We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Daphne Jenkins. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Daphne below.

Hi Daphne , thanks for joining us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

Since I was 9 years old, I’ve had a passion for hair. While most little girls practiced on baby dolls, I had my sister. Our mom wasn’t the best with hair, so I stepped in and took over. Even then, my goal was healthy hair—and that continues to be the foundation of what I do today.

Alongside my love for hair, I’ve always loved science. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Biology in 2012, and throughout school, I continued doing hair as a side hustle. Eventually, I felt called to take it further. I began looking into cosmetology schools, but most were 18 months to 2 years long and only offered daytime classes—which clashed with my full-time job. When you have a God given talent, it’s hard to ignore it. Trust me, I’ve tried.

One day, I came across an evening natural hair care program in Raleigh that lasted only 3 months. It felt too good to be true, but I applied and enrolled. After completing the program, I took the state boards, scored high, and officially became a Licensed Natural Hair Care Specialist.

My love for natural hair and science came together in the creation of my business: Natural Selection Stylez. I believe natural hair care isn’t just a trend—it’s a journey that requires dedication, research, and real investment. I’m not just a braider—I’m a specialist focused on promoting healthy, thriving hair, and I take pride in doing it the right way.

Wanting to offer more to my clients, I became certified in Trichology and Herbalism. This has allowed me to take a more holistic approach, helping clients not only achieve beautiful hair but also support their overall wellness from the inside out.

Now, I’m preparing to take the next step: I’ll be starting Pharmacy school this fall, with big goals for expanding the services I offer through Natural Selection Stylez. This business has grown so much over the past 7 years, and I’m incredibly excited to see where it will be in the next 5.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I started out as just a girl who genuinely loved everything about hair care—and that love has grown into something so much bigger. Today, I’m the proud owner of natural hair care brand, Natural Selection Stylez, a Licensed Natural Hair Care Specialist, Certified Trichologist, and Master Herbalist.

I got into this industry because I’ve always had a passion for hair—but for me, healthy hair has always been the priority. Sure, I can braid, twist, and style with the best of them, but my real mission is to address the issues that are often being hidden underneath. That’s what truly sets me apart—I don’t just focus on what looks good, I focus on what’s healthy.

At the end of the day, your hair’s appearance matters—but your health matters more. And that’s always the priority with Natural Selection Stylez

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to unlearn the idea that “the customer is always right.” In the beginning, I was the stylist who constantly bent over backwards—fitting clients into my schedule, agreeing to styles that weren’t healthy, and responding to texts as early as 5 a.m. and as late as 11:30 p.m. I had no boundaries, and it took a serious toll on my health and peace of mind.

Over time, I realized that my policies and procedures exist to protect both me and the client. They help prevent burnout, which is crucial—because the truth is, you can’t give quality service when you’re running on empty. Rest isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. As entrepreneurs, we don’t just deserve rest—we need it to thrive.

One of the hardest but most important lessons I’ve learned is that all money isn’t good money. Some clients can make the work feel draining, and that’s not what I signed up for. I built this business out of passion, and that passion deserves to be protected. Just like clients have the right to choose their stylist, stylists have the right to choose their clientele.

That’s why consultations are a must. They help ensure we’re a good fit, set expectations early, and most importantly—they allow me to uphold my commitment to healthy hair and a healthy work environment.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

In the beginning, I built my clientele through word of mouth, and honestly, I loved it. I had amazing clients who referred their friends and family—and those referrals often turned into loyal clients too. Because let’s be real—good people usually surround themselves with other good people. That’s how I was able to grow a client base that I genuinely enjoyed working with long-term.

As time went on, social media became a bigger part of how we connect and do business. I was hesitant to start posting at first, but once I did, I was able to reach a much wider audience and gain even more clients. The only catch? With social media, you never really know who’s going to show up.

That’s why consultations and clear boundaries are so important. They help ensure the client is the right fit and that expectations are aligned from the start. The right clients—the ones you want to build with—will always respect your time, your policies, and your brand.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @naturalselectionstylez
• Facebook: Natural Selection Stylez, LLC