Today we’d like to introduce you to Jariah Francis.
Hi Jariah, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My story begins Christmas of 2018. Every year for the holidays all of my family would meet at my grandmother‘s house to celebrate. When I woke up Christmas morning I got dressed up and did my makeup because I knew we were going to be taking lots of family pictures. As soon as I came downstairs all 3 of my aunts and grandmother were fascinated with my makeup and asked me if I would take the time to do their makeup as well, which quickly turned into an all-afternoon affair. All of them love the outcome and convince me that I should look into beauty school because of my talent. When I traveled back home a few days later I immediately started doing research for different cosmetology schools and I found Ogle. It was only 2 months later that I started school and began to pursue my passion. Now that I’m a licensed cosmetologist I work at a blowout bar called Pressed Roots. This is a dream job I would have never seen myself being able to land.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
When God has a plan for you and it was written in your destiny, there will always be trials and tribulations. Towards the end it was really hard for me to finish school, I had anxiety about the written and practical tests, and my job was asking me to pick up extra hours so it took a lot of my attention from school and studying. I was working and going to school part-time so I usually never saw an off day and I could tell my mental and physical health was deteriorating. The longer time went on with my schedule the less energy and patience I had with myself and finishing school. It was easy to start calling out, and my hours I owed started to pile up. By the end, I owed almost 200 hours and I didn’t know how I was going to make it all up.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a Master stylist and Trainer at Pressed Roots. I specialize in silk press, and any form of natural styling including locs, color/highlights, and haircuts. I am proud to work at pressed roots not only because it’s a black-owned business but, also because I get to cater and pamper to all different women of color. It hard for us to find people we can trust in our hair and I’m glad I’m someone they can trust with their curls and their thoughts. I think what sets me apart from others is my energy. I intentionally pour love and knowledge into my clients during our sessions while giving them the ultimate blow out leaving them feeling good inside and looking even better outside.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Empathy is one of the most priceless things you can offer as a stylist. We’ve all had bad days and life is beating everyone up on a daily basis. Being kind and simply letting a client vent can change their whole day around and usually has them coming back for more.
Pricing:
- Silk Press $70
Contact Info:
- Instagram: cosmetic_senpai
Image Credits
Pressed Roots
