Today we’d like to introduce you to Trinitee Jouét.
Hi Trinitee, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My journey began at 13 years old. My mom was my braider, but I had began watching YouTube tutorials on how to braid and maintain my own hair; and let’s just say, as soon as she saw I could do it myself (even if not well yet) she quit her job!
I’m quite the perfectionist, so I spent hours and hours practicing different styles and braid techniques. My parents saw how passionate I was and decided to get me a practice mannequin. As the result of hard work and true dedication, I started taking clients before I turned 14. I’d like to give a shout out to them for their support and letting me practice on them at that time; I was far from a quality braider.
After a few years in, and getting better and better, I decided to expand my services to loc maintenance and styling. Wanting to lock my own hair, I figured I would have to learn all about locs regardless; so why not offer to care for others’ locs while I’m at it!
Through all the ups and downs, 7 years of self-teaching, perfecting my craft, and building clientele, I can truly say that I’ve found my life’s passion. Though I’m not perfect and still have work to do, I am happy that I have the ability to help others feel beautiful or handsome and appreciate that about themselves.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Throughout my journey, I’ve dealt with a few different struggles. Being as young as I was when I started, professionalism was a major quality that I needed to adopt. It was definitely an urgent adjustment; I knew that if I wanted to take this thing seriously, I would have to behave like a business professional. I still slip up sometimes like anyone else, so it’s a constant climb to being the best professional I can be.
My most difficult challenge began 2 years ago. Fighting through the diagnosing process of my chronic illness, IBS, truly took a toll on me. I won’t give you all the gross details, but I will say it can get pretty severe. I felt incapable, incredibly depressed, and on the brink of quitting on my business that I spent my entire adolescence creating. I took a much needed break while visiting many different doctors, trying the best solutions possible that would help me function at least a fraction of the capacity that I used to. Once I decided to start taking clients again, I really had to make some adjustments. I could no longer conduct an entire appointment standing, or without multiple breaks, and couldn’t take more than one client a day. It took a while to get used to my appointments taking a bit longer, and having to be vulnerable with clients when a flare up would ensue mid-appointment.
Although it’s still difficult sometimes, I’ve found my rhythm, and can enjoy what I do with only minor worry for my illness’ distractions while serving my clients. I also appreciate my clients for being so patient and understanding; their continued support truly warms my heart.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a braider and loc stylist, specializing in all things knotless braids and stylish retwists. I’m most proud of my business development from just 13 years old, and my resilience through the challenges I’ve faced over the years. I haven’t yet reached my goals for Jouét’s Hair Gallery, but I do believe I’m getting close!
I think that what sets me apart from other braiders in my area is that I dedicate the entirety of my time to my craft. Even my school time is devoted to my progression as an entrepreneur. I am currently a student at the University of North Texas, studying entrepreneurship and real estate. The entrepreneurship portion of my studies I use to equip myself for the progression of my business, and the real estate portion to gain knowledge that I’ll utilize when searching the market for my own salon, or salons, eventually. Don’t get me wrong, I have work-life balance. However, when I choose to do something, I put my all into it; so I eat, sleep, and breathe Jouét’s Hair Gallery!
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson I’ve learned so far: It is okay to make mistakes. What is NOT okay is allowing your mistakes to break you.
As I mentioned previously, I am a bit of a perfectionist. I probably hate making mistakes more than the average person. I can be pretty hard on myself at times, which is a blessing and a curse. I’m always striving to be the best I possibly can, but I get pretty down when I occasionally fall short.
Learning that everyone makes mistakes and that mistakes are critical for growth has really changed my perspective throughout my journey. Messing up sometimes doesn’t make me a bad person, a bad stylist, a poor professional, and it surely doesn’t mean I should give up my passion, even in times when I feel like I “just can’t get it right”. Growth takes time, and learning to be patient with myself and my mistakes has created all the difference in my journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://jouets-hair-gallery.square.site/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jouetshairgallery?igsh=cXBnYjBjN3g4Nzc0&utm_source=qr
