Today we’d like to introduce you to Jalissa Dedmon.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Jalissa. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
How did I get started… Well, to be honest, I was always into hair even when I was a little girl. My mom would wash my hair and I would want to plait it myself, but even though I knew I liked doing hair and I felt like I was pretty good at it, it was something I never felt I could make more than just a hobby. I learned how to braid because I was a young mother and could not afford anything other than the basic necessities. So for years, I would just braid me and my daughters hair. So after doing it so many times, I started getting people coming up to me and saying “girl your hair is so pretty who did your hair”. I would explain to them that I did it but I only do me and my daughter’s hair. I was literally turning people away.
Fast forward to the summer of 2019. My aunt asked me to do my cousin’s hair, this wasn’t the first time she asked, I was not feeling it at all but I agreed to do it anyway. The next day I posted pictures on my Facebook of my cousin’s hair and I had three messages immediately trying to book an appointment. After the responses I had on Facebook, I got a boost of confidence that I needed and I told myself that I would post a picture every time I did me or my daughter’s hair and I did that. I came up with my brand name and three months later I put together my home salon and Boom JStylezzz was born.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I know I will definitely have challenges along the way but I’m so grateful for the experience I’ve had so far. The greatest obstacle I’ve had so far was initially just letting go and representing my brand the way I wanted to and not how others felt I should. First of all my hair is Purple so being the chic with the purple hair and braids down to my thighs can be loud. But I’m an artist. I graduated from Booker T. Washington HS and I wanted everything about my brand to scream art because that’s just who I am. It’s in me!!!
Please tell us more about your work. What do you do? What do you specialize in? What sets you apart from competition?
I am a braider that specializes in single braids/twist. I love working with color so I get excited when a client lets me just get creative with the colors.
When I made the decision to start my own business I was really focused on “sis let’s get this money”. And yeah getting the bag and being financially secure will always be the goal but I can say that my focus has shifted. I have had several women message me since I’ve started to just say that I’ve inspired them to push towards their goals or that they admire my confidence and my hustle and I’m just so humbled by it every time because I never even thought that me stepping out and pursuing a passion of mine would help someone else.
That’s definitely been my favorite part of the journey so far. Sometimes we sleep on our gifts because we’re just scared to take the first step. That was me. I’m a wife and a mother of two. I convinced myself that I was ok just being the supportive wife and sports mom but reality was I wasn’t being the best version of myself because I was literally killing myself by suppressing my dreams. So if I could encourage and inspire other women to take that first step that’s the dopest feeling to me!!!
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
I think being authentic and transparent is key to success in any business. People want to work with someone with genuine vibes period. I’m thankful to God and the many blessings I’ve received in just year 1 of my business. I’m just excited to see what he has in store for me in 2020.
Contact Info:
- Email: Stylezzzbyj@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stylezzz_by_j/?r=nametag
Image Credit:
Ricky Dedmon
Tyana Danae
Suggest a story: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
