We recently connected with Jade Posey and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jade, thanks for joining us today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

Last time I told you a lot about me! From now ’til then I did finish beauty school. I obtain my license as an Esthetician now! Anyone that is an entreprenuer knows it’s a risk all in all! I have waited years to be on this journey. Timing was not right? Things didn’t align and just when everything was going so perfect! BUM! BUM! BUM! Cue suspense music… ha ha. All of the sudden, it turned into a Twilight episode! No, not the vampires. The old school show! Look it up if you don’t know!?! Anyways, just as things seem to be aligning, little did I know, they were about to fall apart.

I was just about to graduate school. I had a job lined up. School year was about to end for the children. Baby was in daycare. Had the perfect babysitter after two failed ones, for when all the boys needed to be watched. Car was still running. My little part time job was going okay. My family was happy. My relationship with my man was going good. Life was good and I was so ready for this new chapter. Most people knew my plan. I told them where they could find me and to chose me as their esthetician!

Then all of a sudden my sitter had told me that she was about to switch careers. I was in panic! I told her my six month plan when I had hire her! I was going to need a sitter! I was going to have to look for someone else to trust all over again so I could start my dream career! No family help here. Few friends but they all had other things going on. The whole process was about to start all over again looking for a sitter. On top of that my car broke down. I was just about to fix my ac after it being out for a month or two. But as soon as my boyfriend went to take my car to be fixed it would not shift gears. Great! At the time it matter but it also did not because my job did not schedule me to work for two weeks. I needed money but I also needed to figure out my life. Having to borrow my boyfriend’s car to get the baby to daycare and the kids and I just being stuck at home for a few days. It was going to cost more to fix my car then we were willing to put in. I had the money to move in my studio, and already spent thousands of dollars on supplies and start up cost for my career.

The process to take my state test for my license was scheduled out two weeks. I was getting very impatient. That’s when I decided to reach out to the lady who offered me the job. She said she had actually hired someone else a few days prior and couldn’t wait for me which I totally understood. But, I was rather disappointed. What was I going to do? No car, no sitter, no studio?? Most places want $175-250 a week for rent! That adds up quick and more of a gamble when you don’t have a consisent client base. What was I going to do? Just as everything was starting, everything sure was ending rather quickly.

My boyfriend then said forget it! We were going to the car lot and buying me a car! I was in shock! Um, what? I thought. We landed a deal and he got me the nicest, newest car I’ve ever owned! Back on the road things were looking up. I had then found another studio to rent but with the new car payment and insurance I just didn’t know if I could afford weekly nor monthly rent?

I changed positions at my part time job so I’d be able to negotiate my days with sitters, career, job, responsibilities. I have now somewhat found a babysitter. Yet again the salon or spa says their days and times don’t fit mine. Trying to take a risk and go all in for the career I want seems impossible. But, I am resilent. I don’t give up easy. I have the at-home studio separate from my house, Maybe this will work and it is nothing to be ashamed of. My friend pointed out, “You’ve worked hard in this space and made it to your liking and for others. Treat it like your baby! When you look back you’ll be grateful and apprective where you started.” She was a hundred percent right.

I decided to build trust with strangers with my children. Go through training with little-to-no pay. I have gained more clients since. I have finally rearranged my space to where I want it to be and every person that walks in says they love it! I keep reaching out to spas and salons about working there. Something that fits mine and their schedules. It hasn’t happened yet. At my new position I took on one more day. Working four days out of the week and the others at my lounge. Some days I go to my part time job for most the day and now that the news is getting out more and more I get off work to getting ready for a client and performing a service. On top of that my freelance modeling career has taken off more and more as well.

I guess in the end when you kind of stop planning as much and just try to enjoy the ride, you’ll be surprised! I am a God-fearing woman and God has other plans for me. Whatever has not worked it’s because His plan is greater and better then I can plan for myself. Is it a risk, absolutely. But I am now practicing patience. Leaning into the unknown. Being grateful for everyday. Dishing out money for my small business. This is just the beginning. Summer is going smoother with the kids being home. Summer will end and schedules will change. However, being flexibile is key. As an entreprenuer, you have to take the risk. Sometimes, jumping all in. Other times, taking it task by task. Or, day by day. Watch out and remember the name: Jj’s Lounge. Where beauty meets relaxation.

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

I have a medical background. I just love helping others and making them their best selves. I am most passionate about facials, waxing and lashing. Although I have booked more lash appointments than anything I am just practicing day by day to be better and better at it. I have some new products and services I am doing now. Which include: tinting and jelly mask. I created an account on Vagaro. Not liking it so much but, people have been able to book. For me, it’s just what I want to display and have on there. However, the site wants you to pay for every single button. Annoying.

I am trying to attract male clients as well. I know they are starting to see more and more the importance of skincare and waxing. I am still networking and showcasing my skills.

I did a vendor event last month. Total bust. Live and learn. Maybe, the next one will be more eventful and help my business grow? We shall see. Instead, I think sponsoring events will be the next move.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

No matter what, I am resilent! I do not quit! In this industry a lot will. It has become oversatured. But, you have to be able to talk to others. Put yourself out there. Make the videos and content. Especially where we are at in the world today. It doesn’t matter what anyone else is doing. Only what you are and what you bring to the table. What makes you different from the rest?

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

Starting a business can and can’t be easy. There are a lot of resources out there. I have explored some of the avenues. But, sometimes you have to qualify. With my life being pulled in this direction and that direction. I honestly have not looked into it as I should. I literally have funded everything I have. It’s a pretty penny I’ve spent this far. That is more than okay, because I wan the best of the best for the people who chose me. Being a woman, a mom, a minorty I know there are things out there. I bite the bullet and paid for a course to learn grants. Although I am currently recertifying a different certification. Doing some further education on products. I have put it to the side and will get to it very soon. It will not only help me but the nonprofits I help with. People just don’t know the resources out there. For now I am working my part time job which definitely has helped me pay for bills and fund my business. I have big dreams and plans. Seriously, this is only the beginning. They say it takes five years to make a profit from a business. The first year is the hardest. I forgot about what they say about year two? Just keep going and growing!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.vagaro.com/jjslounge
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jjs_lounge23
• Facebook: Jj’s Lounge
• Youtube: Jj’s Lounge or Jade Posey
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/jjs.lounge

Image Credits

High 5ive Studios