Today we’d like to introduce you to Jada Wardlaw
Hi Jada, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
From Warehouse to Lash Artist: My Journey into the Beauty Industry
In the summer of 2022, I stood at a crossroads. Fresh out of high school, I took a job at a DHL warehouse, excited to save for college. But just a month in, a workplace injury changed everything. Suddenly, I found myself unable to work, facing not only the loss of income but also the harsh reality of being fired. In that moment of uncertainty, I made two profound realizations: I never wanted to work for anyone else again, and I needed to turn my passion for makeup into something sustainable.
With my future hanging in the balance, I began exploring ways to expand my budding makeup business. Friends and family encouraged me to consider adding lash services, seeing the potential in my artistry. One day, my mom came across Jasmine, the owner of SUNSHINE EMPOWERMENT, a renowned lash business in Atlanta. When I met Jasmine, I instantly felt a connection; she wasn’t just a teacher but a mentor who believed in me. Her encouragement fueled my decision to transition from makeup to lashing, a choice that would change my life.
As I began my journey in lashing, I faced many struggles. My first semester of college was tough; I only had about six to eight clients the entire semester . I was a broke college student, and the weight of disappointment pressed heavily on me. But deep down, I felt the familiar spark of my entrepreneurial spirit, which had always driven me—from selling lemonade,customizing sneakers, selling candy in school, selling soaps and body oils on instagrams and creating body butters on social media during Covid.
When 2023 arrived, I realized it was time to take bold action. I was studying business, but I knew I needed to seriously invest in myself. With little money to spare, I made the bold decision to use my college refund check to invest in my lash business. While my peers splurged on clothes and gadgets, I dedicated every single penny to upgrading my tools—new lash products, a better lash chair, and even a booking site to streamline my services. I also organized a brand photoshoot, understanding that professional visuals would help me establish credibility.
As I passed out over 150 business cards on campus in January, I felt a mix of nerves and excitement. It was crucial for me to put myself out there, even as a beginner. I poured my heart into my work, knowing that if I showed up for myself, god would show me how amazing he is.
Then came February, a month that would change everything. I launched a Valentine’s special that transformed my business within a week. My two clients turned into over twenty, and for the first time, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude. I knew at the time that I might not have been the best lash tech yet, but my determination was unwavering.
As the semester progressed, I became fully booked and knew that this was my calling. I felt a fire in my heart that I couldn’t ignore. So, I made another courageous decision: I left college to enroll in esthetician school to earn my state license.
This journey has been about more than just lashes; it’s been about discovering my strength, resilience, and the power of believing in myself. From a warehouse worker unsure of her future to a passionate lash artist, I’ve learned that true fulfillment comes from pursuing your dreams, even when the path is uncertain. My story is a testament to the beauty of ambition and the belief that when you invest in yourself, incredible things can happen.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
As a lash artist, my journey has been a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with both exhilarating highs and challenging lows. There were times when I felt overwhelmed by self-doubt, especially when clients left unhappy due to poor retention of their lash extensions. Each disappointment weighed heavily on my confidence, making me question my skills and whether I truly belonged in this industry.
Imposter syndrome loomed large over me, whispering doubts that I wasn’t good enough. It was disheartening to put my heart into my work, only to feel like I was falling short. But with every setback, I learned to pick myself up and reassess my approach. I sought out education, practiced relentlessly, and leaned on the support of fellow artists.
Over time, I realized that each struggle was an opportunity for growth. By embracing my challenges, I began to cultivate a deeper confidence in my abilities. My story is one of resilience, showing that even in the face of adversity, I can find strength and passion in my craft.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about The Jazz Experience ATL LLC?
Welcome to The Jazz Experience, where my passion for lash artistry goes beyond beautiful extensions—it’s about resilience and personal achievement. I’m proud to be the first successful entrepreneur in my family and the first esthetician, having graduated from the Elaine Sterling Institute at only 20 years old.
My journey has definitely had its challenges, including moments of doubt when clients expressed dissatisfaction after being serviced while being a beginner lash artist. Instead of letting these setbacks define me, I embraced them as opportunities for growth and honed my skills through continuous education.
What sets The Jazz Experience apart is the personalized approach I bring to each appointment. I aim to create a welcoming environment where clients feel valued. As you walk in, each client is greeted with snacks, a nice scented room, a comfortable lash recliner to sit in, and also a comfy blanket for comfort. Each lash set is a unique expression of creativity and confidence. Join me as we redefine beauty, one lash at a time.
I’m extremely excited to share that The Jazz Experience is now offering a line of high-quality lash products that I’ve carefully curated. After spending months of searching for quality products, I have finally found the perfect items that will benefit each and every one of my clients and customers. These products are designed to enhance the lash experience at home, ensuring you achieve stunning results while maintaining the health of your natural lashes. Be on the lookout…November 2024!!!
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
One of my favorite books that I’ve read has to be “Who moved my cheese?” By Spencer Johnson.
I absolutely loved this novel because of its dynamic reminder about the power of adaptability and embracing change—essential for anyone running a lash business! The characters’ journeys resonate with my own experiences in the beauty industry, where surprises and challenges are part of the game. This book inspires me to stay proactive and keep my mindset flexible, whether it’s adjusting to client needs or jumping on new trends. It energizes me to approach each day with enthusiasm and an open heart, ensuring I not only survive but thrive in this exciting, ever-changing landscape!
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Photographer: Bdpfilms_
