Interview With Author Arron Johnson
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m Arron Johnson, an entrepreneur, technology innovator, and advocate for personal resilience, currently based in New Jersey. My journey began in Brooklyn, where I was diagnosed with alopecia areata at 15, leading to complete hair loss. Instead of letting this challenge define me, I’ve chosen to weave it into my unique narrative. I’ve transitioned professionally from customer service positions to IT, and now to entrepreneurship, where I develop AI solutions that assist businesses in overcoming technological obstacles.
“Hairless but Fearless” is my first book, although I’ve been sharing my experiences and insights through various platforms for years. Having navigated both corporate life and entrepreneurship while managing alopecia, I’ve learned that my story often resonates with others facing diverse challenges. My journey has taught me that resilience is not about evading difficulties but rather transforming them into purpose.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My book “Hairless But Fearless: A Story of Alopecia and Resilience” stems from my lifelong experience with alopecia and the realization that sharing my story could benefit others facing similar struggles. The title captures both my physical condition and the mindset I have cultivated—celebrating my distinct look while approaching life with confidence and bravery.
What truly motivated me to write this memoir was a discussion with my sister, whose son has also developed alopecia. Witnessing the challenges faced by the next generation made me aware that I had insights to share, not just with my family but with anyone grappling with self-acceptance. I aimed to create the resource I wished I had when I first encountered alopecia—an honest narrative that recognizes the pain while providing a way forward toward acceptance and even gratitude for the unique outlook this condition has offered me.
The book narrates my journey from concealing myself with du-rags to embracing my true identity, discovering meaning through tap dancing, establishing a career in technology, and ultimately finding love with someone who appreciates me beyond my appearance.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
While composing my memoir, I developed several distinct habits. I frequently write while standing, pacing as I record my thoughts into a voice recorder for later transcription. This physical movement allows me to access emotional memories more vividly, especially when recounting the challenging times in my life due to alopecia.
I also engage in what I refer to as “emotional immersion writing,” where I intentionally immerse myself in key moments by looking at relevant photos, listening to music from that time, or even wearing clothes reminiscent of those experiences. For instance, when reflecting on my tap dancing days, I sometimes slip on my old tap shoes to reconnect with that part of my journey.
Moreover, I usually write very early in the morning, often beginning around 4 AM while the house is still and before my technology workday starts. In those pre-dawn hours, I find a clarity and honesty that enable me to tackle vulnerable topics with increased authenticity.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Numerous authors and their works have significantly impacted my personal journey and writing style. Maya Angelou’s “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” revealed the power of vulnerability in expressing personal struggles, while her focus on resilience deeply resonated with my experiences. Dr. A.R. Bernard’s insights on purpose and identity helped me view my alopecia not as a limitation but as an integral part of my unique path.
Malcolm Gladwell’s knack for intertwining personal anecdotes with broader insights in “Outliers” shaped my approach to weaving my personal story into universal lessons of resilience. Additionally, Brené Brown’s work on vulnerability and bravery, especially in “Daring Greatly,” encouraged me to accept the difficult aspects of my narrative.
Nelson Mandela’s “Long Walk to Freedom” also inspired me by illustrating how adversity can serve as a foundation for purpose. Tim Ferriss’s method of dissecting success in “Tools of Titans” enabled me to define the mental frameworks that transformed my perspective on alopecia.
Ultimately, the Bible has been my most enduring literary influence, particularly the accounts of Joseph and Paul, who discovered purpose through their challenges and used their experiences to aid others.
What are you working on now?
In conjunction with promoting “Hairless But Fearless,” I am working on two new projects that build on themes from my memoir. The first, a practical guide currently named “Beyond Appearance: A Resilience Roadmap for Life’s Unexpected Challenges,” will condense the resilience principles from my experiences into actionable strategies that readers can implement in various situations they encounter, whether related to health, career changes, or personal identity struggles.
I am also partnering with healthcare professionals to create a resource designed for families coping with a child’s alopecia diagnosis. After engaging with numerous parents through support groups, I realized there was a demand for a caring, practical guide that tackles both the emotional and logistical challenges of supporting a child with alopecia. This book will feature insights from my nephew’s situation, along with input from child psychologists, dermatologists, and other families who face similar paths.
Moreover, I am crafting a speaking program for schools and corporations aimed at fostering authentic leadership and resilience. This initiative will draw on my personal story while emphasizing universal principles applicable to various challenges.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My most effective promotion strategy merges genuine relationship-building with targeted outreach to communities that can genuinely benefit from my message. Instead of adopting a broad marketing approach, I’ve had success in connecting directly with alopecia support groups, dermatology practices, and organizations dedicated to resilience and self-acceptance.
My website, HairlessButFearless.com, acts as the central hub for all my content and speaking engagements, while Instagram has surprisingly been quite effective for reaching the alopecia community. By sharing authentic glimpses of my daily life with alopecia, I’ve cultivated an engaged following who resonate with my journey.
Podcast interviews have proven particularly valuable for accessing new audiences. The long-form conversation format enables me to share my story with the nuance and depth that connects with listeners. I focus on shows centered around personal development, health challenges, and resilience rather than solely book-focused podcasts.
Speaking at events organized by the National Alopecia Areata Foundation has led to meaningful connections with readers who find particular value in my story, resulting in more authentic word-of-mouth referrals than any paid advertising could achieve.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write the book only you can create. Many novice authors attempt to imitate successful works or adhere to publishing fads, but your most significant asset is your distinct viewpoint and genuine voice. The particular aspects of your experiences—those details you may believe are overly personal or specialized—are often what resonate most strongly with readers.
