Meet Jessica, The Millennial Braider

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica, The Millennial Braider.

Jessica, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
How I became an #LABraider? Well, after graduating from California State University Long Beach in 2015 with a bachelors in American studies: Popular Culture, Media and Consumerism and an Event planning and Hospitality management minor, I was faced with the reality that although I had this achievement, I was still very much black in America, not to mention one of many than ever before college graduates entering the workforce. It was very difficult to find employment I felt fit my experience and portfolio thus far and I refused to settle.

So after a many of struggling months of going on 40 plus interviews, watching the secret over and over (this is all very literally) and going to the beach soul searching for my purpose to reveal itself to me. I recalled that I did hair! My last semester of college I didn’t take any clients in effort to graduate so believe it or not I just forgot I even had that outlet.

So I then began to research and take steps towards becoming a professional hairstylist. I knew that that would be a natural means for entrepreneurship because my heart wanted to be a boss lol. So I enrolled back in cosmetology school.. well attempted. That didn’t pan out as the very popular school soon closed down indefinitely. So I carried on to find a barbershop in the Fox Hills Mall that offered an apprenticeship program. So I began to work there along with another job more aligned with my degree.

It was during this time that I created my StyleSeat account, got business cards and switch my socials to a dual purpose of marketing and self-expression. I began taking more public clients and referrals as a mobile hairstylist and often in my home.

During this time, I also went crazy hard with trying to figure out my intentions and vision. I studied hair like every waking moment I could. I watched YouTube videos on all trending styles and natural hair care. I studied barbering and men’s hairstyling. I practiced on doll heads and any and every friend or family member I could just as when I was a child. It was a very exciting time for me.

Fast forward, I took a final step over that professional divide when I discovered my new salon home, The Braid Bar. The owner of the salon offered a stitch braid class that was very affordable for me so I took from amongst my last and immediately bought a spot of the last remaining 2 of the upcoming class.

I knew at this time, I needed one on one instruction and one of the major keys to success is a mentor. So I took this time very serious as a student. After my class, she offered a mentorship to me where I could come in and observe and practice where she would offer professional advice.

I came in 4-6 days a week to practice and observe the professional salon setting. After about a month of that, I took my first client for payment in salon around the holidays. Very exciting! I always knew it was very important to be excited and present with the progress.

I was then an official Braider at the salon!!

That was just the start of the journey! I then went on to braid and grow my clientele and social media content for about two years straight! Like literally day in day out. I was very determined to be better than I had been, all the time.

With my salon home, we participated in many community events to spread the word about us. We also held many specials and events within the salon to grow our clientele.

Now 2020, I am here, booked and very grateful to be acknowledged for my craft!

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has by far not been an easy process! It has taken much vision, dedication and consistency… Not to mention many failures. I feel it’s a word and experience many people fear however it takes failure to know how to reinvent yourself for success. So I “failed” a many of times, in braid styles and customer experiences, in life and other personal choices like any other human. But I always knew I needed to track my journey and remain aware of myself to really mold and groom me into the Braid Professional I am today. Even further, I didn’t see being a hairstylist as my main profession entering adulthood. So I had to really allow experience and change to serve its purpose in my transitions over the years.

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I am a Hairstylist who specializes in Braid and Protective hair styling. My services include the very popular knotless box braids, twists and stitched cornrows.

I’m known for delivering very neat yet trendy braid styles for men and Women of all hair types.

Although I work in a salon, I offer travel and on-set services as well where I can provide other creative looks as well.

I use social media not only as a business tool but also as a means to build relationships with my active clientele as well as my audience and I believe that is what sets me apart from others in my industry. I am very transparent about all involved with a braid lifestyle; feeling good and looking good go hand in hand!

What role has luck (good luck or bad luck) played in your life and business?
Oooh, I like this question as I truly humbly think of myself as favored and fortunate. I have seen this ring true in my life for some time, that I’ve always been protected to lead me here and further! I am very lucky to be a part of many lives not only through my gifted craft but through my employment of social media.

I am extremely fortunate to have not only attracted a clientele but audience. Really I call This audience “my braid family” as I aim to treat them with love, respect and support; not just like customers and numbers. In salon I love to laugh and uplift. Even if It means a slight overshare, I really like To make those around me comfortable and spiritually full, leaving happier than they came. Not just look good! But she does that too 😉

I am also extremely lucky to have found a tribe within Los Angeles to build my brand as a professional Braider. I work at the Braid Bar downtown location which is BLACK OWNED. The salon is within a creative space called The Visionary Studios which is also BLACK OWNED. Not to mention FEMALE business owners as well and it’s truly enriching to be surrounded by driven and hard-working women.

I am truly favored to have perfect alignment at this point in life and very much excited and grateful to see what is in store for what my future attracts.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.themillenialbraider.com
• Email: Bookings@themillennialbraider.com

Image Credit:
Gold outfit credits, Kin cordell

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