Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessa Watters.
Jessa, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I began doing hair out of necessity as a young girl to help my mom. My siblings and I would spend every other weekend coming up with new and innovative styles that would last us through the school week and keep us feeling excited about our natural hair. It wasn’t until college that I realized this wasn’t the experience for most of the natural hair community. I began working in a natural hair salon in 2018 and soon discovered the disillusionment and frustration that was widespread in the community. I realized that my love and appreciation for natural hair was a safe and refreshing space for people in this community. I was capable of changing people’s perspective on their hair, their beauty, their perceived capabilities, and their confidence. I decided to take what I was able to do in the span of one hair appointment and make it the standard for a business that would end up opening right around the time of a natural hair boom. Over the past 5 years of my professional styling career, I’ve seen a shift in perception of natural hair, and I’m so proud to think I might’ve been even a small part of that change.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
As a young first-time business owner, I experience a lot of doubts about my next steps, and I’m constantly learning as I go. At every stage of this business where I’ve tried to seek support, I have gotten so many Nos, be it from financial institutions, networking groups, or even friends and family. Funding and consistent employees have been my most significant roadblock and would be my biggest savior, but so far, I have been able to sustain this business predominantly off of my own effort. My rock through all of this has been my Mom. My mom has been my business partner, my sounding board, my personal bailout, my motivator, and my motivation for the past year and a half, and if I had to give anyone the credit for my success, it would be her.
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?
In my profession, I am most proud of my ability to influence young black boys and girls. Natural hair hasn’t always had a positive connotation in the minds of society, and many young people are taught that their natural hair is ugly, unmanageable, unprofessional, and unappealing. This often leads to frustrating experiences with their hair as well as their self-image, that can follow these kids into adulthood and be passed on to the next generation of curly-haired babies. I love that I get to spend time expressing positivity and practicing gratitude with my Crowned Kids, so they can grow up to know they’re worthy, beautiful, and deserving of loving service from the world around them.
We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Something surprising that people who know of my work may not realize is that I struggled with my own identity and self-image for a long time even after getting into the hairstyling industry. Growing up in the suburbs of Texas I didn’t see many people who looked like me, who appreciated my unique style, or who could understand why I was different. I struggled to get the high ponytails that my fellow cheerleaders would achieve on gamedays. I cried at my own afro before school dances. I was mocked when my clip-on ponytail fell off during gym class. Most notably, I didn’t feel desired well through college because I didn’t think anyone could truly accept me, TWA and all. Finding beauty in other heads full of natural hair gave me the permission to find that love for myself, and I am so grateful to my clients over the years who have fell in love with themselves and hence allowed me to fall for myself.
Pricing:
- Loc Retwist $75
- Shampoo and Condition $55
- Box Braids $200
- Feedin-Braids $65
- Interlock $75
Contact Info:
- Website: www.CrownedbyJessa.com
- Instagram: @CrownedbyJessa
- Facebook: @CrownedbyJessa
