Faith @ Work

Hair loss can affect women of all ages. Jodi Johnston of J. Wigs in Helena, Ala. seeks to help anyone experiencing hair loss find a wig that fits their personality and helps them have confidence. 

Inspiration. Before opening J. Wigs in 2018, Johnston was a hairstylist for over 30 years. “As a hairstylist, I saw firsthand the impact hair loss can have on a woman’s self-confidence,” she says, adding, “For women, hair is a part of their identity, and losing it can be a traumatic experience. By opening J. Wigs, I had the opportunity to make a difference.” Johnston began researching the different wig brands and representatives.

The Process. Johnston says the journey of opening her wig store was challenging yet rewarding. “Finding the right representatives for the brands I would carry was one of the biggest challenges I faced,” she shares. She credits her family and friends with helping make J. Wigs a reality. “I have learned with hard work, family, friends, faith, passion, and dedication, anything is possible.” Her faith in God was a foundational piece in opening J. Wigs. “Faith has helped me stay grounded in the work I do, and it gave me the courage to take a risk and pursue my dreams,” Johnston adds. 

The Mission. Johnston believes that for many people, walking into a wig shop can be intimidating. “Most people coming in don’t know anything about wigs,” she says. Her mission is “to educate, guide, and support customers on their journey.” She is passionate about helping  women find the perfect wig for them. “I have ladies come in, in tears because they don’t want to leave their house and think there is no hope. When we find the perfect wig or topper, their faces light up with joy,” Johnston shares. What can customers expect walking into J. Wigs? “You can expect one on one help, understanding, kindness, and compassion,” she says. “I will educate you on all the different wig caps, styles, and hair types, and how to care for them.” To learn more about J. Wigs, visit www.jwigout.org or call 205-624-2423. 

-Melissa Armstrong

Faith at Work

The Sims family of Inverness has had their share of challenges and miracles. They credit God for growing their faith in Him through both.

During his 22  years of military service, John Sims spent much of his time separated from his family fighting for our country oversees in war zones like Afghanistan where he was shot down in a deadly helicopter crash. “I struggled with my faith after spending 3.5 years in the Middle East and losing eleven friends/teammates. I was angry at God. It took years to work through that and still more years and the help of a local Pastor, Brandon Ball (Church Unlimited), to work through all the ‘religion’ that clouds what is actually the very simple message of the Gospel.”

That simple message is something he and his wife CJ are passionate about sharing. “Our job is simply to believe that Jesus is the Son of God. He came to earth and was sacrificed for our sins,” Sims explains adding, “God’s requirement is perfection. We can never achieve that. However, the simple message is that He loved us so much, has so much grace, that He gave us a way to still enjoy eternity with Him. Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’ He didn’t say, ‘It’s 99% finished, the rest is on you.’” John credits his wife CJ for encouraging him in his faith by living out hers. “I don’t think CJ has ever waivered in her faith. Despite years of pain, seizures, my being gone…It’s pretty amazing.” For 20 plus years CJ battled a seizure disorder, migraines and vertigo. Finally in March of 2020 she received a clear diagnosis, underwent brain and inner ear surgery and is seizure free.

After moving 31 times in 30 years, the couple returned to CJ’s hometown of Birmingham in 2015. John began helping a local lake real estate brokerage grow from two states to 30. “The access to those business minds and entrepreneurial spirit awakened a desire to build something of my own.” Personal experience led the Sims to choose pest control as the business to build. “We hired two companies for mosquito control and were not impressed. The service charges kept coming but so did the mosquitoes. That’s where I found both my interest and a need I could satisfy within my local community. I knew I could do better, so I went to work.” Sims completed all certification requirements for household and commercial pest control and started Steel City Mosquito.

“I built a business model around keeping prices more affordable than other companies while ensuring the effectiveness of our services are second to none. We always keep in mind this is a discretionary purchase,” says Sims. “Yes, mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks are annoying and can be dangerous; however, controlling them doesn’t occupy the same place on a family budget as food, clothing, and shelter. Oh, and we don’t do contracts. We have to earn it with every service and customer interaction.” Based on this model, Steel City Mosquito is serving hundreds of area families and the Sims can clearly see how God continues to be at work in their lives.

-Laurie Franklin

Faith @ Work

“My mission is to be there for people in life’s toughest moments. And sometimes, it’s insurance,” Thomas Waters of State Farm says. Waters has served Alabamians through State Farm Insurance since 1991. He strives to make each client feel seen and valued through every interaction. “You only get one chance to serve people during their toughest moments,” he says. Waters believes that the value of a personal relationship has been highlighted since the COVID-19 pandemic began. “A personal relationship is second to none,” he adds. His goal is to draw people to the office by making them feel valued and seen. Waters seeks to reach people and change lives for the better through his business. During a discernment Bible study he went through in his 30’s, Waters decided he wanted to use his business as more than just a way to make a living. He wanted to use his business as a ministry and be a light in the city. 

Reaching the Community. Waters strives to use what he is passionate about to reach those around him. As a graduate of Birmingham Southern College (BSC), Waters is passionate about music. He is currently a part of a southern gospel quartet called Meet Southern Harmony. The members all met during their years at BSC when they sang in the choir together. “Our whole goal is to communicate the grace of God to our audience,” Waters says. As a business owner, Waters sponsors Jazz in the Park. Over the last several years, he has connected with people by enjoying life through jazz music. “I’ve discovered that music is one of the few things that erases all the biases and gives a solid thing to rally around and enjoy no matter your race or social status,” Waters says, adding, “To me, it’s kind of a spiritual thing to see a crowd of folks that have seemingly little in common other than the music coming together.”

An avid cyclist, Waters also sponsors Hammies in Hoover as an avenue to draw families together. On November 14, 2021, families are invited to join this bike ride and spend quality time together. “We hope that by supporting it, that we can aid in growing this event to continue creating a sense of community and an opportunity for families to enjoy the outdoors,” Waters says. Hammies in Hoover will take place at the Hoover Metropolitan Complex. The trail is designed for all skill levels and promises to be a fun day for the whole family. Learn more at www.thehammies.com. Waters also uses his passion for cycling each year to ride toward a world free of Multiple Sclerosis during the annual Bike MS: Tour de Beach. In the five years since he began participating in this fundraising event, Waters and his team have raised nearly $60,000!

Giving Back. Waters served on the board at The Foundry and during that time learned about the Changed Lives Christian Center (CLCC). Since 2014, Waters and his team have served a meal every single third Tuesday each month. Waters’ business pays for, cooks, and serves the meals. “We estimate that since 2014, we have served over 7,000 meals.” If you are interested in learning how you can partner with CLCC, visit www.cl-cc.org. 

A Word to Fellow Business Owners. When asked what encouragement he would give to other business owners who are considering using their business as a ministry, Waters responded, “Don’t be afraid. The rewards can be exponential.” He adds, “That doesn’t necessarily mean financial. But the sense of worth it brings you… it gives you a sense of purpose beyond the business.” He adds that when this happens, the people you serve feel the difference. “This is where tremendous satisfaction occurs as a business owner.” 

To learn more about Thomas Waters State Farm, visit www.ThomasWaters.com or call 205-879-1988.

-Melissa Armstrong