Today we’d like to introduce you to Jodie Jo.
Jodie, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I have been braiding hair since the age of 8 years old, has been charging since age 14 which was my freshman year of high school. Braiding hair was always my hustle even through my adult years in the corporate world in which I worked for 6 years before becoming a full time braider in 2014. I held a position in the banking industry during this process I would braid on the side as just extra money, I really didn’t need the extra cash being bank job was a very high paid position, I mostly continued to braid because it was something I enjoyed doing.
July 14, 2014, I had just accepted a supervisor position in which I had worked so hard to reach, only holding the position for a few days. On July 17, 2014, I was involved in a major accident with an 18-wheeler which caused me to no call no show on what would have been my 4th day I’m the position I lost my job. Rehabbing for 3 months which included pained and lots of doctor visits. This experience was the reason I chose to go as full time braider, I wanted a career that made me just as much of not more than my banking position. Corporate required a lot of missed time with my then 4 year old daughter (Hannah McNeal) it was a lot of sacrifices made, so I wanted to do something that allowed me time with my daughter. I started to braid for the “time being”. The “time being”’turned into my full time career. I was able to make my own schedule and make good money while doing what I loved. During those times, social media wasn’t a BIG DEAL, however, I up to this present day utilize my social media page as a marketing tool this includes engaging in laughter and playful commentary.
To be a client of mine is to engage with a very professional businesswoman that prides myself in having a lot of personalities. I can still laugh and be friendly around my clients but I do believe they appreciate how serious I take my business. In November 2016, I was in a local beauty supply discussing my goals for a product line with the store owner and a gentleman standing close by overheard the conversation and offered to help, he presented his information and encouraged me to call him. I called that evening, the gentleman proved to be an actual product Distributor, we met the next day and he brought a chemist along with him were we met and exchanged information.
November 4, 2016, Jodie’s Sleek Edges became an actual product. November 7, 2016, I made my first sale. Although I have a distribution center I am very much hands-on with the production. The chemist and distribution are responsible for making and labeling the product however I myself and sometimes when orders are in high demand I have a small team that now helps package. I do my own marketing and managing of all sales and inventory. I do all of that while still braiding hair on a daily basis. Many of my clients travel up to 5 hours for my services in Duncanville, Texas. I’m always looking for new ways to restore damaged hair to make my clients more confident, so I created Jodie’s Undetectable Edge Filler, this product is a black edge Control that turns into a black paste once applied. It creates an illusion that there is hair wnere the actual hair is a loss. This is for clients who have thin edges, hair loss or hereditary conditions where hair is unable to grow.
In January 2018, I rebranded and expanded my line and became GLiTZ Hair Care Products. Still offering edge controls with the addition of my own Braiding hair line which is called Ombré Me Braiding Hair that is 2 to 4 tone hair and my Solid colors are Color Me Braiding Hair. I have a hair oil line which stimulates hair growth and thickness Essential Oil, my wig collection and bundle hair line just kicked off in August 2018. I am looking forward to the promotion and the launching of more products I have coming soon. By March 2019, I hope to have dropped a full Hair Care line which will include shampoos, conditioning, grease and much more!!!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has not been a “smooth road” I hit more than a few struggles along the way. My best advise I can give one is Always believe in your brand, take advice from people who you have actually seen pave a way for themselves. Invest in yourself and never be afraid to make mistakes! Don’t let one NO keep you from reaching a YES!
We’d love to hear more about GLiTZ Hair Care Products .
I am a Professional Braider I specialize in Natural and Relaxed Hair. I’m known for my detailed and NEAT braids and customized “Baby Hair” that’s a hair trend at the moment. I’m also known for my hair products that are long lasting and affordable. I am most proud of the number of clients I have at the moment 1,170, the different inquired of distribution that I get from all over the US. I’m most proud of how I maintain humbleness in the midst of so many exciting moments I have in my everyday work life. I’m also proud of how many people that write me daily tell me how much I motivate them and actually seek my advice when their own business plans
What’s the most important piece of advice you could give to a young woman just starting her career?
Make sure it’s your PASSION and not just extra money! Be prepared to sacrifice long hours and invest in yourself, always be professional because a character can take you places your talent can’t! Remain humble and keep god first! What you put in, is what you get out! It doesn’t matter who’s doing it, just do what separates your from everyone else!!! GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE IS KEY!!!
Pricing:
- Jodie’s Sleek Edges $7.99-$10.00
- Jodie’s Undetectable Filler (Black) $12.99
- Essential Oil $10.99
- Bundles $65+
- Full Lace Wigs/Front Lace $170+
- Ombré me braiding hair $6.99+
- Color me (solid colors) $5.99+
Contact Info:
- Website: www.glitzhaircareproducts.com (Products)
- Email: braidsbyjodiejo@yahoo.com
- Instagram: JodieBraidMeUp
- Facebook: JodieBraidMeUp
- Other: www.ritzyhaircollections.com (Wigs/Extensions)
Image Credit:
Photographer: Arianna Talton, Make Up: Carrie Brisor, Hair: Danielle Howard
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
