We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Britty J a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Britty thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?
I have been blessed to earn enough to live comfortably and raise my beautiful four kids from my creative work, my craft, my gift. It started off small of course, I had to continue my 9-5 in the beginning while I was still trying to get my name out there as well as continuing to perfect my craft and get better. However after a year and a half I was able to quit my 9-5 and haven’t looked back and that was in 2012 so I’ve been blessed to work for myself ever since.
Britty, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I’m a licensed hairstylist/Braider. I got in the industry honestly by default. I was trying my hardest really not to do hair because I didn’t really want to I thought I was meant for something else even though I had been around it since I was a child (my mom was a stylist for a little) then I started doing braids in the neighborhood and in the school gym. But truthfully I was ok with just doing my own hair as I got older I tried working and going to school for other companies and things but everything kept pushing me back to hair, so finally I went to hair school 2011 and I’m glad I did best decision I ever made for me and my kids. Some of the most things I’m proud of is 1, just making my clients look and feel good what they don’t know is I too struggle in my personal life at times and seeing how they feel after makes me feel a whole lot better just dealing with my own life situations. Some clients I’ve built a great bond with so they know what I sometimes would be dealing with and still push through to still work no half slacking and that’s awesome for me because they’re happy with the results which means even though I’m struggling I still have 2000% and they loved it. 2, moving to another state and making it despite the nay sayers I’m very much proud of that no family or friends or clientele starting all the way over with 4 kids definitely showed me my hustle and grind and determination is even stronger than maybe I even knew!
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
The biggest way society could support artists no matter what type is by a simple like or share. We live in a social media world and those two things matter that’ll help support us a lot.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
The only mission driving me is showing my kids they have options school or Entrepreneurship. Don’t let what people push on you to make you do something, because if I would’ve listened to my family who knows if I would be this happy or even successful by going to school getting a degree in something I didn’t even want. Also do you and what makes you happy that’s all I’m trying to show my kids, it’s possible
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.styleseat.com/m/brittyj
- Instagram: @iamstylesby_brittyj