Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Ray.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have always loved braiding hair. I learned when I was four by my older sister Jasmine every since then, I was infatuated with hair braiding. I never felt as though hair would afford me the lifestyle I wanted. After going to college for a short while I decided to join the Army Reserves. After getting out of the Army, I worked for about ten years as a Department of Defense contractor in Afghanistan, Iraq and briefly in Kuwait.
In 2014, I stopped working as a contractor, and in March 2016 I decided to pursue my passion. That’s how Braided By Design was birthed. My only background was working in a military setting. So working in a totally different industry took a lot of adjusting for me. Although with my background it disciplined me for the hardships that come along with entrepreneurship and the fortitude to never give up.
With my non-profit “Braids for Hope” we are empowering young girls with hair braiding skills that they will use to earn money! We will teach them that if they have a skill they can do they will always have the means to earn money, no matter what happens in life! We will also teach financial responsibility and business presence! I want to encourage their gifts and talent just like my parents encouraged me.
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?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. The biggest adjustment for me was financial. I went from making six figures to making a small portion of that. God was leading to go in the arena of entrepreneurship, therefore there was no quitting. I worked long hours, and I was a full-time student at the onset of my business so working over 40 plus hours and having a full-time school load was very strenuous, but I continued to push forward. I’m so glad I stuck it out because the rewards have been great!
Please tell us about Braided By Design and Braids for Hope Non-Profit.
My business Braided By Design is a hair braiding studio. We specialize in hair braiding of all types, Box Braids, Senegalese Twist, Marley Twist, crotchet, Feeder Braids and more. I believe that me having the gift of braiding is definitely By God’s Design. I incorporate Him in everything I do.
All my business decisions I take to Him first! I am most proud of my clients! They really don’t know how much their support has done for me! There were many days I would be crying and praying behind the chair because of everything I had going on.
Being a new entrepreneur, being a mom and a full-time student was a heavy load but I pushed forward and would not quit! There indeed was a reward for the push. I put love in every braid, I try my best to connect with every client I come in contact with in some way or another.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite memory from childhood… I have so many. But it would be growing up and traveling the United States with my family. My dad was in the Army as well. Most of the time instead of flying from state to state when my Dad got stationed somewhere we would drive.
We drove from Georgia to Alaska on one move. It was a two-week trip. We did it moving there and when we moved back when my Dad’s time was up. It was amazing, we visited so many states and got to sightsee. I love geography and history, so it was extra exciting for me. Me and my siblings still reminisce about our travels today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.braidedbydesign.com
- Email: braidedbydesign@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/braid3dbydesign?utm_source=ig_profile_share&igshid=151em8pasz531
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/braid3bydesign/?refsrc=https%3A%2F%2Fm.facebook.com%2F110417552310728%2F&_rdr
- Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/BraidedbyDesign
Image Credit:
Kylan Johnson-Koolview Photography
Britney Johnson-www.herguiltless-garb.com
Jessica Ray- www.braidedbydesign.com
Chimee Ahaiwe – https://aroundthewaygyrl.com
William E. Washington III- Extreme Works Studio
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