Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachael Turner.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
By faith, my mother approached the landowner of our current property. She told him that she was interested in the building, but not to rent it as advertised, but to purchase it. The owner told my mom that he had never sold any of his property to anyone before but was moved to sell it to her. The contract was agreed upon and my brother (who is now deceased) gave her the first $800 to put down on the property. That was 30 years ago.
My mother has owned two businesses in the Oak Cliff area of District 4. First, as an owner of Little Goer’s Private School Inc. for about 25 years then as owner and stylist of Jewel’s Hair Affair for the past 30 years. I have had the privilege of serving, growing and learning the business under my mom as stylist and co-Owner for the past 15 years. August of last year, she decided to turn the business completely over to me.
My desire to care for people started as a little girl. I would come home every day with stories about children at my school who had holes in their shoes and needed clothes. It was then that I began giving the clothes I had outgrown to families at my school and the neighborhood. I always knew what unconditional love was from my family, but I learned even more at the daycare center. As I watched my mother care for children from broken homes and treat each one as part of our family… I knew then it was a special gift.
This love and commitment continue today as we currently serve clients from 3 years old to 100 years old. We have been apart of weddings, graduations, births, funerals, anniversary’s, food and clothing drives, homeless events, youth organizations, local films and so much more. Our friendships and investments go deep with our clients and the community. As a result, t-shirt’s were designed to capture the essence of who we are. “I AM a JEWEL… and so are you!” Proverbs 31:10 came about as I watched little girls and boys turn into beautiful young women and handsome young men who make a difference in our community.
As my mother plans to retire this year at 79 years old, I will continue where she left off. My goal is to “Preserve the Legacy” she started many years ago. I don’t take the responsibility lightly nor take for granted the sacrifices that have been made for me to have this inheritance. I will share our vision and stories of passion and purpose with generations to come. I truly understand what it means to “BE THE CHANGE” our communities need. My first role model showed me by example that being a successful Entrepreneur and Business Owner… requires investing in people one client at a time!
Has it been a smooth road?
The road has not been easy. Most businesses in the area had been redlined when it came to insurance coverage and limited resources were available for improvements. Eager to take the business to the next level, I approached the SBA, lenders and a developer with my thoughts and ideas to revamp the business. As the business plan began to take shape, I realized it looked GREAT on paper, but not enough to secure funding. My mom had the years of being IN business, but DOING business as a new owner limited my ability to gain the capital needed to renovate the salon. So, a lot of what we have accomplished thus far has been through our own resources and the support of family and friends.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Jewel’s Hair Affair – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
We are a salon that specializes in natural hair care services for both women and men. We also offer healthier options for those who want relaxers and desire color. We are advocates for healthy hair that is attainable for the whole family. We offer a wide range of styles from haircuts, to locs, to twist-outs, to braids, blowouts, color, and relaxers. We serve clients from all over the DFW area and hold a dual license in Cosmetology and Barbering from the state of Texas.
We currently have three stylists including my mom and myself. Kimberly Long has been a stylist with us for 19 years. Each stylist is an Independent Contractor. After renovations, we will include workspace for up to 4-6 more stylists. Including a Message Therapist and Nail Technician.
Jewel’s Hair Affair is not just any salon… we educate our clients individually and offer resources to meet their overall health and wellness needs. We are a place where coffee, cookies, and conversations don’t just happen… but are a way of life! We bridge generations by building stronger individuals and families that produce stronger communities that impact society.
My goal is to “Preserve the Legacy” my mother started with our family to generations to come.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and the least?
I love that fact that I grew up in Dallas and can appreciate the growth I see now happening in our area. After traveling around the US, I see our city becoming an attractive place where people want to live.
What I like least is that developers are rebuilding in areas without knowing the history and culture of the areas. Long-standing businesses are pushed out without a chance to thrive like the new ones. Preservation is no longer important.
Pricing:
- Each Stylist is an Independent Contractor
- Pricing is determined by each operator
Contact Info:
- Address: 654 S. Corinth Street Rd
Dallas, Texas 75203 - Website: Coming soon
- Phone: 972-765-7881
- Email: jewelshairaffair@gmail.com
- Instagram: @jewelshairaffair
- Facebook: @jewelshairaffair
Image Credit:
Aggie Sparkle Brooks, VisionsbyKen, Tiffani Green-T- shirt graphics & logo, Brandi Monae- MUA
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