We had the good fortune of connecting with Jaquanda McNealy and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jaquanda, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My thought process behind starting my business was just about me, a child growing up in the projects wanting more for myself and my family. I just knew that I had to be one of the ones to accomplish every goal I set and to walk in my means. I always wanted to be a hair stylist growing up. In middle school I started getting my hands wet, doing my friends and myself hair any chance I got. I knew what career i wanted to pursue in, I knew that I needed to utilize the talent that God has given me.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What sets my work apart from others is that I stay in my own lane and move at my own pace. Everyday I want to be a better me so I try to perfect my craft daily and I’m very open minded. I am here today as a full time braider and it wasn’t easy. Listening to criticism about prices, people comparing my work to others, & most of all watching family members support other people. Getting over challenges I had to learn that as a hair braider you can’t please everybody and all money is not good money, it’s okay to protect your peace and your space. I just want to world to know I’ve been a full time braider for 2 years & As of today I’m a 23 year old black entrepreneur that will soon be a worldwide travel braider. Never give up on your dreams, with practice comes progress and every day is a chance to get it right or make it better.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Some of the fun things to do in the city is go to top flite or primetime. Have a few drinks, sing karaoke & eat food. My goal is to travel any time I want to hang out.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would just like to say shoutout to my friends, my clients for sure & just anybody that has referred someone, shared, like, commented on a post, & followed my social pages. The support that those individuals has given me to help me become a better me and overall to become a better stylist is never overlooked and very much appreciated.

Website: Jambraids.as.me

Instagram: Jambraids.official

Other: TikTok: Jambraids

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