Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenecia Brown.
Hi Jenecia, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Originally, I am from Mississippi. I have been in Georgia since December 2019. I have always been a hustler. Where I am from it is not much opportunity and no hope of dreams. The mentality is different. I wanted better for my kids and me, so I finally got the courage to leave. It has not been easy. I had to work multiple jobs and side hustles like cleaning houses. My company Divalishis Studios was developed in 2009 in which I was doing makeup and personal styling services. However, my singing/songwriting I have always pursued since 2010. I would travel out of the state to perform. There were so many obstacles and no support as this industry is like swimming with sharks. I obtained my master’s cosmetology license in March of 2022 in Georgia. I worked for a couple of different salons, but I preferred working for myself doing mobile services. In February of 2023 I obtained a mini Salon in Johns Creek, GA called Jenicia’s Hair Salon. However, as of last week, I have reverted back to mobile hair services as the brick-and-mortar building just wasn’t working out. I don’t consider it a failure because I am still trying with my business and my music. Today I am still in pursuit of that break, the big break, you know, the one that will make your life change. I am a single mother of three with no family here or family help. Therefore my load is very heavy. I am currently working on new music as I have plans to release my first EP in late summer.
Alright, 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?
This journey has not been an easy one. However, I believe anything worth having will not come easy. Being a single mom alone with 3 children and no help, I didn’t let that stop me from trying. My kids look up to me, and every time I have the urge to quit, I remember their love for me. I have gotten so close to opportunities in the music industry only to trust the wrong people and didn’t progress as expected. I had opportunities I turned down because of my beliefs. I had no manager, it was just me. Friends I thought I had turned out to be jealous and envious when I only had good intentions. Even here in Georgia, I have had so many broken promises. I experienced a year of homelessness from December 2021-October 2022. I had to stay in a hotel room with my children. There were a few days we had to be in the car. I had lost my apartment because of an unexpected layoff from a work-from-home contract. I had the choice to either keep my apartment and lose my car and not finish cosmetology school or lose my apartment and keep my car and finish cosmetology school. I chose to keep my car and finish school. I couldn’t make money where I was without a car. There wasn’t a bus line running where I was during that time. I finished cosmetology school in January of 2022. I took and passed both my state board exams in late February 2022. I then obtained my cosmetology license in March of 2022. As I was going through these things, stress, anxiety, and depression, I still kept writing music. I worked as much as I could and I door dashed to help pay for the hotel room every day. I hardly ever slept. But I didn’t give up. That time really showed me to solely depend on a higher power, my creator, and not on people. I didn’t hold grudges, I forgave those that hurt me and had bad intentions for me.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Everyone calls me BabyDol. My late grandmother named me that. First, I am a musician and a singer/songwriter. I mainly sing r&b. I am currently working on music in my home studio. Second, I am a licensed master cosmetologist. I offer mobile services. I specialize in cuts and color. What sets me apart in this industry is that I do all types of hair, not just one particular genre. The thing I am most proud of is the music I recorded and opened for the Charlie Wilson/El Debarge Concert in October 2013 at the Nashville Municipal Auditorium.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I have learned is patience. Things that are rushed usually turn out badly. I had to learn to be patient with myself and my progress. I would be so hard on myself, beating myself up for mistakes I made because, at the end of the day, I just was trying to take care of my kids. Something else important I also learned is not to trust easily or put expectations on people. I use to think that oh if I get to the right person, then that would be my big break. When I got to those people, they turned out to be jealous monsters. Only you can get where you are going. The right people will come at the right time I believe. Right now, I am solo and pushing it to the max on hope and prayer. I believe what is meant for me will be.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @babydol_official
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/jenecia-brown/all-yours
Image Credits
LtcStudios Photography RonJ Photography Katrina Guevara
