Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacqueline Pete
Hi Jacqueline, 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?
I started taking courses with well known beauty professionals beginning in 2019. After 2 permanent makeup courses and a brow lamination course I took a leap of faith and quit my 9-5. In the spring of 2021 I began to work in a well known salon as a junior artist. I worked hard to learn from the senior artist in the studio, always asking to watch them work, always asking questions. I was eager to learn. I worked extremely hard because I was in love with my craft but I’m also a single mother of 1 and I had to make things work. I would stay after hours and come in on my off days. I chose this career path wholeheartedly and I am proud that I went after it with all I could. After 6 months, I was promoted to a senior artist and 2 months after that I was preparing to become an in house trainer. I assisted with training our new artists as well as new entrepreneurs and existing professionals that were coming to us to learn a new skill! About 2 years in, I decided that I needed to have faith in myself to pursue my own endeavors. I kept my head down andI focused. I set a goal to take a couple more courses with some of the industry’s leading artists and international trainers like Ester Garcia and Fleekbrows Studio. After those courses, I assured myself I was ready to take the next steps. 6 weeks later, I was signing the lease to my new suite and another 6 weeks after that I opened in my very own location!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road to entrepreneurship is never an easy one. Like most people, I’ve faced imposter syndrome and having to deal with my own self doubt. The hardest thing, is that no one will rescue you. Ultimately you have to save yourself. You have to remind yourself that you’re worthy and that your journey won’t mirror someone else’s. Neither will your success. In the middle of all the hurdles to running a business, life starts lifeing and you have to keep yourself above water- mentally speaking.
I remember in the midst of me opening my business, my car broke down, my engine needed to be replaced. We’re talking about a very heavy expense, when I had already put all my funds into opening a business. This was an unexpected expense and when I say I had $0 for a new engine, I had exactly $0. I would uber to work, spending more than I made. Most days I was loosing money. I would spend about $30-$50 ubering to work and possibly having to stop along the way to pick up my son, to only have one client for the day. There were days that the one client was an eyebrow wax- I would make $25 for the day! So I lost so much money!! I was depressed and my anxiety was at an all time high. but I had no other choice than to dig myself out of that hole. I don’t depend on anyone but myself and sometimes that’s a great feeling- to be so independent, but during the hard times, sometimes it feels so low.
My faith and trust in God, has always brought me through the toughest moments. I remember my pastor said it’s okay to feel things but you cannot dwell there, in those negatives spaces of helplessness. So I pulled myself together because I believe the God that gave me the vision, will give me everything I need for myself, my son, my business and then some!
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Brow Integrity ?
I specialize in Semi-Permanent Makeup which is a form of cosmetic tattooing. I offer Microblading, Ombré Brows, Nano Brows and Lip Blushing/Lip Neutralization. I’m also well sought out for temporary, non-permanent services such as Brow Lamination and Brow Sculpting.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
I’d say my childhood shifted a lot once my parents split. I don’t remember how good things were before we moved to Georgia because I was so small, but I’ve always felt that moving here changed so much for my family. It may not be a core memory, but I feel as a child I was most likely my happiest back in Louisiana. I was involved in a lot more- very creative, always outdoors, involved in ballet, tap and jazz. I had both of my parents and so many friends. Coming to Georgia was something my parents did to better my future, but in my opinion, it tore us apart.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.browintegrity.com
- Instagram: @brow.integrity
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Brow-Integrity/61572245335164/?wtsid=rdr_0fsf8SkXNJ61v1jLz
Image Credits
Headshots- Marsell Basi
Brand Images- Jacqueline Pete
