Meet Nandi Jackson of Lay Hair & Cosmetics in West Atlanta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nandi Jackson.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I served four years in the United States Navy as a Gas Turbine Technician (November 2012 – November 2016). The closer it got to my honorable separation date, I decided to save money and launch my company so that I would continue to have income once I got out of the military. It was important for me to continue succeeding and to not take out any business loans so I saved every dime it took to launch my business. I started Lay Hair & Cosmetics from the ground up with my own funding on September 24, 2016. January of 2018, I began selling lace wigs made and customized by me. In the beginning, I was only selling hair extensions only. I decided to save more money to add a cosmetic since my business name suggests cosmetics. I launched an all-natural liquid glossstick line April 2018 in midtown. This created a lot more success for me.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Working in the hair business, especially selling hair extensions of any kind is difficult. Trying to launch s business with your own money and maintaining it was difficult, but I refused to go in debt. Budgeting was something that had to be learned quickly. In the beginning, it was extremely difficult because there are so many companies selling hair and making wigs and once people find something they like, they stick to it. Especially with expensive products. It was hard to convince people that I have great quality products and it was hard to get people to invest. Over time, the more bundles I sold and the more wigs I made and shipped across the world has gotten me exposure and recommendations.

Lay Hair & Cosmetics – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Lay Hair & Cosmetics has expanded a lot in the last three years. I sell hair, cosmetics, I make wigs, I also host virtual wig classes, I host hands-on wig classes, and I also host a Hair & Beauty Expo every year to raise money for a charitable cause. I am most proud of successfully hosting my first Annual Hair & Beauty Expo Feb 2018 which promoted autism awareness. This event was held to help assist a mother of 3 who was struggling financially. She has a three-year-old autistic son who has a twin sister who is a bit delayed as well. They also have a one-year-old baby brother. I watched this woman take many of buses daily to drop them at daycare and go to work. Her day began at 3 am and ended at 1 am. With this event, I raised a great amount of money for her in order to assist with getting her transportation and other things needed for her children. This was a successful event and one that I am most proud of. I am also proud of successfully launching my glossstick line in April 2018. What sets Lay Hair & Cosmetics apart from other hair companies is the overall cause and putting on Hair & Beauty events as a small company to assist a family in need or other charitable causes. This is more than just a hair company.

What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
My most proud moment is the fact that I started this company with my own money and it’s actually still going strong. I’ve never had to close shop or even work for anyone else. I’m still in no business debt seeing as though I am still a small business and I invest my own income and profit back into my business. I’m proud to be in business. I’m proud I could help a mother in need as well as her children with the 2019 Hair & Beauty Expo.

Pricing:

• Wigs as low as $200
• Bundle deals as low as $150
• DIY Wig Kits $250 (Hair included)
• DIY press on nails kits $100

Contact Info:

• Website: Layhairandcosmetics.org
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: Instagram.com/_layhairandco_
• Facebook: Facebook.com/layhairandcosmetics.org
• Other: Instagram.com/nailsby_layhairandco

Image Credit:
Shots by @skyloveimages
@hotimagetaker

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