Exploring Life & Business with Niara Merriweather of Jai’s Hair & Beauty Lab

Today we’d like to introduce you to Niara Merriweather.

Hi Niara, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My interest in the beauty industry started when I was 11 years old. My mom no longer wanted to do me or my sister’s hair anymore, so I had to step up and learn. Once I reached my senior year of High School, I began expanding into braiding services. Freshman year of college, three of my friends were my roommates so they let me practice on them until I felt comfortable enough to start offering services for pay. I transferred to GA State my sophomore year of Spring 2017, and that’s when my clientele jump-started. While I was living in a dorm, I came across a flyer of an on-campus hair business and took the opportunity. This on-campus business spread my brand quickly and to this day, I still service some of those same clients! I would either travel to their room or them to mine, and I would occasionally work from my parent’s house on the weekends. Fast forward to 2019, I was tired of working for people, and I had steady clientele, so my bestfriend and I got our first shared suite in Buckhead, and I quit my job.

I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management Spring 2020, took two years off to enjoy life, and started Cosmetology School on October 24th, 2022. I graduated cosmetology school on October 31st, 2023, and I am in the phase of my life where I’m committed to being an independent brand. I’ve remained in and out of suites up until recently, where on November 18th, I will be opening my own suite, Jai’s Hair and Beauty Lab. I take pride in the services, hospitality, and customer service I provide to my clients, which is what has allowed me to get to this point in my career. There is no greater feeling than lifting someone’s spirits from a service that I provide. It allows me to recognize that my purpose here is appreciated & that all the hours of hard work I put in is worth it. My story does not end here, this is just the start to Jai’s Hair & Beauty Lab.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Being an entrepreneur is never smooth. The biggest struggle with this journey is finances. You have to put a lot of money into your business to receive your profit, which is definitely not instant. Taking that leap of faith in your passion, not knowing if the money will be the same as an hourly paying job, can be risky. There would be times I could have five clients a week or none at all, but booth rent still had to be paid.

The second struggle I came across was learning to remove laziness from my routine because when building a business, you have to dedicate a lot of time to marketing yourself, even in environments you may be unfamiliar with or uncomfortable in. This is crucial when building a business AND maintaining the business you have built.

Lastly, the biggest struggle I came across was recognizing that I don’t know everything and learning to put my pride to the side. Taking someone’s advice about something I may be doing wrong should not be seen as negative. If it can be beneficial to me in the betterment of my business, I’ve had to learn to become welcoming to advice & opinions.

We’ve been impressed with Jai’s Hair & Beauty Lab, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Jai’s Hair & Beauty Lab is known for specializing in protective hairstyles, but no less than a woman with a jack of all trades. The focus of my business is providing respectful, welcoming & warm hospitality to my clients to keep them satisfied & returning. Knowing that I have a craft that can cure one’s “beauty depression” is exhilarating, and knowing I’m talented enough to be a one-stop shop is motivating.

What sets me apart from other businesses is my professionalism. I feel like it’s normal now to hear stories on Instagram or Facebook about unprofessional stylists, and I’m proud to say there can’t be stories made out of me. No matter what type of client I come across, I keep it cute and professional. I’m not lazy when it comes to my business, meaning I remain very attentive to my clients and future clients, allowing them to gain trust in me.

What I’m most proud of brand wise is my constant expansion. I never remain stagnant because I’m always looking for ways to grow with the industry, whether it’s new business opportunities, offering new services, taking a class, etc. I never remain comfortable for too long because there’s always more you can do and provide.

To my readers, braiding is just one of my many talents. I am not a braider; I am a hairstylist… a creative… an artist, and these can be shown in many different ways. Although I’ve had my business for almost seven years, I feel as though 2024 for will be the rebirth of Jai’s Hair and Beauty Lab. I’m excited to bring more to my business so that my clients REALLY have something to brag about. I am a very attentive stylist and my goal is to always exceed the expectations of my clients, no matter the circumstance. I am understanding, professional, trustworthy & confident, which is what puts my brand above others.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
When I am unsure of how to do something, I typically run to YouTube University 😂 Now that I am soon to be a Licensed Master Cosmetologist, I will be looking for more classes held by fellow professionals in the industry to obtain correct knowledge.

Pricing:

• Box/Knotless Braids: $175-$265
• Boho Braids: $235-$285
• Natural Styles: $20-$90
• Faux Locs: $270-$315
• Weave/Crochet/Ponytail: $65-$150

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jaishairandbeautylab.as.me
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/slayedbyjai__
• Other: www.tiktok.com/slayedbyjai