Today we’d like to introduce you to Jamila Small.
Hi Jamila, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My business was created simply because of my ability to see more than my current situation. Since I was a little girl, I would always allow myself to dream. I allowed myself to believe in my American dream. At the age of 12 years old, I walked with faith and not fear and started my business known as “Braids By Jamila”. Braids by Jamila is a service-based business where I contribute to women’s confidence through the long-lasting and affordable styles I offer. This business has allowed me to build many connections and create a name for myself. Fast forward to when I was 16 years old and was able to open my own salon with the profit from my “Braids By Jamila” business. Now, at the age of 17 years old, I have mastered turning my pain into purpose and then into profit. Through having a parent incarcerated and experiencing childhood trauma, I have learned to evolve through pain and admire the journey of becoming the little girl I wish I had at a younger age for others.
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?
There is literally nothing smooth about being an entrepreneur; there are going to be days that you question your ability to show up and you want to throw in the towel. There are also going to be days when you begin to notice that being your own boss isn’t that bad. Personally for me, my favorite part is the journey because it allows you to evolve and builds character. I have taken some major losses as an entrepreneur, some financially and some emotionally. Through all my losses, I was able to reflect and learn. I shifted my perspective on failure; I stopped viewing it as a moment to self-destruct but as a moment to re-establish my skill sets and my mindset. Once you realize that the most powerful thing you will ever have in today’s world is your mind, things will begin to shift for you.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a 17-year-old serial entrepreneur known as a hairstylist, salon owner, and public speaker. My purpose is to inspire people by being my authentic self and being transparent about my everyday journey of becoming the best version of myself. I pride myself on being intentional about everything I do, whether that is being a business owner, a high school student, or a role model to others. My salon, “Mila Beauty Suite,” is based in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY. Mila Beauty Suite is the ideal location for a service provider searching for a contemporary setting to serve their customers. Rentable booths are available. I am also a professional hairstylist who specializes in braids, a protective style for natural hair. If you are interested in booking a service, you are able to do so through my booking site.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
A characteristic that I feel is most important to my success is my ability to have faith. Being an entrepreneur requires you to work toward a vision that, at times, isn’t clear. There are going to be days when you wake up and question the vision that you were blessed with. On days like that, you have to keep yourself grounded. I keep myself grounded by always remaining a student. I wake up early before everyone else in my household and pray, journal, and read. I am constantly building and pouring into the mindset of success. In order to keep moving forward, you have to keep filling your cup. The moment you stop filling your cup up is the moment you will find yourself drowning in self-doubt, depression, and anxiety. Some people believe that faith is just something that you are blessed with over the long term, but what they don’t realize is that it’s something you constantly have to build and reform. To anyone who is reading, I will say yes, be inspired, but also understand that what’s for you will forever be for you, and nobody can take that away from you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://braidsbyjamila.myshopify.com. https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17973355
- Instagram: Milatheceo. BraidsbyJamila Milabeautysuite
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamilasmall/
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