Loryn Brooks shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Loryn, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
One thing outside of work that’s been bringing me joy lately is running. I started my run journey during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, but this year—2025—I’ve taken it more seriously by consistently tracking my pace, implementing new effective stretching techniques, and even completing my first 5K!
There’s something so empowering about feeling my feet hit the ground and pushing myself to beat my fastest time. The best part is connecting with others who share the same love and passion. Joining my run club has been one of the biggest highlights of my year. Surrounding myself with people who love to move and even serve the community has been replenishing.
Running has become a way for me to build community and stay grounded on my run journey.
Shoutout to my run fam at Soleties—y’all keep me motivated!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, my name is Loryn Brooks (my friends and clients call me Lo or Jae), and I’m the owner of JaeHair, a braiding business based in Houston, Texas. JaeHair specializes in a variety of styles, including knotless braids, island twists, natural hair styling, and more.
I launched JaeHair in 2020, right in the middle of the pandemic. What started as a small venture has grown into a thriving business that I continue to build and improve every day. My goal is to eventually expand into salon suites and elevate the JaeHair experience even further. Within this expansion of JaeHair, my goal is to reach the part of my community that is uneducated about natural hair care or even cannot afford to have their hair braided. Through braiding classes and workshops, I hope to emphasize the value of knowing how to style your own hair, to young girls in my community- not just to have as a skill but as a trade, and a way to start a business.
At Jae Hair, my mission is to provide a safe, welcoming, and professional environment where clients not only love their hair, but also leave feeling confident and empowered through the expression of creative braid styling.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
My father is the hardest-working man I know. He taught me the most about work. He taught me the value of hard work and the importance of being financially literate—lessons he passed down to me from a young age. One thing he always emphasized was that “just because you have money, doesn’t mean you have to spend it.” To this day, he still quotes this often. He was careful with every dollar and always saved wisely.
I often use him as an example because of how consistently he shows up for our family. At one point, he worked two jobs—one during the day and another at night. It seems like he never gets sick, and no matter how tired he is, he always comes home with a positive attitude and a quiet strength.
More than anything, he does not just tell me what it means to work hard, he exemplifies it.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would say “You’re good girl. Don’t be so serious. You don’t have to have it all figured out right now.”
I’d tell her I’m proud — proud of who she is, and where she’s going.
Looking back, I found myself ALWAYS overthinking. I see now that growth doesn’t come from having all the answers — it comes from showing up, even when things are uncertain.
If I could go back, I’d tell younger me to breathe and enjoy the moment. That she’s exactly where she needs to be — and that’s more than enough.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
I admire the lead singer at my church – not because of her status or power, but because she has a gift for conversation and a natural ability to make people feel seen, welcomed, and encouraged. She walks with grace, and there is such authenticity in the way she connects with others that speaks volumes about her character – a trait, I believe, we should all aspire to embody.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel the most at peace when I spend time with God. My faith and relationship with Christ is one thing that is near to my heart. Whether it’s through reading through my favorite book in the bible (Proverbs) or listening to my favorite worship song—”Yes and Amen” by Maverick City Music- my quiet time always feels calm and whole. There is a peace that comes from spending quiet time with God that nothing else can match.
I also feel at peace when I am surrounded by friends and family. Time with my loved ones is something I never want to take for granted, and always want to remember.
Image Credits
Photographer: Ayo Mide
IG: @shotsbymide
