Meet Jessica Ray

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jessica Ray a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Jessica , we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?

From a young age I lacked self confidence being not only one of the few that looked like me from elementary to high school, but during my elementary years I was on the larger side, which opened doors to bullies and mean girls who pretended to be my friend. And that is where I began my passion in hair. I began doing styles on myself along with gaining interest in sports, particularly basketball. Towards the middle of middle school, I began to lose weight, became a key contributor to the girls basketball team and known for braiding hair and having cute hairstyles.

But I first had to do the work internally, which sometimes was “fake it til you make it!” But as I gained genuine friends and found out who I was, the hair became easier and easier. So easy that I could look at a style or video once and replicate it ! That’s when I also discovered that this was a gift from God.

And that he provided me with this gift to not only heal the internal pain from bullying, which would exude externally, but to also give this gift of self confidence to others. When you look good, you feel good.

I knew it was all worth it when I began to see clients transform in front of my eyes. They would come in, unsure of themselves and leave out ready for their next adventure I have dealt with clients with alopecia, thinning hair, hair loss, scalp issues, and more. But through consultation, care and leaving with my faith in God and sharing that with others has provided hope for my clients well at least I pray it has.

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

Right now, in my business, I am focused on reaching as many clients that I can who I can impact their lives significantly. Not just another service provided, but an experience that creates confidence and a positive relationship between them and their hair.

Currently, I work out of a shop in uptown Minneapolis named LUXE hair lounge this is a barbershop that also provides LOC services and more. What I love about this location is that it is in the heart of uptown Minneapolis. And it is so hard for people of color, especially women to feel confident in rocking their natural hair in fear of judgment or not looking professional.

But I want to create an atmosphere that empowers women and men that they are beautiful, and their hair is a representation of that beauty.

In the future, I’m also hoping to connect with as many young people as I can and catch them at school age to prevent bullying that I experienced. I know a new hairstyle doesn’t last long but confidence and self-esteem can last a lifetime.

I have also expanded into hair, bonnets and headbands to help protect their beautiful crowns as I await on additional financing to fully launch these products. My main goal remains the same to inspire those around me and show them that they are loved and that God loves them beyond anything

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

One thing that I learned that is very impactful even today is always be someone who is receptive to learn. I have made plenty of mistakes with clients or after a client has left my chair I have felt I could have did a better job even if they were satisfied

Always being a student of the craft and being receptive to feedback is something that is unmatched when it comes to value, I also have practice my skills over and over throughout the years, even doing those skills on myself was very helpful

Lastly, I would say learn from those who have protected the craft or have been in the industry very long. I know that the owner of LUXE Maya Marchelle has been a huge resource for me and I learned from her daily she has been doing LOCS longer than me so her knowledge is insane, but just getting around people who have knowledge and has perfected their craft is something worth taking heed to.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me is believe in me, and not only my parents, but my community, my family and friends.

Once they seen, I not only had a passion in hair, but that I had a true skill that they continue to encourage me to pursue that talent and invest in it.

And it wasn’t big things I would say as far as a financial donation or anything like that it was more of encouragement, which I believe is more valuable than funding. The funds will always come.

At a time I was only doing friends and family’s hair are people that I knew would not give me advice that would hinder my business, but my family and friends continue to encourage me to branch out and to truly make a business move and with their love and care, wise counsel, and prayers to God about the next move. I had no choice, but to yield to the God-given gift that I possess,

When people around you encourage you and provide wise counsel that is the most impactful thing any business owner could ever have.

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