Meet the Ambassador: Justin
Meet Justin Owens of Paul Mitchell’s Arlington Barber School, our newest MONEY Ambassador. The ambassador program is a community of school leaders who want to make a lasting impact on our industry. These individuals are passionate about financial literacy, believe in the power of education, and want to help shape a new generation of beauty and wellness professionals. We sat down with Justin to ask him about his MONEY story and why he thinks financial literacy is so important for students.
Why are you passionate about financial literacy?
Because I’ve seen my community, students and even myself struggle with finances and if I have the information earlier in life I would be a lot further along. I want myself and others alike to learn how to do better so we can be better.
Why do you think financial literacy is important for students?
They are the future and the only way to ensure a better future is to educate those who are the future.
Which part of the MONEY program are you most excited about?
There isn’t a particular section, but the practicality and the user-friendliness in doing the program overall is what excites me
Many people identify with having negative or unproductive money stories. What’s your money story?
I didn’t know credit, I didn’t know money, and by the time I gained some knowledge I was already neck deep in debt, as I am still coming out of it (Covid didn’t help that process at all… actually made it worse) I find that I’m still learning and in need of more info. I don’t want myself or my children to suffer the way I did. I hate debt and I hate how fincial struggles force you to feel like you do not have the ability to choose living because you’re simply trying to survive.
Imagine every beauty and wellness student was provided financial literacy education. How do you think this would change our industry?
Immensely!!! It would give our industry hope and a drive toward achieving those dreams in ways that I believe have yet to be seen. Sure they have the technical skills but if you can’t see the fruit of your labor then it kills the drive of laboring for more fruit. Many people give up on their dreams due to the lack of results. We care about our clients for sure but the Orrin line will ALWAYS BE… taking care of our families and enjoying life… and we need manageable and growing income to do so in this world.
