I specialize in haircutting and hand-tied extensions

I’m Berni Leonard, and I am passionate about adding value to the lives around me, continuous growth and personal relationships. I am an educator, hairdresser, salon owner, and a leadership coach. I have developed a passion for leadership development and am committed to adding value to the lives around me.

I just celebrated 40 years of marriage with my husband Steven, and we have 2 beautiful children, Andrew and Jacque. I gained 2 more when they got married, Kaelin and Wesley. And I am a proud Gogo, to 4 precious grandchildren. I also have ten brothers and sisters.

Growing up my parents instilled in me to lead with integrity, choose your words wisely and treat people with respect. My father always asked me, “What did I learn today?” Because of that, education has been at the forefront of my career. Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” I have attended and been asked to speak at classes around the world. I was recognized as Top Business Woman, received the Women Who Make a Mark Award, Aveda Master of Arts Award and Global Humanitarian Award. My passion for hairdressing began at an early age. I became licensed when I was 18 years old, and opened my first salon by the age of 24. Making it my mission to make every person working for me better than when they first started.

I grew my first salon from 1,200 square feet to 5,000 square feet. Went from having 6 employees to 48 in a 5 year span. I sold Bernadette’s Hair Salon and Wig Gallery to move to Indiana. Then moving back to Georgia, I opened up Berni Inc. This time opening Berni Inc. Hair Salon with a new dream. I wanted to share with business owners how to lead their team, consult, and focus on education all while doing hair.

I realized that my call in life was so much more than hair, it was to teach and inspire others. I get the honor to work along side my daughter, Jacque every day. She joined my team in 2011 and is now co-owner, and we have made it our mission to impact the lives of those around us by adding value to their lives daily.

Over all these years, there’s one thing that hasn't changed. That is my passion to make a difference in the lives around me. Wanting not only to make a difference in the industry, but also in the community. When I had my Wig Gallery, being able to provide special services for patients undergoing chemotherapy, seeing their eyes light up and the confidence begin to come back was my favorite part of what I did. Now, getting to host our 8th Annual Purse Auction, raising money and awareness for No Longer Bound. Raising over hundred thousand dollars, and getting to cut the men’s hair and know them on a personal level. We wanted to support a local charity that specially focused on men, in honor of my father.

My personal mission is to leave a legacy for future generations, in hopes they can become the best they can be.