Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Gober.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My story began when I was a teenager. Puberty hit me extremely hard. When I entered middle school, I started experiencing skin issues. I dealt with acne and eczema on my face. With that came bullying and I dealt with that my entire span in middle school and the beginning of high school. My mom and I tried everything and it seemed like nothing would work. In 10th grade, she finally let me use light makeup to cover the affected areas. During this time, I began looking on YouTube and I became engulfed in the makeup world. I literally spent all of my extra time watching makeup and hair videos.
So much to the point that my mom would get angry at me for wasting my time lol. I say all that to say this… I know how it felt to be picked at about something that I couldn’t control and I hated that feeling. That light makeup was an easy fix for the skin issue and it felt great to not be judged by that first. Now that I am in the business of beauty, I get SO much enjoyment in making women feel beautiful. I went to cosmetology school and I started my Instagram page @jessicaleandra_ and my Youtube channel JessicaLeandra to build a business and give women tips that would help them feel beautiful. Whether it be hair or makeup, it is such a satisfying feeling, especially after having gone through the pain of not feeling beautiful myself. I wouldn’t change my career for anything in the world.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The beginning stages of building a clientele was not easy. Living in Atlanta, I am in an oversaturated market for this business. My instructors in college told me that it would take me two years to build a clientele and they were exactly right. You have to find your niche market and differentiate yourself from the competition. The truth is, is that there is room for everybody, you just have to find people that enjoy your method and style. I’m finally booked and busy, but it took a whole two years to get here.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Salon JayLeon’ – what should we know?
I am a licensed cosmetologist. I specialize in natural hair and full glam makeup that looks natural. I enhance natural beauty, I don’t create a new face. I’m proud of my growth as a company. I’ve had some roadblocks that stunted my growth, but I stuck to my goals and didn’t change my style for anyone else. I’m so happy that people are drawn to my personality because I am a people person. I feel like I become friends with whatever client that I have. We bond when you sit in my chair, and I think that sets me apart from others. I really enjoy my work.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My parents are the best. They have been my backbone during this whole process. They don’t necessarily understand why I went down the entrepreneurial route because they both have regular 9 to 5’s that works for them. It provided me a great life and the means for me to be able to chase my dream. Even though they don’t understand sometimes, they have always been supportive and that means a lot. I also receive so much support from my friends and supporters on social media. I appreciate anyone who sits in my chair, recommends me to others, likes a post, shares a post, etc… I wouldn’t be where I am without them. I feel the love and will always appreciate it.
Pricing:
- $65 – Silk presses
- $65 – Natural full faces
- $90 – Crochet braids
- $150 wigs
Contact Info:
- Address: 1324 S. Zack Hinton Parkway McDonough, GA 30253 Suite 118
- Email: leandrajessica@yahoo.com
- Instagram: @jessicaleandra_
- Facebook: Security Check Required
- Twitter: @jess_leandra
Image Credit:
IG: @dbromeo, @terrell_g_photography
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