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

Hi Jocelyn, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

The idea of this all actually found me. I was in a really dark, lost place working with no opportunity of advancement. I then decided to revisit my initial dream of working in healthcare. I registered for nursing school in 2018, but soon was faced with the reality that financially I was unable to attend. Instead, I went to esthetician school to master lash extensions and save money for school. I disliked lashes so much, omg. BUT I fell in love with everything else and my idea of being a career esthetician was born. After a little over a year in business, a plastic surgeon, Dr. Amaka, found me. Since building a relationship with her the goal has grown and I aspire to one day transition into a medical spa.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am currently an esthetician pursing a BSN- RN at Marian University through their full-time, accelerated program. My esthetics license is from Empire Beauty School (2019). I also have a Bachelor of Science in Journalism, concentration in public relations (MTSU 2016) and a MBA (TSU 2017). I guess you could say I like school or I just believe in doing things the correct way which equals longevity.

I completed 9 years of service, 2013-2022, with the US Army National Guard.

I currently operate as an esthetics shop with two employees, both also estheticians (Kianna M. and Monique R.). We provide the following services: skincare, body treatments, full body waxing, brow and lash enhancement, body sculpting/contouring and cosmetic post operative healing care.

The name Sovereignty explains it all. Our mission is to aid our clients on the journey of being in complete control of their image of beauty and wellness without societal bias and stigmas. We take pride in our adaptability to welcome a diverse clientele and provide each of them with an equally knowledgeable, fulfilling experience.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I initially planned to attend nursing school in 2018, but I was financially unable. Fast forward to August of 2023, I am beginning my third semester of that same 4 semester full-time, accelerated BSN-RN program. I thought I’d never fulfill my original dream of working in healthcare. Little did I know there was always a plan for my desire, but in a much different way. Skin and I have had a thing since I was in the 8th grade. Even all of my degrees seemed to be wild cards for years. I never accepted a traditional job upon completion of either, but they all work perfectly in my knowledge of running my current business. I always knew I’d work for myself but I wasn’t sure what it was supposed to look like.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Upon graduation of esthetician school in 2019, I took a position as an esthetician at Style Bar and Spa on 6th Ave. downtown Nashville in January 2020. I just knew this was it, I had figured out what I would do. Boom, COVID-19 hit! I was without work as of March 2020 due to state mandated closures. When the mandate was lifted, the salon decided to remain closed as a precautionary measure for the employees. I was unable to secure a position with another establishment due to fear of closing again and there was no demand.

I decided not to give up this time. I secured a salon suite and opened for business June of 2020. I had zero clients and a heart full of faith. I knew then, every experience of “figure it out” had prepared me for this moment.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sovereigntybwb.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/sovereigntybwb?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sovereigntyllc?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Image Credits
Motelewa Smith