Breaking Barriers: How George Johnson's Hair Care Revolution Launched Soul Train and Changed Black Business Forever | N'DIGO STUDIO

Description

The untold story of how one entrepreneur's vision transformed both the Black hair care industry and American pop culture forever. Meet George Johnson, the visionary behind Johnson Products who turned Ultra Sheen and Afro Sheen into household names while secretly helping launch one of television's most iconic shows – Soul Train.

In this powerful conversation with the 97-year-old legend himself, Johnson reveals how he built his hair care empire from scratch, saved Essence magazine from collapse, and became the first Black-owned company on the American Stock Exchange. But beyond the business triumphs, you'll discover the deeply personal story of a man who chose entrepreneurship over ministry and went on to support civil rights organizations when few others would.

Key revelations include:

- The fascinating connection between Ultra Sheen's success and Soul Train's early days

- How Johnson Products became a $100M+ empire while staying true to its community roots

- Behind-the-scenes insights into being the first Black-owned company to go public

- Johnson's practical wisdom for modern entrepreneurs on building ethical, sustainable businesses

- The untold story of his role in establishing Independence Bank and supporting Black media

Connect With Us

Website N'DIGO – African American Lifestyle

Facebook NDIGOBYHERMENE

Instagram NDIGOBYHERMENE

TikTok HERMENE10

Episode Timestamps:

[00:00] Meet the revolutionary force behind Johnson Products

[03:33] From potential minister to beauty industry pioneer

[07:37] The Soul Train connection revealed

[12:28] Taking Johnson Products public & saving Essence

[20:10] Building community through business

[24:09] Faith, integrity & entrepreneurship lessons

Whether you're an entrepreneur, beauty industry enthusiast, or student of Black history, this episode reveals how one man's commitment to excellence changed American culture forever. Don't miss this rare conversation with a living legend who proves that true success comes from lifting others as you climb.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

About N'DIGO STUDIO

Experience Chicago's Most Influential Voices | N'DIGO STUDIO

Immerse yourself in the heart of Chicago's culture, politics, and breaking stories with N'DIGO STUDIO, the premier podcast spotlighting the city's most compelling conversations. Cultural powerhouse Hermene Hartman brings you unfiltered access to Chicago's changemakers, from grassroots activists to bestselling authors and political giants.

Each episode cuts through the noise to deliver raw, authentic discussions that matter. Whether we're unpacking the latest political shakeups, celebrating Chicago's vibrant arts scene, or tackling tough conversations about race and culture, N'DIGO STUDIO brings you the stories behind the headlines.

What you'll discover:

- In-depth interviews with Chicago's most influential voices

- Fresh perspectives on politics, culture, and social justice

- Exclusive conversations with bestselling authors and artists

- Behind-the-scenes insights into Chicago's power players

- Candid discussions about issues affecting Black Chicago and beyond

Join the conversation as Hermene Hartman delivers thought-provoking dialogue that informs, challenges, and inspires.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

About N'DIGO STUDIO

Experience Chicago's Most Influential Voices | N'DIGO STUDIO

What you'll discover:

- In-depth interviews with Chicago's most influential voices

- Fresh perspectives on politics, culture, and social justice

- Exclusive conversations with bestselling authors and artists

- Behind-the-scenes insights into Chicago's power players

- Candid discussions about issues affecting Black Chicago and beyond

Join the conversation as Hermene Hartman delivers thought-provoking dialogue that informs, challenges, and inspires.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Description

Key revelations include:

- The fascinating connection between Ultra Sheen's success and Soul Train's early days

- How Johnson Products became a $100M+ empire while staying true to its community roots

- Behind-the-scenes insights into being the first Black-owned company to go public

- Johnson's practical wisdom for modern entrepreneurs on building ethical, sustainable businesses

- The untold story of his role in establishing Independence Bank and supporting Black media

Connect With Us

Website N'DIGO – African American Lifestyle

Facebook NDIGOBYHERMENE

Instagram NDIGOBYHERMENE

TikTok HERMENE10

Episode Timestamps:

[00:00] Meet the revolutionary force behind Johnson Products

[03:33] From potential minister to beauty industry pioneer

[07:37] The Soul Train connection revealed

[12:28] Taking Johnson Products public & saving Essence

[20:10] Building community through business

[24:09] Faith, integrity & entrepreneurship lessons

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

About N'DIGO STUDIO

Experience Chicago's Most Influential Voices | N'DIGO STUDIO

What you'll discover:

