We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Valandra Jackson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Valandra thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you share a customer success story with us?

My name is Valandra Jackson. I’m a Licensed Cosmetologist/Makeup Artist born and raised in North Little Rock Arkansas. I graduated from Paul Mitchell Cosmetology School May of 2018. Since I was a kid, I’ve always had a passion for all things beauty. I knew one of my purposes in life would be to add beauty to the world the “Vee” way. This industry allowed me to express myself in a healthy way and provide for me and my family and doing what I love gives me an uncontrollable happiness and a sense of belonging that I didn’t always have. As the 6th of 9 kids life wasn’t easy and I didn’t have the best role models growing up so I decided to become my own regardless of my past. I was determined to beat the odds and make something of myself despite being a high school drop out, teen parent and victim of sexual abuse.. I always said ‘My Why is my Energy Drink it keeps me growing and going ‘ My mission is to use my artistry to show little girls like myself and even those with different backgrounds that you are not defined by your situations and that you can overcome anything with a little determination .

Valandra, 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?

As many other women of color, my first Beauty experience was when I was a little girl. Growing up, I’d watch my aunts and mom do hair in the kitchen or outside on the porch all the time; whether it was my head, a family member’s or someone in the neighborhood. I’d stand watching for hours just learning and admiring the craft and the interaction. But to be able to witness the confidence it gave the other person is what really drew me to the industry. I was around 9 when I first learned to braid, I’d practice on my siblings and friends to perfect my craft and pictured myself as a celebrity stylist. At age 11 , I had my first client ; she wasn’t a celebrity but she was my Pre-K teacher. I made $40 and was so ecstatic! I remember how proud I was of myself to be able to turn something I genuinely loved to do into profit. There was a certain magic in the ability to make someone feel better about themselves that I fell in love with. I knew then in my heart that doing hair was one of my callings and not just something to do. From that experience I only got better. By 13 I was relaxing and styling my own hair (Yes, My mom believed in me that much). From that point on, I did hair as my side hustle and used the profits to invest into my education to become a licensed professional and my business as a full time stylist/MUA. The rest is history, the journey to this point hasn’t always been easy but I never stopped! Smacked LLC isn’t just any old business it’s my baby and like a baby I have fed it dedication and nurtured it and it has blossomed into something magnificent! I hope every person who sits in my chair or follows me on any platform knows that I’m dedicated to providing the best customer service and Healthy hair care I would want one to provide for me .

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

I’d say the lesson I had to unlearn was family and friends aren’t always going to be your number one supporters . I use to get down on myself because I made them my number one clients and went above and beyond to please them all while giving a discount and they still paid full price else where with no problem. I changed that quickly and started treating my business like a business and not a charity. I started requiring respect and priority and I have no problem now with any of my clients or family.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

I started off working as a CNA (Certified nurses assistant) to fund my business. I then saved up about 2k to start buying salon equipment . At the time I was doing hair in my basement and things just took off from there .

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Smacked_by_V
• Facebook: Smacked LLC
• Youtube: Smacked by Vee

Image Credits
Main Photo : EZ Creates