Rosedale Park resident Rashaunda Johnson has been giving manicures for more than 25 years. She has done nails in her basement and has rented space at others’ salons. Over the years, her skills as a manicurist have become widely known. She has had repeat customers for more than 20 years and they have followed her wherever she has gone. For the first time, as of last Christmas, Rashaunda’s customers can now follow Rashaunda right to her very own salon, the All Prayed Up Hair and Nails Salon at 18714 Grand River. Rashaunda’s husband of 17 years thought she was long overdue for a salon of her own, so he surprised her with keys to her own place on December 26. “It was a complete surprise,” says Rashaunda. Rashaunda’s husband and kids quickly went to work painting and decorating the salon. The purple walls and butterflies are in memory of Rashuanda’s best friend who died of breast cancer just last year. This emphasis on the importance of friendship is what makes Rashaunda’s salon unique. In fact, it’s her relationship with her customers that she most values. “I have a passion for people. I am a people person,” she says, and the fact that her customers follow her wherever she settles down to do nails is proof of that.

One of Rashaunda’s first clients at her new salon sat in the chair and shared her troubles with Rashaunda. Her son was having legal troubles, her daughter was worried about losing her job, and her husband was working so many hours, she hardly got to see him. “You know, salon conversation,” Rashaunda says. Rashaunda suggested that her customer write her concerns down put the paper in the Prayer Box that sits in the corner of the salon. “So she filled it out, and we prayed together, and then we talked about other things.” Two days later the customer called Rashaunda to tell her that her son’s legal troubles were over, that her daughter got a promotion and that she was planning a trip for her and her husband because he got a week off of work. This focus on customer relationships is what Rashaunda likes best about having her own salon, and another reason why her customers return, year after year.

When you visit All Prayed Up, you may also meet Tynesha, Chacha and Chanda, the hairstylists and eyebrow and lashes specialist. If you’re in need of a manicure, pedicure, eyebrow arching, haircut, dye or perm, or just some good company, you are welcome to walk-in to All Prayed Up Hair and Nails Salon, or you can call 313-350-2160 to make an appointment.  Rashaunda’s regular hours are Tues. – Sat. 9:30 am – 6 pm.