East Mississippi Community College under Mrs. Cooker. I went to (the University of Alabama-Birmingham) to study chemical engineering for one year after finishing at EMCC. I wanted to learn how to make the chemicals for hair products, but I soon decided I was ready to pursue my passion full time, so I moved back to Columbus to pursue my career as a stylist full time.
When you moved back, did you immediately open up your shop?
No, I started at Diamond”s Hair Salon. I was there one day and I just loved the environment and the feel of the salon and I made up my mind that I wanted to work there. I approached the owner, Tisha Jones, about working there and she was wonderful and kind enough to give me a chance. I really worked hard for her and she taught me the business side of styling hair. She taught me how to balance the community feeling of a salon while maintaining a professional environment. I owe a lot to her.
Tisha moved from Columbus around 2004 and I then started leasing the building. I eventually purchased the company and gave it a new name.
My mom taught me enough to know I shouldn”t ask your age, but you are very young to have your own business. How has that been?
It”s been a learning experience. I”ve been blessed to have done well. I love doing different styles. My motto is: “soft flowing styles that move when you move.” But as a cosmetologist, it is about more than hair service and helping women with hair care. You also have to be a good listener and sometimes give clients words of encouragement or inspiration or comfort. I also try to be a role model for young women starting careers.
You definitely have an active nightlife. Why has that remained important to you as a young adult?
Well, I love Columbus. I really love my city. However, I know a lot of my peers and classmates are hesitant to move back here because they don”t believe there”s much to do for young adults. They don”t think there”s much nightlife. So, I”ve tried to have different parties or different events to give people a reason to come back.
Getting young entrepreneurs excited about Columbus is the reason I stay socially active. I really want to give back to my community. And, for Columbus to grow, we are going to have find ways to attract young entrepreneurs. It doesn”t have to just be nightclubs, but we have to find out what other cities are doing to attract young professionals and keep them and steal those ideas.
We, as a community, also have to be willing to open our eyes and mind and try different things.
What are some of your biggest events?
I usually host a party around the holidays, because I know a lot of young folks will be back in town to visit family and want something to do at night. For instance, I usually have a party the day after Thanksgiving called the Black Friday event. That”s always fun.
I also always have a big birthday bash. I always try to give these parties a theme, like a “Red Carpet Affair” or “All-Black Attire Affair.” This year for my birthday, I hosted an adult prom with the theme: “Dancing with the Stars.” It was really a dream come true for me because I never went to the prom in high school. It turns out a lot of people missed out on that experience and we had a blast finally getting that experience.
The event was also a way to give back to the community. Some of the proceeds went to the Columbus High School Alumni Association. These funds are used to help less fortunate students buy book bags and material needed for school. I”ve been involved with the alumni association for some time and I really enjoy it. It”s another way to give back to Columbus.
Scott Colom is a local attorney.
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