We were lucky to catch up with Jamila Small recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Jamila thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

My Business was created simply because of my ability to see more than my current situation. Since I was a little girl I would always allow myself to dream. I allowed myself to believe in my American Dream. At the age of 12 years old, I walked with faith and not fear and started my business known as “Braids By Jamila”. Braids By Jamila is a service-based business where I contribute to woman’s confidence through the long-lasting and affordable styles that I offer. This business has allowed me to build many connections and create a name for myself. Fast forward to 16 years old, I was able to open my salon with saved up profit from my “Braids By Jamila” business. Now at the age of 17 years old, I have mastered turning my pain into purpose and then into profit. Through having a parent incarcerated and experiencing childhood trauma I have learned to evolve through pain and admire the Journey of becoming the little girl I wish I had at a younger age.

Jamila, 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 a 17-year-old serial entrepreneur known as a Hairstylist, Salon Owner, and Public speaker. My purpose is to inspire people by being my authentic self and being transparent about my every day Journey of becoming the best version of myself. I pride myself in being intentional about everything I do whether that is being a business owner, a high school student, or a role model to others. My salon “Mila Beauty Suite” is based in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY. Mila Beauty Suite is the ideal location for a service provider searching for a contemporary setting to serve their customers. Rentable booths are available. I am also a professional hairstylist who specializes in braids, a protective style for natural hair. If interested in Booking a service you can do so through my booking site.

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

A lesson that I had to unlearn is that you can’t become more than what you have been exposed to. As a minority, you are often told that your wildest dream is unrealistic from the people around you. But because the moment they stopped dreaming they were no longer able to see more than their childhood trauma and financial issues. Since I was a little girl I told myself that instead of viewing myself as a victim I will view myself as a survivor and warrior. I chose that the battle I will fight will be to end the generational curse’s place among my family. I shifted my way of thinking. I went from not believing that I deserved it to understand that I do deserve it and will receive it. What many don’t realize is that success is not an IG post or outfit but it is a mindset. Once I mastered this understanding things began to shift in my life. I understood that whatever I set my mind to receiving and accomplishing is already done. From the age of 12 years old, I will find myself reading books like “Think and Grow Rich” and “Poor Dad Rich Dad” because I understood that in order for me to become successful I had to do what others weren’t willing to do. While other kids were playing red light and green light. I was inside strategizing on how I can build family wealth and break generational curses. Unlearning this lesson required me to understand that everyone won’t see your vision I was blessed with and that’s okay because it’s not for them to see or understand.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

I was able to build my audience on social media by being my authentic self. I never came on social media trying to be like anyone else but who God called me to be. Along with being transparent through all my content. I shine light on topics that people are afraid to discuss. This has allowed me to build a community and create a safe space. To anyone just starting to build a social media presence don’t be afraid to post your content. Social media is a FREE platform use it to your best advantage. Promote yourself to the fullest. You never know who is watching. Also, understand that Social media is an illusion people put out there what they want you to see and believe. Never sit around

and compare yourself to others. When scrolling on social media make sure to be inspired instead of intimidated if you see something that you like to implement
into your everyday life and business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://braidsbyjamila.myshopify.com https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17973355.
• Instagram: Milatheceo
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/JamilaSmall

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