Today we’d like to introduce you to Jamaria Smith.
Hi Jamaria, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Everything began when I was 5 months pregnant with my first little girl Alayla which was a high-risk pregnancy. I was working a security job that required me to work overnight and stroll around a gigantic, muggy, and hot warehouse. The necessary prerequisites of me, my doctor asked that I didn’t do it because of my pregnancy. Anyway, I was moved to two other places of work expecting me to in any case work overnight and my child just wouldn’t permit me to remain up my entire shift.
I then, at that point, saw that this wasn’t for me and I wanted something more simpler and agreeable for me. I returned to my absolute first job which was Taco Bell since I was once a team trainer there. At that point when I arrived the manager brought me back at $7.25 and I just couldn’t get by off of that. I requested to be off one weekend since I planned to practice braids for $25 and $35 to get additional pay yet the manager didn’t approve of my time. Something told me to simply not go in regardless of my underlying arrangement.
That Saturday and Sunday, I did numerous practice heads and made over the amount of my fourteen-day check from Taco Bell in only two days. From that day forward, I never returned and I just leaped out on trust and began doing all hairstyles. I saw that specific styles weren’t so much for me. Not because I didn’t know how to make it happen but because a portion of the styles didn’t fit my well-being. I began to do more braid styles and fell head over heels for it. As business developed greater I realized I wanted to have my braiding license.
I took a class and got my braiding certificate to get my license. I then, at that point, realized I wanted a name and I wanted an alternate name. Something hollered out in my mind “Exclusive braids” genuine uproarious and that was the name. I proceeded to get my license to operate right a short time later and I can say it was perhaps my best move yet. I’ve been braiding since August 2019 and here it is November 2023. Braiding has turned into my enthusiasm and my life.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
For me, braiding has not been an expected road. Everyone thinks having your own business is just peaches and cream but it’s not. You have to be prepared for the slow and busy days. You have to have good customer service. In the entrepreneur life being kind and respecting your customers get you far.
Some people are not going to respect your rules or agree with them. You have to stand firm no matter what to keep your business running smoothly sailing. Sometimes I have 3 weeks of business booming and then 2 weeks of maybe just one head. You have to remain solid in your business and just think of ways to help adjust and better it.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in all braiding and twist styles. The number one style I get booked for the most is my Knotless. Then next it’s my soft locs. My clients say the reason they love coming to get their braids done by me is because I’m a neat, quick, and specialized professional braider.
Not only that but I also grow their hair. One thing that separates me from others is that I don’t braid for the money. I braid it because I love it. I love to see my clients leave my chair with one of the biggest smiles knowing that they’re beautiful. Another thing is I love to help my clients express themselves through their hair.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
I’ve learned that anything can happen at any time. When outbreaks happen I know that I need to be prepared to make a decision that is best for me and my clients.
Pricing:
- Medium knotless $135
- Soft locs $120
- Butterfly locs $140
- Boho medium knotless $165
- Braid down $25
Contact Info:
- Website: exclusivebraids1.booksy.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/exclusivebraid_?igshid=MXN6bjNzZnd2d2ZyYw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