Take your time with the drafting process. My memoir required much longer to complete than I originally anticipated, but that additional time enabled me to reflect on my experiences more thoroughly and uncover the universal truths within my unique story. Write, then step back; return with a renewed perspective and commit to exploring the depths of your narrative with every revision.
Establish your platform ahead of time. Begin sharing your insights, experiences, and knowledge now, even before your book is complete. The connections you foster and the audience you cultivate will prove invaluable when your book launches. This effort goes beyond marketing—it’s about creating a community invested in the conversation you are initiating.
Prioritize professional editing. Regardless of the strength of your writing, a proficient editor will enhance your work and ensure your message resonates with readers. This was one of the best investments I made throughout my publishing journey.
Lastly, remember that publishing your book marks the start of the conversation, not its conclusion. Be ready to engage consistently with your readers, discuss your message, and further develop the ideas you’ve presented.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“What you resist persists, but what you embrace becomes grace.” This insightful advice from Dr. Myron Golden profoundly altered my perspective on alopecia and, ultimately, on my entire life. For many years, I struggled against my condition—hiding under du-rags, avoiding situations where I might be exposed, and viewing my difference as an obstacle to overcome rather than an integral part of my identity.
When I finally chose to embrace my alopecia, accepting it as a fundamental aspect of who I am rather than just an external circumstance, everything changed. What had been a source of shame transformed into a unique outlook, a means to connect with others, and ultimately the bedrock for my greatest achievements. The resistance itself caused more anguish than the condition ever did.
This principle is universally applicable. Whether confronting health issues, career obstacles, or relationship troubles, our resistance often intensifies our suffering. Embracing does not equate to surrendering—it signifies accepting reality as it is before deciding how to proceed. This transformation from resistance to acceptance opens up space for grace to illuminate our challenges and reveal unexpected blessings within them.
I have repeatedly applied this wisdom throughout my life, and it remains the cornerstone of my approach to new challenges. I often share this advice because its simplicity masks its profound ability to completely shift our experiences of life’s unavoidable difficulties.
What are you reading now?
I’m currently reading “The Body Keeps the Score” by Bessel van der Kolk, which explores how trauma affects both our brain and body. It’s providing fascinating insights into the physical manifestations of emotional experiences, which connects to my interest in how autoimmune conditions like alopecia relate to stress and emotional well-being.
Alongside that, I’m enjoying “Atomic Habits” by James Clear, which offers practical strategies for building good habits and breaking unwanted ones. As someone who had to develop new habits of self-presentation and confidence after losing my hair, I’m drawing parallels between Clear’s framework and my own experience.
For spiritual nourishment, I’m revisiting “The Purpose Driven Life” by Rick Warren. Though I’ve read it before, I find new insights each time that help me refine my sense of purpose, especially as I navigate this new chapter as an author and speaker.
I also make time for memoirs by others who have faced significant challenges, currently “Born a Crime” by Trevor Noah, which offers a powerful perspective on identity, resilience, and finding humor in difficult circumstances—themes that resonate deeply with my own journey.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Looking ahead, I am eager to diversify my writing into new formats and engage wider audiences while upholding the central themes of resilience and authenticity that define my work. I am creating a guided journal to accompany “Hairless But Fearless,” aimed at helping readers implement resilience principles in their own unique situations.
I am also seeking opportunities to write regular columns for health and wellness publications, where I will share insights on resilience, self-acceptance, and how to navigate visible differences in a society focused on appearance. These shorter pieces will enable me to delve into specific facets of the journey more effectively than a full book allows.
In the long run, I aim to create a series of books that showcase the experiences of individuals who have turned their challenges into a meaningful purpose. By highlighting diverse voices and stories, I hope to convey that resilience is not a universal formula but a deeply personal journey guided by common principles.
Furthermore, I am partnering with dermatologists and mental health experts to develop a comprehensive resource for those newly diagnosed, merging medical insights with psychological support and personal narratives. I want to create the resource I wish had been available when I first encountered alopecia.
Ultimately, I envision my writing career advancing in tandem with my speaking and advocacy efforts, with each area reinforcing and enhancing the others as I strive to assist people in transforming their challenges into purpose.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
If I were stranded on a desert island with only 3-4 books, I’d choose volumes that provide both practical wisdom and spiritual nourishment that I could revisit endlessly:
First, I’d bring the Bible—not just for spiritual guidance, but because it contains such a wealth of diverse literature: poetry, history, wisdom, parables, and personal transformation stories. In moments of isolation, the narratives of people overcoming tremendous challenges would provide both comfort and practical wisdom.
Second, I’d select “Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor Frankl. His account of finding purpose in the most extreme circumstances of concentration camps would be invaluable during island isolation. His perspective that we always retain the freedom to choose our attitude toward any circumstance would be a crucial reminder when facing the challenges of island survival.
Third, I’d bring a comprehensive survival guide like “SAS Survival Handbook” by John Wiseman. While perhaps not literary, its practical knowledge on finding water, building shelter, identifying edible plants, and creating tools would be essential for thriving rather than merely surviving.
For my fourth choice, I’d bring “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho. This deceptively simple tale contains layers of wisdom that reveal themselves differently with each reading. Its themes of following one’s personal legend and finding meaning in the journey rather than the destination would provide continuous inspiration during island solitude.
These books together would address my practical survival needs, provide spiritual and philosophical reflection, and remind me that even isolation can become a meaningful chapter in a larger personal journey.
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