- In-depth interviews with Chicago's most influential voices

- Fresh perspectives on politics, culture, and social justice

- Exclusive conversations with bestselling authors and artists

- Behind-the-scenes insights into Chicago's power players

- Candid discussions about issues affecting Black Chicago and beyond

Join the conversation as Hermene Hartman delivers thought-provoking dialogue that informs, challenges, and inspires.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

About N'DIGO STUDIO

Experience Chicago's Most Influential Voices | N'DIGO STUDIO

What you'll discover:

- In-depth interviews with Chicago's most influential voices

- Fresh perspectives on politics, culture, and social justice

- Exclusive conversations with bestselling authors and artists

- Behind-the-scenes insights into Chicago's power players

- Candid discussions about issues affecting Black Chicago and beyond

Join the conversation as Hermene Hartman delivers thought-provoking dialogue that informs, challenges, and inspires.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Embed

You may also like

Description

Key revelations include:

- The fascinating connection between Ultra Sheen's success and Soul Train's early days

- How Johnson Products became a $100M+ empire while staying true to its community roots

- Behind-the-scenes insights into being the first Black-owned company to go public

- Johnson's practical wisdom for modern entrepreneurs on building ethical, sustainable businesses

- The untold story of his role in establishing Independence Bank and supporting Black media

Connect With Us

Website N'DIGO – African American Lifestyle

Facebook NDIGOBYHERMENE

Instagram NDIGOBYHERMENE

TikTok HERMENE10

Episode Timestamps:

[00:00] Meet the revolutionary force behind Johnson Products

[03:33] From potential minister to beauty industry pioneer

[07:37] The Soul Train connection revealed

[12:28] Taking Johnson Products public & saving Essence

[20:10] Building community through business

[24:09] Faith, integrity & entrepreneurship lessons

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

About N'DIGO STUDIO

Experience Chicago's Most Influential Voices | N'DIGO STUDIO

What you'll discover:

- In-depth interviews with Chicago's most influential voices

- Fresh perspectives on politics, culture, and social justice

- Exclusive conversations with bestselling authors and artists

- Behind-the-scenes insights into Chicago's power players

- Candid discussions about issues affecting Black Chicago and beyond

Join the conversation as Hermene Hartman delivers thought-provoking dialogue that informs, challenges, and inspires.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

About N'DIGO STUDIO

Experience Chicago's Most Influential Voices | N'DIGO STUDIO

What you'll discover:

- In-depth interviews with Chicago's most influential voices

- Fresh perspectives on politics, culture, and social justice

- Exclusive conversations with bestselling authors and artists

- Behind-the-scenes insights into Chicago's power players

- Candid discussions about issues affecting Black Chicago and beyond

Join the conversation as Hermene Hartman delivers thought-provoking dialogue that informs, challenges, and inspires.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Description

Key revelations include:

- The fascinating connection between Ultra Sheen's success and Soul Train's early days

- How Johnson Products became a $100M+ empire while staying true to its community roots

- Behind-the-scenes insights into being the first Black-owned company to go public

- Johnson's practical wisdom for modern entrepreneurs on building ethical, sustainable businesses

- The untold story of his role in establishing Independence Bank and supporting Black media

Connect With Us

Website N'DIGO – African American Lifestyle

Facebook NDIGOBYHERMENE

Instagram NDIGOBYHERMENE

TikTok HERMENE10

Episode Timestamps:

[00:00] Meet the revolutionary force behind Johnson Products

[03:33] From potential minister to beauty industry pioneer

[07:37] The Soul Train connection revealed

[12:28] Taking Johnson Products public & saving Essence

[20:10] Building community through business

[24:09] Faith, integrity & entrepreneurship lessons

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

About N'DIGO STUDIO

Experience Chicago's Most Influential Voices | N'DIGO STUDIO

What you'll discover:

- In-depth interviews with Chicago's most influential voices

- Fresh perspectives on politics, culture, and social justice

- Exclusive conversations with bestselling authors and artists

- Behind-the-scenes insights into Chicago's power players

- Candid discussions about issues affecting Black Chicago and beyond

Join the conversation as Hermene Hartman delivers thought-provoking dialogue that informs, challenges, and inspires.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

About N'DIGO STUDIO

Experience Chicago's Most Influential Voices | N'DIGO STUDIO

What you'll discover:

- In-depth interviews with Chicago's most influential voices

- Fresh perspectives on politics, culture, and social justice

- Exclusive conversations with bestselling authors and artists

- Behind-the-scenes insights into Chicago's power players

- Candid discussions about issues affecting Black Chicago and beyond

Join the conversation as Hermene Hartman delivers thought-provoking dialogue that informs, challenges, and inspires.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Embed