Kindred Spirits in the Keys – J-Kindred

Do you believe in fate? Call it Kismet, karma, or kindred spirits, Jamie and Josh McNew felt an instant connection during a simple online conversation about hair. What started as a professional connection quickly became something deeper, leading them to build not just a life together but a business that thrives on creativity, community, and connection.

Jamie and Josh’s shared passion for haircare and making people feel confident kept them on their individual paths until they ultimately crossed in the most modern of ways—through social media. A few messages about hair turned into a conversation that felt like they had known each other forever. When they finally met, it was instant chemistry. “It was amazing and weird at the same time,” Jamie recalls.

Early into their relationship, fate (and Hurricane Irma) handed them an unexpected opportunity—a salon space up for grabs. Without hesitation, they took over the lease, renamed it J-Kindred (a nod to their names and natural connection), and very soon after married, blending into a family of six. “It was a whirlwind year, to say the least,” Joshua says.

Running a business together while raising a blended family might sound chaotic, but for Joshua and Jamie, it’s all about balance. “We are two very different people,” Jamie admits. “I have way more energy, and I’m extremely outgoing. He’s more reserved and laid-back.” But in work and life, they complement each other perfectly.

The J-Kindred salon, a staple in the Keys since 2017, has thrived despite the challenges of running a small business in a seasonal, tourism-driven economy. “Owning a salon in the Florida Keys—it’s living the American dream at its finest, surrounded by the best people and incredible beauty,” Jamie says. “The community here rallies around local businesses, which gave us the courage to pursue our next venture.”

In January 2025, after months of testing and tweaking, Joshua and Jamie launched the J-Kindred haircare line. Designed specifically for the unique climate of the Florida Keys, the plant-based line is free of harmful ingredients, safe for color-treated hair, and infused with minerals and proteins to keep hair healthy in the sun, sea, and humidity.

The product names reflect the spirit of the Keys. The Morada Wash, for instance, is a purple shampoo named in honor of Islamorada, and Island Revival is packed with UV protection to combat the endless sun in the Key.  J-Kindred includes 15 more custom blends uniquely tailored to the needs of their islander clientele.

Since launching, the response has been overwhelmingly positive. With a successful salon and a product line quickly gaining traction, Joshua and Jamie are setting their sights beyond the salon chair. They hope to see J-Kindred haircare stocked in local boutiques, hotels, and even short-term rentals throughout the Keys.

“These products make hair healthy and beautiful—but it’s also about creating a product that fits our lifestyle here,” Jamie says.

Joshua and Jamie embrace that lifestyle every day with their four kids. Whenever there is a gap in school and sports, you can find them out on the water in their highly recognizable boat. True to maintaining their interwoven work-family balance, their family boat is wrapped in the J-Kindred brand. After all, if Joshua and Jamie can seamlessly blend work and marriage in the salon, why not extend that harmony to family fun?

J-Kindred isn’t just a brand; it’s a reflection of Joshua and Jamie’s love, partnership, and dedication to their craft. Whether it’s in the salon or behind the scenes formulating the next great hair product, they’re proving that when passion meets partnership, success is just a matter of time—and a little humidity control.

– Written by Jerrica Mah — writer, Army wife, and freelance book editor who loves to travel vicariously through stories.