Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jada Howell. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Jada, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear how you think where to draw the line in terms of asking friends and family to support your business – what’s okay and what’s over the line?

I’m wanting to take a new direction with the format of my salon business. I currently operate out of a private salon suite and my goal, and ultimate business dream is to transition into a mobile business format. I want to convert a van into a salon and, rather than my clients coming to me, I will go to them. I’m at a point where support is paramount to this transition. Because of the early stage of the growth of my business, friend and family support is of the utmost importance. They see where I am, what my goals are, and my determination. Basically, they have the inside scoop.

Jada, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m an Independent Hair Stylist and an Austin native. I decided to go to Cosmetology School after a curiosity and intense interest in doing hair grew within me while I was working as a Front Desk Coordinator at a Salon in South Austin back in 2013. I graduated in 2014, went into an apprenticeship, and then went solo in 2016. I’ve been Independent since 2019 and I’ll never look back.

I specialize in highlighting brunette hair. There is a need in this area because a lot of time when clients with darker hair want highlights, they often will go to a blonde specialist. This is an issue because highlighting lighter hair types requires different techniques than darker hair, so the result is often badly damaged hair and a fear of ever having anything other than just dark, or monotone hair. I can offer darker-haired clients beautiful color while also maintaining the integrity of their hair. I’m also very experienced with cutting long and thick hair as well.

I am most proud of running my own business. I come from a single-parent home with extremely humble roots and had you told me when I was a little girl that I’d be running my own salon, I would have thought you were crazy. With the help of my husband, I got started doing something I love that I can call my own.

With my dream of a mobile salon close at hand, I’m excited to create a legacy that my children can be proud of. Whether they want to take over or do something entirely different, it’s mine and I have earned every bit of it.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

A big lesson that I have to continually unlearn is that I can be successful. I sometimes have the insecurity that I’m not going to be as successful as I hope to be. This comes from my upbringing. I grew up poor and was raised by my single mother. I watched her struggle for years and years and grew to learn that no matter how hard you work, your situation won’t change. I have since learned that isn’t true at all.

You can work hard and still make bad choices that keep you in a less-than-optimum predicament. That is the part that my childhood self didn’t know about. One of my biggest mantras in life is to work smarter, not harder. I am constantly reminding myself to be innovative and creative. It takes a lot of tenacity and I have to encourage myself, which can be challenging at times. It’s easy to get stuck in a negative mindset that holds you down, so constant positivity is very important. Mindset is the biggest challenge when you’re on your own.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

One of my best qualities for connecting with my clients is the ability to listen and hear their needs. Being a Hair Stylist involves dealing with a lot of emotions. As a new client, it can be stressful to try out a new stylist. I like to listen to their concerns and hear what they may be worried about, and then I can begin the process of reassurance.

I’m also open to admitting when I’m wrong or when someone isn’t happy. My ultimate goal is to make my clients happy and keep them coming back. It doesn’t do anyone any favors to become defensive. And it does happen. Sometimes I make mistakes. Sometimes I’m not confident about my approach, but I maintain open and honest communication with my clients and that builds trust. They trust that I’m trying my hardest and that I will do whatever I can to make them happy, even if takes a second try.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.newcheveux.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/newcheveuxnow
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/newcheveuxnow