JP Update: The Story of Gem In I Beauty Bar

Number 382 June 26, 2026 St. Louis

Growing Confidence In Our Clients: LaToya Clayton’s Story

Pictured above LaToya Clayton in front of her shop, photo courtesy of facebook.

When you sit in LaToya Clayton’s chair, you’re getting much more than a new hairstyle. You’re meeting someone who genuinely believes healthy hair can change the way a person feels about themselves.

As the owner of The Gem In I Beauty Bar in Urbana, Illinois, LaToya has built her business around education, professionalism, and helping every client embrace their natural beauty. Whether she’s installing locs, creating protective styles, adding custom color, or simply teaching someone how to care for their hair at home, her goal has always been the same: to make sure every client leaves feeling confident and equipped to maintain healthy hair long after they leave the salon.

Like many entrepreneurs, LaToya had the talent and the vision. What she needed was someone to help her put all of the pieces together.

That’s when Noah Lynn and Justine PETERSEN came alongside her.

Collaborating with Noah enabled LaToya to enhance the business aspect of her vision. They concentrated on establishing a strong foundation, developing a growth plan, and getting The Gem In I Beauty Bar ready for its next chapter. With support from Justine PETERSEN, she was able to move forward confidently, knowing she had a team that believed in her and her business.

Flyer courtesy of Facebook

LaToya isn’t just growing a salon. She’s growing a brand.

Her vision reaches beyond the chair. She wants to continue expanding throughout the Urbana community, build new partnerships with local businesses, grow her online presence, and introduce new services that keep clients coming back. Every decision she makes is centered around creating an experience where people feel welcomed, cared for, and educated.

What stands out most about LaToya is her heart for her clients. She doesn’t believe healthy hair should be a luxury or a mystery.

She takes the time to explain what she is doing, why it matters, and how clients can continue caring for their hair at home. That commitment has helped build lasting relationships and a loyal client base that continues to grow.

One of the biggest milestones in LaToya’s journey came on June 16, 2026, when she proudly celebrated the grand opening of The Gem In I Beauty Bar. It was a day that marked not only the opening of her salon but the beginning of an exciting new chapter built on hard work, determination, and a passion for serving her community.

We are incredibly proud to have been part of LaToya’s journey and can’t wait to see what the future holds for this remarkable entrepreneur. Congratulations, LaToya! Your story is just getting started, and we know the best is yet to come.

Justine PETERSEN Will Be Taking Part in the 2026 Metro East Start-Up Challenge!

Metro East Startup Challenge returns in 2026!

Innovation, determination, and entrepreneurship are once again taking center stage as the 13th Annual Metro East Start Up Challenge kicks off for 2026. Justine PETERSEN is excited to once again support this incredible competition and see the next generation of entrepreneurs showcase their ideas, passion, and vision for the future.

The Metro East Start Up Challenge, hosted by the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for the Metro East at SIUE, provides aspiring and existing business owners with an opportunity to compete for funding, receive valuable mentorship, and gain exposure that can help take their businesses to the next level. This year’s competition will award $28,000 in cash prizes, along with professional services designed to help entrepreneurs grow and succeed.

Justine PETERSEN has been proud to support this initiative and was honored to sponsor the Minority Owned Business Award during the 2025 Metro East Start Up Challenge. Supporting entrepreneurs from all backgrounds aligns with our mission of expanding access to capital, business resources, and opportunities that help strengthen communities and create lasting economic impact.

Last year’s competition highlighted the incredible talent found throughout the Metro East. Beyond Creative AI earned the Grand Prize, while Helping Hands Living Solutions, Thrive Everywhere, and Rise Recovery & Resilience were recognized among the competition’s top finalists. Their success demonstrates what is possible when innovative ideas are paired with the right resources, mentorship, and community support.

Applications for the 2026 Metro East Start Up Challenge are now open. Entrepreneurs with a new business idea or an existing business looking to grow are encouraged to apply for this unique opportunity. Participants will have the chance to refine their business plans, connect with experienced mentors, and compete for funding that can help bring their vision to life.

At Justine PETERSEN, we believe every successful business starts with someone willing to take that first step. We are excited to see what this year’s entrepreneurs bring to the competition and look forward to celebrating the innovative businesses that will shape the future of the Metro East.

If you are ready to take your business idea to the next level, now is the time to get involved. We wish every participant the very best and cannot wait to see the inspiring ideas that emerge from this year’s challenge.

Read the full article to learn more: Illinois Business Journal

Photo courtesy of Illinois SBDC for the Metro East at SIUE LinkedIn

Opening Doors to Homeownership Through Education

At Justine PETERSEN, we believe that homeownership is one of the most powerful tools for building wealth, stability, and generational opportunity. That’s why we’re proud to partner with eHome America to help individuals and families gain the knowledge and confidence needed to achieve their homeownership goals.

Through this partnership, aspiring homeowners have access to convenient, online homebuyer education that can be completed at their own pace. The program covers essential topics such as budgeting, credit management, mortgage readiness, the homebuying process, and maintaining a home after purchase. Combined with Justine PETERSEN’s housing counseling services, participants receive both the education and personalized support needed to make informed financial decisions.

Justine PETERSEN and eHome America are helping break down barriers to homeownership by making quality education accessible to more people, regardless of their schedule or location. The result is a stronger foundation for future homeowners, healthier communities, and greater opportunities for families to build lasting wealth.

Whether you’re preparing to purchase your first home, working to improve your financial readiness, or simply exploring your options, the journey starts with education. Through our partnership with eHome America, we’re helping more individuals and families take that first step toward a place to call home.

Ready to begin your homeownership journey? Visit eHome America through Justine PETERSEN and connect with our housing counseling team to learn more about the resources available to you.

Learn more

Our new Sharing The Why will be in-person at Elevator St. Louis with Obie Anthony!

Rebuilding Lives, Restoring Opportunity

What happens when someone loses years of their life for a crime they did not commit?

While exoneration restores a person’s legal innocence, it does not automatically restore the opportunities, stability, and time that were taken away. Many exonerees face significant barriers when rebuilding their lives, including challenges related to employment, housing, financial security, healthcare, and community reintegration.

Join Justine PETERSEN, community leaders, advocates, and individuals with lived experience for an important conversation about the realities of life after exoneration and the role we all play in creating pathways to success.

During this session, we will explore the challenges faced by exonerated individuals, discuss opportunities for meaningful support, and examine how communities can work toward a future where justice extends beyond release and into restoration.

This event will provide a space for education, dialogue, and action as we seek to better understand the impact of wrongful convictions and the importance of second chances.

Date: Friday, July 17, 2026

Hosted By: Justine PETERSEN

Location: 1230 Macklind Ave. St. Louis, MO 63110

Audience: Community members, advocates, service providers, employers, policymakers, and anyone interested in advancing justice and opportunity.

Join us as we move the conversation from exoneration to empowerment.

Eventbrite Link

Ignite Illinois: Empowering Small Business Owners in Southern Illinois!

Are you a small business owner in Southern Illinois? Ignite Illinois is your opportunity to access essential funding and support services to grow and strengthen your business. Whether you need accounting help, legal guidance, or tools to boost your credit, we’re here to assist!

Don’t miss this chance to invest in your future and take your business to the next level!

Have questions?

JP Family Corner

Happy JPversary, Zachary Stenulson!