Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jennifer Mai. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Jennifer, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?
By understanding what kind of person I want to be and learning the skills required to be her. Who is she? She can be anything you put your mind to. A lot of times we are consumed by our negatives thoughts of possibly not being well enough and that is okay to have those days. That is life. No one know if confidence us real or not. So just wear it!
Insecurities is one of the most challenging feeling that doesn’t ever go away. At the moment it is very hard to control. Sometimes you want to say things and at other times you just remain silent. Sometimes not saying things will become more successful. Not causing your heart rate to go up really. Plus, getting angry doesn’t ever end good. I gained a higher self esteem by doing things for myself that I enjoyed to do. If I wanted to do something real bad; I would just go and get a cupcake myself. Becoming Independent will allow you to boost your quality of life. 1. Hold yourself accountable to your words. (Be about it.)
Also working out and staying active is huge on loving your body. I love the body that I am in right now and I’m 37. I started picking up going to the gym again in 2019 and I just in the last year became more consistent. I’m pretty active person. Today I see my body and I like how it looks; finally. What good timing for me to write this article, because all the 36 years. I hated my body and the way I looked I suppose, but I knew I can’t let myself down. We all deserve to be Queens and live like any beautiful girl in the world.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
When I was 12; I wanted to be a CIA agent. Then when I got to high school; I wasn’t sure anymore. Growing up with a little cousin I was given the opportunity to style her hair often for events. I didn’t have a passion for it at the time. I soon turned 21 and I was working at the Mall as a sale associate. I knew I had to work on earning more money. My little cousin suggested I should be a hairstylist and it didn’t take much convincing to do. I started cosmetology school asap and I finished within the year w/1600 hours completed. I did externship while I was win school so I got experience plus credits for my hours of completion. I was already a receptionist and working for a high paying hairstylist before I even graduated.
8 years later I left (During this time I was very fortunate enough to work with high paying known hair stylist and gained so much knowledge and I fell in love with how I can instantly make someone happy) and started working with my mom in her full service salon for 5 years. My goal was to have my own salon one day, so my next step was to get a studio for myself. Now just finishing my first year, I am a lot more calm now. At first, I didn’t know how I was going to make it week another week.
There was so much struggle along the way and challenges you face. The moral of the story is to go where you belong and I think I am still finding that about me. I know this is not my last stop. Changing environment is an excellent way to gain knowledge and could possibly make you happier.
I am now so into current events and what is in’ what works best for what face shape. I take total pride in my work and I wish I was money hungry in the beginning. What I can share with the readers is to value yourself high right from the beginning. If not, it takes you awhile to bring your value up. Every two years; be sure you catch up with society and raise your prices so you can survive.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
1. Find role models. High quality, rich people. Hang out with people out of your league. People who you wouldn’t mind having some of their qualities. Try to learn their skill and make it your own. Learning from the best will only allow you to learn at a more effective level. Your environment will also shape you, so be careful and don’t be afraid to start over. Sometimes Its the right thing to do. Always be kind and have courage.
2. Dream so big; like for example. Right now I may not be able to open a bigger salon; but at the moment I am in the process in hopes to find a location to rent. Don’t think anything is impossible. Its okay to try and it doesn’t work out, but what if you started thinking that it is all going to be okay. Have crazy thoughts of highs standards that you can make it to the top. You can be rich with whatever field you choose.
3. Last; you, Believe in yourself. So many people will try to bring you down along the way. Don’t mind them. Use it as fuel and do what makes you happy. It doesn’t need to make sense to anyone, but you. Dress to impress. People will treat you well when you’re dressed well. Show up for yourself and finding active hobbies to keep you busy. Have goals and keep a blog, journal. Do your own accountant. Writing your goals will go such a long way. You can write how much you want to make in the future. Setting goals is important. Don’t like time effect your success.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
Separating work with life balance. I am trying very hard to not speak about work the moment I step out of the salon. Work you and home you is two different person. Also taking home work is very bad; it takes away from those around you. You don’t want to loose yourself in the process of your career.
Also gossipers at work; that’s the most frustrating thing you can accounter. There is so much more things we can talk about. I can care less what other people problems are. Setting boundaries is really important when you’re new. Keep an open mind, but don’t take in everything you hear.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovemaihair/
Image Credits
All copyrights belongs to me.
