Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Mosblech.
Jennifer , we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I created Moss and Black in 2017, and we started building the salon in the summer of 2019. When we began the renovation at a time when the world looked completely different. Opening a business felt really exciting instead of scary. By the time we opened our doors in 2021, everything had changed. We were in the middle of a pandemic, and I remember wondering if we had made the biggest mistake of our lives.
There were a lot of sleepless nights and a lot of prayers, but deep down I believed God hadn’t brought us this far to leave us there.
We opened with a team of just four women. Looking back, it’s truly incredible that they trusted me with a dream they couldn’t fully see yet. They believed in me long before there walls, before we were an award winning salon or a full parking lot, and I’ll always be incredibly grateful for that.
As our grand opening got closer, I was so convinced no one was going to come. I had built this picture in my head that we’d be standing there waiting for people who never showed up. Instead, the salon was packed. I remember looking around thinking, “Wow… maybe this really is going to work.” That was the first moment I realized our community believed in this dream too.
I’ve been in the beauty industry for over 30 years, and my goal was never just to open another salon. I wanted to create an experience. I wanted guests and employee’s to walk through our doors and feel cared for from the moment they arrived.
Today, I’m incredibly proud of what Moss and Black has become, but it is not the awards that mean the most to me. It’s the culture we’ve built. A beautiful salon can be designed and decorated, but the feeling people have when they walk through the door comes from the people inside. The kindness, the teamwork, the encouragement, and the genuine care for one another that can’t be bought at a store. It has to be cultivated, and that’s what I’m most proud of.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. The hardest part has never been doing hair or even running a business. It’s carrying the responsibility of other people’s careers.
As a leader, you’re constantly trying to figure out what your team needs from you. Some days they need encouragement. Some days they need someone to believe in them before they believe in themselves. Other days they need accountability or a little tough love to help them grow.
I’ve had so many conversations in the back room with a stylist who’s in tears because she’s nervous about a new guest, overwhelmed by a challenging color, or afraid to try something she’s never done before. Those moments are about so much more than hair. They’re about helping someone push past fear, trust themselves, and realize they’re capable of more than they thought.
One of the most rewarding parts of my job is watching someone come out of beauty school making an hourly wage as an assistant. Learning the basics and, a year or two later, they have built a loyal clientele and a career they’re so proud of. Seeing them buy their first home, purchase a new car, take the vacation they’ve dreamed about, or simply have the confidence that comes from building something of their own is incredibly rewarding. Their goals become my goals, and I celebrate all those wins right alongside them.
The part people don’t always see is that no matter what’s happening in my own life, I still have to walk through those doors ready to lead. My team deserves my best, and so do our guests. That isn’t always easy, but it’s a responsibility I don’t take lightly.
Watching people become who they never thought they could be is still my favorite part of the job.
We’ve been impressed with Moss & Black Salon and Spa, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At Moss and Black, we believe luxury is an experience, not a price point. Beautiful hair is the end result, but it’s only part of what we do. Our goal is for every guest to feel seen, cared for, and completely at ease from the moment they walk through our doors.
We all know, life moves fast. Our guests are balancing careers, raising children, caring for aging parents, running businesses, and constantly taking care of everyone else. We want Moss and Black to be the place where they can finally slow down. They are excited to come in. We never want anyone to feel rushed. From the beautiful quiet moments in our shampoo lounge to the personalized consultation and the time we spend truly listening, every single detail is intentional. For a few hours, we want our guests to simply relax, recharge, disconnect and leave feeling lighter than when they arrived.
We specialize in dimensional color, extensions, and healthy hair, but what truly sets us apart is the way we care for people. We believe beautiful hair starts with trust, honest communication, and building relationships that last for years, not just one appointment.
That same philosophy extends to our team. We invest heavily in education because confidence always comes from preparation. We’ve created a culture where collaboration is valued over competition, kindness is expected, and growth never ever stops. When our team feels supported, our guests feel the difference.
While I’m incredibly proud of the awards we’ve received, I’m even more proud of the reputation we’ve built. People know they’ll receive exceptional hair, but I hope what they remember most is how they felt while they were with us. That’s the kind of luxury I set out to create.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I’m a lifelong learner because I believe I can’t ask my team to grow if I’m not willing to grow myself. Some of the resources that have had the biggest impact on me are the Thriving Stylist Podcast, the Duomo Bible App, The Culture Code, Leaders Eat Last, The Miracle Morning, Atomic Habits, and Difficult Conversations.
One resource that’s been especially meaningful is the Duomo Bible App. It’s more than a devotional. It uses personality archetypes to reveal your blind spots, challenge your natural tendencies, and encourage personal growth through a biblical lens. It has helped me become more self aware, and I believe better leaders are the ones who are willing to work on themselves first.
Whether it’s a podcast, a book, or my daily devotional, I’m always looking for ways to grow because I know my personal growth directly impacts my team, my guests, and my family.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mossandblacksalon.com
- Instagram: Mossandblacksalonnc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19EVGKtx6o/?mibextid=wwXIfr
