Meet Chay Casey

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Chay Casey. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Chay below.

Chay, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

Where do I get my resiliency from? It comes from my family, from my kids, and from this deep, unshakable desire to make it. Growing up mixed and navigating the world as a woman of color, I’ve always felt the pressure—but also the responsibility—to succeed. It’s not just about me; it’s about setting an example, about proving that no obstacle is too big and no dream is out of reach.

I want my sons to see firsthand what a woman can do. I want them to grow up knowing that strength isn’t just physical, that resilience is built in the moments when you push forward despite the doubts, the setbacks, and the challenges. I want them to see that success isn’t handed to you—it’s fought for, earned, and owned.

Every day, I carry the weight of my experiences, the lessons from my past, and the love I have for my family. And that’s what keeps me moving, keeps me building, keeps me striving. Because making it isn’t just a goal—it’s a necessity.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m Chay, the owner and creator of The Artist & The Antidote, a creative hair salon space in downtown Jersey City. My journey into hair started young—out of necessity. As a mixed kid with a white mom who didn’t know how to manage my curls, I had to figure it out on my own. That trial and error turned into a passion, and after 25 years of working behind the chair, I took the leap and built a salon that truly reflects everything I love about this industry.

What makes The Artist & The Antidote special is that it’s not just a salon—it’s a space where individuality, creativity, and inclusivity come first. We welcome everyone, no matter their hair type or texture, and we have a stylist for every need. There’s no cookie-cutter approach here—whether you want a bold transformation or effortless, lived-in color, we customize every experience. Plus, we’re gratuity-free and operate on an hourly pricing model, so everything is transparent and straightforward.

Beyond hair, we’re passionate about supporting local artists. Our space doubles as a rotating gallery, giving artists the opportunity to showcase and sell their work for a month at a time. We also host art shows to celebrate creativity and build community. It’s all about bringing together different forms of artistry under one roof—whether it’s through hair, paint, or any other medium.

We’re also booking for wedding and event styling through The Vow, our collaborative wedding hair and makeup team. If you’re looking for a salon experience that’s different—one that values both artistry and authenticity—come check us out. We’d love to have you in our chair!

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?

Looking back, three key qualities shaped my journey: self-awareness, a delusional desire to make it, and prioritizing my mental health. These weren’t just helpful—they were necessary for survival in an industry that demands creativity, resilience, and a thick skin. Here’s why each one mattered and how you can develop them for your own path.

1. Self-Awareness

Self-awareness is the foundation of everything. It’s knowing your strengths, your weaknesses, and how you respond to challenges. For me, it meant recognizing that I wasn’t just a hairstylist—I was an artist, a leader, and a business owner. I had to be real with myself about what I was good at, what I needed to learn, and where I needed to let go of control. It also helped me recognize when I was standing in my own way, whether through self-doubt, bad habits, or fear of change.

How to develop it:
• Be brutally honest with yourself. Pay attention to what excites you, what drains you, and what patterns keep repeating in your life.
• Ask for feedback. Sometimes we don’t see ourselves clearly—listen to trusted people who can give you insight.
• Reflect often. Journal, meditate, or simply take time to assess your progress. What’s working? What’s not? What do you actually want?

2. A Delusional Desire to Make It

I say delusional because, at times, my drive to succeed had to outweigh all logic, fear, and doubt. There were moments when nothing made sense—when money was tight, when doors closed, when people questioned my choices. But I refused to accept failure as an option. I believed in myself even when it felt ridiculous to do so. That kind of relentless mindset is what pushes you through the hardest moments.

How to develop it:
• Act like success is inevitable. Not in an arrogant way, but in a way that keeps you showing up even when results aren’t immediate.
• Be willing to take risks. No one “makes it” by playing it safe. If something doesn’t work, adjust and keep going.
• Ignore the noise. Not everyone will get it, and that’s okay. Listen to constructive criticism, but don’t let fear of judgment hold you back.

3. Mental Health

You can’t pour from an empty cup. For a long time, I thought grinding 24/7 was the only way to succeed. I ignored my mental health until I couldn’t anymore. Burnout, stress, and self-doubt will kill your creativity and drive if you don’t take care of yourself. Learning to balance ambition with self-care was a game-changer.

How to develop it:
• Set boundaries. Whether it’s clients, social media, or work hours, protect your energy.
• Ask for help when you need it. Therapy, mentorship, or just a solid support system—don’t carry everything alone.
• Make time for what refuels you. Whether it’s art, movement, or just rest—prioritizing yourself isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity.

At the end of the day, success isn’t just about talent or luck—it’s about knowing yourself, believing in yourself (even when it feels delusional), and taking care of yourself so you can keep showing up. If you can master these three things, you’ll be unstoppable.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?

When I feel overwhelmed, I pause—pushing through only makes it worse. I step away, breathe, and write things down to clear my head. Then, I prioritize what truly matters and lean on my people (especially my husband) for support. Most importantly, I make time for myself—whether that’s rest, art, or just a moment to reset. Overwhelm is a signal to slow down, not push harder.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Artistnj.com
• Instagram: @Theartistntheantidote

Image Credits

Photos by Edahn Lehr @mstrmartian (Instagram)